How to Change Your WordPress Domain URL Safely

Changing a domain requires updating WordPress settings, DNS records, and performing a database search and replace to ensure all internal links function.

Based on 8 community reports.

Linked sources: 9.

Known Issues

• Loss of access to admin dashboard
• Broken internal image links
• Database path mismatch
• DNS propagation delays

Community Q&A

How do I change my WordPress site URL?

Navigate to Settings > General in your dashboard and update the WordPress Address and Site Address fields.

What happens after I change my WordPress URL?

You will be logged out immediately and must ensure your DNS records point to the new domain to regain access.

Do I need to update my database after changing domains?

Yes, you must perform a find and replace in your database to update old URL paths to the new domain to prevent broken links.

Can I change my domain on WordPress.com?

Yes, WordPress.com users must set a primary address via their domain management settings rather than the standard General settings.

Reddit Sources

• Transferring a free domain name? (r/Wordpress)
• emergency help (r/Wordpress)
• Question about website migration (r/Wordpress)
• Social login stopped working after changing WordPress login URL. What am I missing? (r/Wordpress)
• Google has indexed pages but not posts? Is this a common issue? (r/Wordpress)
• How do I change my Wordpress address URL? (r/Wordpress)
• Changing domain from subfolder (r/Wordpress)
• Lost content (r/Wordpress)
• How can I fix my broken images after migrating website? (I know the problem, just not how to fix it) (r/Wordpress)