--- title: "How to View & Edit WordPress User Meta Fields (7 Plugins + Code Examples)" date: 2025-08-28 modified: 2026-05-14 author: "userelements_wh8sr3" url: "https://www.userelements.com/list/how-to-view-edit-wordpress-user-meta/" markdown_url: "https://www.userelements.com/list/how-to-view-edit-wordpress-user-meta.md" type: list excerpt: "WordPress stores additional information about every user — profile fields, plugin data, WooCommerce billing details, membership levels — in a […]" --- WordPress stores additional information about every user — profile fields, plugin data, WooCommerce billing details, membership levels — in a database table called `wp_usermeta`. There is no built-in screen in WordPress to browse or edit this data. Depending on what you need, you can use a PHP function, a WP-CLI command, or a plugin. This guide covers all three, starting with the code functions, then the seven best plugins to do it without touching any code. ## WordPress User Meta Functions — Quick Reference If you need to read or write user meta in your own code, WordPress provides four functions that cover every use case. All four work with any meta key, including data stored by Ultimate Member, WooCommerce, BuddyPress, or any other plugin. FunctionWhat it doesReturns`get_user_meta()`Read a meta value for a userString, array, or empty string`add_user_meta()`Add a new meta row (allows duplicates unless `$unique` = true)int (new meta ID) or false`update_user_meta()`Update an existing value, or create it if it does not existint or true/false`delete_user_meta()`Delete a meta key (and all its values) for a usertrue or false### get\_user\_meta() — read a user meta field ```php // Get a single value (pass true as third param) $membership = get_user_meta( $user_id, 'membership_level', true ); echo $membership; // e.g. "gold" // Get all values for a key (if multiple rows exist) $all_values = get_user_meta( $user_id, 'membership_level' ); // Returns: Array ( [0] => "gold" ) // Get ALL meta for a user at once $all_meta = get_user_meta( $user_id ); // Returns: Array of arrays, keyed by meta_key ``` **Why pass true as the third parameter?** When you pass `true`, WordPress returns a single scalar value (string or number). When you omit it or pass `false`, WordPress returns an array of all values for that key — even if only one exists. For almost all cases, `true` is what you want. ### update\_user\_meta() — write or update a user meta field ```php // Update (or create) a single meta field update_user_meta( $user_id, 'membership_level', 'gold' ); // Update with an old value check (only updates if current value matches) update_user_meta( $user_id, 'membership_level', 'platinum', 'gold' ); ``` ### add\_user\_meta() — create a new meta entry ```php // Add a new meta field (will create a duplicate if the key already exists) add_user_meta( $user_id, 'purchase_tag', 'course-2025' ); // Add only if the key does not already exist (unique = true) add_user_meta( $user_id, 'onboarded', '1', true ); ``` ### delete\_user\_meta() — remove a user meta field ```php // Delete a meta key and all its values for a user delete_user_meta( $user_id, 'temp_token' ); // Delete only if the value matches delete_user_meta( $user_id, 'purchase_tag', 'course-2025' ); ``` ### WP-CLI: view user meta from the command line ```bash # List all meta for a user wp user meta list 42 # Get a single meta value wp user meta get 42 membership_level # Update a meta value wp user meta update 42 membership_level platinum # Delete a meta field wp user meta delete 42 temp_token ``` ## Common Plugin Meta Keys Reference Several membership and form plugins store their data under specific, documented meta keys. If you need to read or filter by these in code, use the keys below directly with `get_user_meta()`. swpm_membership_level #### Simple WP Membership (SWPM) — Membership Level The numeric ID of the membership level assigned to the user. Retrieve it with `get_user_meta( $user_id, 'swpm_membership_level', true )`. Cross-reference the returned ID against your SWPM membership levels list in the admin to get the level name. Other SWPM keys include `swpm_account_status` (active / inactive / expired) and `swpm_subscription_starts`. wp_capabilities #### WordPress Core — User Role Stored as a serialized PHP array: `a:1:{s:6:"editor";b:1;}`. Read via `$user->roles` on a `WP_User` object — never read the raw serialized string. Ultimate Member and other membership plugins write their custom roles here alongside or instead of the default WordPress roles. pmpro_membership_level #### Paid Memberships Pro — Active Level Stores the active membership level object (serialized). Use `pmpro_getMembershipLevelForUser( $user_id )` to retrieve it cleanly rather than reading the meta directly. billing_first_name, billing_city, billing_country… #### WooCommerce — Billing and Shipping Address Fields WooCommerce writes billing and shipping address fields as individual meta keys: `billing_first_name`, `billing_last_name`, `billing_address_1`, `billing_city`, `billing_postcode`, `billing_country`, `billing_phone`. Shipping equivalents use the `shipping_` prefix. All readable with standard `get_user_meta()`. If you need to browse all meta keys stored on your site — including undocumented plugin fields — the plugins below display them directly in the WordPress admin. ## 7 Best Plugins to View and Edit WordPress User Meta The following plugins give you a visual interface to read and manage `wp_usermeta` without writing SQL or opening phpMyAdmin. ## Plugin Comparison: Which One Should You Use? The right plugin depends on what you actually need. Here is a side-by-side comparison of the seven plugins across the features that matter most: PluginView metaEdit metaDelete metaSearch/filterExport usersFree?