Change a WordPress URL

WordPress uses saved addresses to find its own files and build links for visitors. Changing these values before the new domain, hosting and HTTPS are ready can make the website or admin area unavailable.

Understand the two WordPress addresses

• WordPress Address: where the WordPress core files are installed.
• Site Address: the public address visitors use to reach the website.

They are often identical, but some installations intentionally use different addresses. Do not make them match without first understanding the current setup.

Prepare the new address

• Confirm that you control the new domain and that its DNS can point to the website.
• Install an SSL certificate that covers the new hostname.
• Create a full file and database backup.
• List integrations, email templates and external services that use the old address.

Update and test WordPress

1. Update the WordPress and Site addresses using the method appropriate to the installation.
2. Use a WordPress-aware search and replace for old URLs stored in content and settings.
3. Sign in at the new address and test pages, media, forms and any account or checkout journey.
4. Add permanent redirects from old URLs to their matching new URLs.
5. Update analytics, search tools, payment callbacks and other connected services.

Read Redirect Configuration before redirecting the old domain. If the address change is part of a hosting move, follow Migrate a WordPress Website.