Changing the domain name of your WordPress website can feel like a big task, but with a careful approach, it’s quite manageable. Whether you’re rebranding, moving to a more memorable URL, or improving SEO, the process is straightforward if you take it step by step.
This guide explains how to change your domain name without losing data, rankings, or functionality.
Why You Might Want to Change Your Domain Name
There are several reasons you might want to switch domains. Perhaps your business name has changed, or you’ve found a shorter, more relevant URL. Sometimes, it’s about improving credibility or switching from a local domain (like .co.uk) to a global one (like .com).
Whatever the reason, planning the change properly ensures your visitors and search engines transition smoothly to your new address.
Step 1: Back Up Your WordPress Website
Before making any major changes, always create a full backup of your website. This should include both your database and your WordPress files. If anything goes wrong during the transition, you’ll have a safe copy to restore.
You can use a backup plugin, such as UpdraftPlus or Duplicator, or check with your hosting provider to see if backups are available in your control panel.
If you’d prefer professional help, our WordPress maintenance services include secure backups and migration support to make the process seamless.
Step 2: Purchase and Set Up Your New Domain
Buy your new domain from a reliable registrar. Once purchased, connect it to your hosting account by updating the DNS records (usually by pointing the nameservers to your web host).
Most domain providers have a simple dashboard for this, but if you’re unsure, your hosting company can usually help you configure the correct settings.
Allow a few hours for the DNS changes to take effect before moving on to the next step.
Step 3: Update the Domain in WordPress Settings
Log in to your WordPress dashboard and go to Settings → General. Here, you’ll see two fields:
- WordPress Address (URL)
- Site Address (URL)
Update both with your new domain name, then save the changes. Once updated, WordPress will automatically log you out. You’ll need to log back in using the new domain address.
Step 4: Update the wp-config.php File (If Needed)
In some cases, you should define the new URLs manually within the wp-config.php file.
Open the file using your hosting file manager or FTP client and add these lines just before the line that says “That’s all, stop editing!”:
define(‘WP_HOME’,’https://yournewdomain.com’);
define(‘WP_SITEURL’,’https://yournewdomain.com’);
Save the file, and your new domain should now be reflected throughout your WordPress setup.
Step 5: Update URLs in the Database
Internal links and media references in your site’s database will still point to the old domain. To fix this, use a plugin such as Better Search Replace or WP Migrate DB to update all URLs in your content.
Alternatively, you can do this manually through phpMyAdmin, but be cautious if you’re not familiar with database operations.
Step 6: Redirect Old URLs to the New Domain
Redirects are essential for SEO and user experience. Set up 301 redirects from your old domain to your new one to make sure all visitors and search engines reach the correct pages.
You can configure redirects using your hosting control panel, a redirection plugin, or by adding rules to your .htaccess file.
This step ensures that your existing rankings and backlinks continue to work for your new domain.
Step 7: Update Google Search Console and Analytics
Once your new domain is live, update your site information in Google Search Console and Google Analytics. This helps Google understand the domain change and continue tracking your traffic accurately.
You’ll also want to submit a new sitemap under your new domain to make sure all pages are indexed correctly.
Common Issues When Changing a Domain Name in WordPress
Some site owners notice broken links, missing images, or login issues after changing domains. These are usually caused by outdated URLs in the database or cache.
Try clearing your browser cache, as well as your WordPress caching plugin if you use one. If images still point to your old domain, run another search-and-replace for any missed URLs.
If your SSL certificate is domain-specific, you’ll also need to install a new one for your new domain.
Final Checks Before Making the New Domain Live
Before launching, test your website thoroughly. Visit multiple pages, test forms, and confirm that all internal links and images work. Check your contact forms, eCommerce checkout (if applicable), and any third-party integrations such as payment gateways.
Once everything looks right, announce the change to your customers and update your business listings, email signatures, and social profiles with your new web address.
If you’d like expert help making the transition smooth and secure, get started with Fly High Web today.