**WP User Data**✓✓✓✓ Pro✓ Pro✓ Free tierJSM Show User Metadata✓—✓——✓View User Metadata✓—✓——✓User Meta Display ⚠️✓✓✓Limited—✓Metabase✓✓✓——✓Metadata Viewer✓——✓—✓MetaViewer – Debug✓————✓**Just want to view?** Any of the seven free plugins work. JSM Show User Metadata is the fastest to set up — no configuration at all. **Need to edit or delete?** WP User Data Pro or Metabase. WP User Data is the more modern option with inline editing and an audit log. **Need to export?** Only WP User Data Pro supports user data export. For Ultimate Member sites specifically, [UM Export Pro](https://www.userelements.com/ultimate-member-export/) adds WooCommerce order data, FluentCRM tags, and scheduled delivery. **Just debugging?** MetaViewer or JSM Show User Metadata. Both are lightweight and zero-configuration. ## What Is WordPress User Meta? User meta is how WordPress stores additional information about user accounts beyond the core fields in the `wp_users` table (username, email, password hash, registration date). Every plugin that collects extra data about users — profile fields, membership levels, billing addresses, quiz scores, custom preferences — writes that data into the `wp_usermeta` table as key-value pairs. The structure is simple. Each row in `wp_usermeta` contains four columns: - **umeta\_id** — unique row identifier - **user\_id** — links this row to the user in `wp_users` - **meta\_key** — the name of the data field (e.g. `billing_city`, `membership_level`) - **meta\_value** — the stored value, as a string or serialized PHP array One user can have hundreds of rows in `wp_usermeta` — one for each piece of data any plugin has ever stored about them. For a detailed breakdown of the database structure with SQL examples, see [wp\_users & wp\_usermeta: Complete Column Reference](https://www.userelements.com/wordpress-user-database-tables/). ## Four Ways to Access User Meta Data ### 1. Using a plugin (no code — recommended for non-developers) Install any of the seven plugins listed above. WP User Data, JSM Show User Metadata, and View User Metadata all work by adding a meta table directly to the user edit screen inside the standard WordPress admin. No settings to configure before you can start reading meta values. ### 2. Using PHP code (developers) Use `get_user_meta( $user_id, 'meta_key', true )` inside a theme function or plugin. See the [function reference above](#user-meta-functions) for complete usage examples including reading all meta at once, filtering users by meta value, and updating/deleting fields. ### 3. Using WP-CLI (command line) Run `wp user meta list {user_id}` to print all meta for a user as a table. Use `--format=json` or `--format=csv` to export the output. This is the fastest approach if you already have SSH access to your server. ### 4. Directly in phpMyAdmin (advanced — use with caution) Open the `wp_usermeta` table and filter rows by `user_id`. You can edit values directly, but this bypasses WordPress validation and can break serialized data if you change arrays without proper escaping. Always back up before editing the database directly. See the [step-by-step phpMyAdmin guide](https://www.userelements.com/wordpress-user-database-tables/#phpmyadmin) for details. ## Viewing Ultimate Member Profile Fields All custom fields created in Ultimate Member’s Form Builder are stored in `wp_usermeta`, using the field’s meta key as the key and the user’s input as the value. There is no separate table. This means any of the seven plugins above will show UM profile fields alongside all other meta. One important caveat: select, radio, and checkbox fields in Ultimate Member store the *option key* (e.g. `2`), not the human-readable label (e.g. `Female`). The viewer plugins above display the raw stored value — you will need to cross-reference it with your UM form field settings to know what it means. #### Need to export Ultimate Member users — with fields decoded? **UM Export Pro** reads your UM form definitions and decodes stored option values automatically at export time, so your spreadsheet shows “Female” not “2”. Includes WooCommerce order data, FluentCRM tags, background processing for large sites, and scheduled weekly delivery. [Get UM Export Pro](https://www.userelements.com/ultimate-member-export/) For a complete guide to how Ultimate Member stores user data — including PHP code to read UM fields and SQL examples: [Where and How