Easy IndieWeb Login: Using rel=me and GitHub When IndieAuth Breaks on WordPress

Sometimes WordPress plugins break. This happened to the IndieAuth plugin.

When this plugin doesn’t work, you can’t use it to log in to other sites with your WordPress website. That’s a problem if you use IndieWeb tools.

But there’s a simple way around this.

Use something called relmeauth. You don’t need a plugin for this. Instead, you just connect your site to another account you own, like GitHub.

Here’s how you can do it:

Why IndieAuth Stops Working

Sometimes updates or new settings in WordPress mess up the IndieAuth plugin. This can stop you from logging in to sites that need IndieAuth. You might see errors or things just don’t work as you expect.

What Is relmeauth?

Relmeauth is an easier way to prove who you are on the web.

It uses something called a “rel=me” link. This is just a special kind of link that tells other sites, “I own this other account too!”

Sites like Mastodon and some IndieWeb tools know how to read these links.

How to Use GitHub With rel=me

1. Add this line to the header (top part) of your WordPress site:

<link rel="me" href="https://github.com/yourusername">

2. Next, go to your GitHub profile. In the “Website” field, add the link back to your website.

This makes a 2-way connection. Your site links to GitHub. GitHub links back to your site.

Now, some sites will let you login or prove who you are by checking these links.

The Good Parts

• No plugin needed! This works even if the IndieAuth plugin is broken.
• Simple steps. It’s just adding a link on your site and a link on your GitHub.
• Still works for IndieWeb login on places that check rel=me links.

One Thing to Remember

This only works on websites that support rel=me login. If the site checks for these links, you’re good.

So, if IndieAuth stops working on your WordPress, just use rel=me with GitHub. It’s quick, easy, and keeps your IndieWeb login working.