Ultimate Member Stores User Data in WordPress](https://www.userelements.com/ultimate-member-database/). ## What Is User Meta in WordPress? User meta in WordPress is a powerful feature that allows you to store **additional information about user accounts** beyond the default fields like username, email, and role. It works in a similar way to **post meta** (custom fields for posts). The **WordPress User Meta API** was introduced in version 3.0, enabling developers to easily add, retrieve, and update user-specific data. These fields can range from simple profile details to complex data generated by plugins: - **Profile information**: nickname, biographical description, profile picture. - **WooCommerce details**: billing address, shipping address, and order history. - **Custom fields**: job designation, membership level, course progress, preferences, and more. For site owners and administrators, being able to **view, edit, and manage user meta fields** is crucial — whether for troubleshooting, customizing user profiles, or exporting user data. However, WordPress does not provide a built-in interface to view or edit these fields out of the box. ## Where Is User Meta Stored? WordPress stores all user meta information in the **`wp_usermeta`** database table. Each entry is saved as a **key-value pair**: - **Key** → the name of the meta field (e.g., `shipping_address`). - **Value** → the actual data saved by the user (e.g., “123 Main Street, New York”). For example, WooCommerce saves customer shipping addresses in the `wp_usermeta` table so that the store can automatically fill shipping fields during checkout. ## WordPress Functions for Managing User Meta Developers can use the WordPress User Meta API to create, update, retrieve, or delete meta fields. The most common functions include: ```php // Add a new user meta field add_user_meta( $user_id, 'job_title', 'Designer' ); // Update an existing meta field update_user_meta( $user_id, 'job_title', 'Senior Designer' ); // Get the value of a meta field $job = get_user_meta( $user_id, 'job_title', true ); // Delete a meta field delete_user_meta( $user_id, 'job_title' ); ``` ## How to Access User Meta Data There are multiple ways to view or edit user meta in WordPress, depending on your technical skills: ### 1. Using Code (Developers Only) - Use functions like `get_user_meta()` inside custom themes or plugins. ### 2. Using WP-CLI (Command Line) - Example: `wp user meta list 123

` Displays all meta fields for user ID 123. ### 3. Directly in the Database (Advanced Users) - Access via **phpMyAdmin** and open the `wp_usermeta` table. - Risky if you don’t know what you’re doing — always back up your site first. ### 4. Using a Plugin (Recommended for Non-Developers) - Plugins provide a simple UI inside the WordPress dashboard. - Some allow editing, searching, filtering, and exporting user meta fields without touching code or the database. ## Best Plugins to View and Edit WordPress User Meta Fields #### **WP User Data** WP User Data is one of the most comprehensive plugins for managing WordPress user meta. With the free version, you can quickly view user meta fields. The premium version unlocks advanced features such as editing, deleting, filtering, searching, and exporting user data to CSV. **Key Features:** - View, edit, and delete user meta data - Filter and search users by meta fields - Export user data to CSV (Pro) - Beginner-friendly dashboard navigation **How to Use:** 1. Install and activate WP User Data. 2. Go to Dashboard → WP User Data → Users. 3. Click on any user. 4. Open the User Fields tab to view meta fields. #### JSM Show User Metadata JSM Show User Metadata is a lightweight plugin that displays user meta fields directly in the WordPress user profile screen. It’s best for site owners who just want a quick way to view meta data without extra setup. **Key Features:** - Displays all user meta keys and values - Shows unserialized data in readable format - Option to delete user meta keys - Integrates with the default WordPress user menu **How to Use:** 1. Install and activate JSM Show User Metadata. 2. Go to Dashboard → Users → All Users. 3. Select a user and scroll to the User Metadata section. #### View User Metadata View User Metadata gives administrators a quick way to inspect all metadata associated with a specific user. It’s a straightforward plugin with no bells and whistles, but it gets the job done. **Key Features:** - View all user meta data fields - Toggle to show/hide user data - Delete unwanted key/value pairs - Click-to-focus highlighting for easier reading **How to Use:** 1. Install and activate View User Metadata. 2. Go to Dashboard → Users → All Users. 3. Select a user and scroll to the View User Meta section. #### User Meta Display (⚠️ Outdated) ![](https://www.userelements.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/User-Meta-Display-1.png) User Meta Display is an AJAX-powered plugin that allows you to add, view, edit, and delete user meta fields. It supports searching by User ID, User Login, or Display Name. Unfortunately, this plugin has not been updated since 2014, so it may not work with modern WordPress sites. **Key Features:** - Add, edit, view, and delete user meta - AJAX-based interface - Search users by multiple identifiers **How to Use:** 1. Install and activate User Meta Display. 2. Go to Dashboard → Users → User Meta Display. 3. Select a user from the dropdown list. #### Metabase – Post & User Meta Editor ![](https://www.userelements.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Metabase-1-1024x324.png) Metabase provides a simple interface for viewing both post meta and user meta. It integrates into the user profile screen, allowing you to quickly inspect metadata without leaving the dashboard. **Key Features:** - View user and post meta in the dashboard - Organized display format - Minimal configuration required **How to Use:** 1. Install and activate Metabase. 2. Go to Dashboard → Users → All Users. 3. Select a user and scroll to the Meta section. #### Metadata Viewer ![](https://www.userelements.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Metadata-Viewer-1024x366.png) Metadata Viewer lets you view meta keys and values for posts, pages, custom post types, users, and WooCommerce data. It integrates directly into the editing screens, so you can see meta data in context. **Key Features:** - Works with posts, pages, custom post types, users, and WooCommerce - Displays meta keys and values under editing screens - Lightweight and easy to install **How to Use:** 1. Install and activate Metadata Viewer. 2. Go to Dashboard → Users → All Users. 3. Select a user and scroll to the Meta section. #### MetaViewer – Debug Meta Data MetaViewer – Debug Meta Data is designed for developers and advanced users. It presents user meta (and post meta) in a clear, structured table format, including the data type of each field (string, integer, array, etc.). **Key Features:** - View user meta and post meta in table format - Shows data type for each value - Works with custom post types - Useful for debugging serialized data **How to Use:** 1. Install and activate MetaViewer – Debug Meta Data. 2. Go to Dashboard → Users → All Users. 3. Select a user and scroll to the Meta section. ## Frequently Asked Questions **How do I get a user meta value in WordPress?**Use `get_user_meta( $user_id, 'meta_key', true )`. Replace `$user_id` with the user’s numeric ID and `'meta_key'` with the name of the field you want to read. Pass `true` as the third argument to get a single scalar value rather than an array. Example: `$city = get_user_meta( 42, 'billing_city', true );` **How do I update a user meta value in WordPress?**Use `update_user_meta( $user_id, 'meta_key', $new_value )`. This updates the value if the key already exists, or creates a new row if it does not. To update without code, use WP User Data Pro — it adds inline editing to the user profile screen. **What meta key does Simple WP Membership use for the membership level?**Simple WP Membership (SWPM) stores the membership level ID under the meta key `swpm_membership_level`. The value is the numeric ID of the level, not the level name. Other SWPM meta keys include `swpm_account_status` (values: active, inactive, expired) and `swpm_subscription_starts` (a timestamp). Read any of these with `get_user_meta( $user_id, 'swpm_membership_level', true )`. **Can I view user meta without phpMyAdmin?**Yes. Any of the seven plugins on this page display user meta directly inside the WordPress admin — no database access required. WP User Data and JSM Show User Metadata both work immediately after activation with no configuration. WP User Data also lets you edit and delete meta values inline. **How do I see all meta keys in use on my WordPress site?**Run this in your theme or a plugin: `global $wpdb; $keys = $wpdb->get_col( "SELECT DISTINCT meta_key FROM {$wpdb->usermeta} ORDER BY meta_key" ); print_r( $keys );` — this returns every distinct meta key ever written to `wp_usermeta` on your site. Alternatively, the Metadata Viewer plugin adds a searchable meta table to every user edit screen so you can browse keys without code. **Is it safe to edit wp\_usermeta directly in phpMyAdmin?**For simple string values, direct database editing is generally safe if you know exactly what you are changing. For serialized values (arrays, objects — anything where the stored value starts with `a:` or `O:`), editing directly is risky because changing the string length without updating the length prefix in the serialization format will corrupt the value. Always back up before editing, and use a plugin like WP User Data to edit meta safely through the WordPress interface instead. ## Related Guides - [wp\_users & wp\_usermeta: Complete Column Reference (2026)](https://www.userelements.com/wordpress-user-database-tables/) - [Where and How Ultimate Member Stores User Data in WordPress](https://www.userelements.com/ultimate-member-database/) - [Export Users for Ultimate Member — UM Export Pro](https://www.userelements.com/ultimate-member-export/) - [WP User Data: View & Edit Any WordPress User Meta Field](https://www.userelements.com/wp-user-data/)