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Change Site URL in WordPress Database: A Step-by-Step Guide

Posted on by William Zheng

Are you ready to give your WordPress site a fresh start with a new URL? Whether you’re rebranding, moving to a new domain, or simply optimizing your online presence, changing your site’s URL in the database is a crucial step.

This process can seem daunting, but it’s essential for ensuring that your visitors find your site at its new address and that your SEO remains intact.

In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to effectively change your site URL in the WordPress database. You’ll find practical tips, insights, and everything you need to make this transition smooth and successful. Let’s dive in!

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How to Change Your WordPress Site URL in the Database

Changing your WordPress site URL in the database is a crucial task, especially if you’ve moved your site to a new domain or made significant changes to your web hosting setup. The process may seem daunting at first, but with a clear understanding and step-by-step guidance, you can accomplish it smoothly. Below, you’ll find everything you need to know about changing your WordPress site URL in the database.

Why Change Your Site URL?

Before diving into the steps, let’s explore why you might need to change your WordPress site URL:

  • Domain Change: If you’ve rebranded or purchased a new domain.
  • Site Migration: When moving your site to a new hosting provider.
  • Development Environment: Switching between live and staging environments.

Steps to Change Your WordPress Site URL in the Database


How to change WordPress site address (URL) - Namecheap - change site url wordpress databse

You can change your WordPress site URL directly in the database using a tool like phpMyAdmin. Here’s how:

Step 1: Backup Your Database

Before making any changes, it’s vital to back up your database. This ensures that you can restore your site if something goes wrong.

  • Use a plugin like UpdraftPlus for easy backups.
  • Alternatively, export your database through phpMyAdmin.

Step 2: Access phpMyAdmin

  1. Log in to your hosting account.
  2. Navigate to your database management section.
  3. Open phpMyAdmin.


How to Change WordPress URL in Database Using phpMyAdmin - Hostinger - change site url wordpress databse

Step 3: Locate Your WordPress Database

  1. In phpMyAdmin, find the database associated with your WordPress installation.
  2. Click on the database name to open it.

Step 4: Find the wp_options Table

  1. Inside your database, locate the table named wp_options (the prefix may vary).
  2. Click on it to view the options stored in this table.

Step 5: Change the Site URL

  1. Look for the rows named siteurl and home.
  2. Click on the Edit button next to each of them.
  3. Replace the old URL with your new URL in the option_value field.
  4. Click Go to save your changes.

Step 6: Update Other Database URLs

Changing the site URL in the wp_options table is just the beginning. You may need to update URLs in other parts of the database:

  • Posts: Use SQL queries to replace old URLs in the wp_posts table.
  • Meta: Check the wp_postmeta table for any URLs linked to posts.
  • Links: Update any links in the wp_links table if necessary.

Step 7: Clear Your Cache

If you use a caching plugin, clear the cache to ensure that your site reflects the changes immediately.

Benefits of Changing Your Site URL Properly

Changing your site URL in the database has several advantages:

  • SEO Benefits: Ensures your new domain is indexed correctly by search engines.
  • User Experience: Directs users to the correct site without encountering errors.
  • Functionality: Prevents broken links and missing resources on your site.

Challenges You Might Face

While changing your WordPress site URL in the database is straightforward, you might encounter some challenges:

  • Database Errors: Incorrect changes can lead to database corruption.
  • Broken Links: If you forget to update all instances of the old URL, users may encounter dead links.
  • Theme/Plugin Issues: Some themes and plugins may store URLs that need manual updating.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Transition

  • Use a Plugin: Consider using a plugin like “Better Search Replace” to search for old URLs and replace them throughout the database.
  • Test After Changes: After making updates, visit your site to ensure everything works correctly.
  • Redirect Old URLs: Set up 301 redirects from your old URLs to the new ones to maintain SEO rankings.

Cost Considerations

Changing your WordPress site URL in the database is typically free if you do it yourself. However, if you hire a professional, costs can vary based on their rates.

Conclusion

Changing your WordPress site URL in the database is a manageable task when approached methodically. With the right preparation and steps, you can ensure that your site continues to function smoothly after the transition. Remember to back up your database, update all necessary URLs, and clear your cache to see your changes in action.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What happens if I change my WordPress site URL?
Changing your site URL updates the address where your site is located. This can affect links, images, and user access if not done properly.

2. Do I need to update my .htaccess file after changing the URL?
Generally, you do not need to update your .htaccess file unless you have specific rewrite rules that depend on the old URL structure.

3. Will my SEO rankings be affected?
If done correctly, SEO rankings can be preserved by implementing 301 redirects from old URLs to new ones.

4. Can I change my site URL without phpMyAdmin?
Yes, you can also change your URL in the WordPress dashboard under Settings > General, but this may not update all database entries.

5. How can I check if all URLs were updated correctly?
After making changes, use tools like Google Search Console or site audit tools to identify any broken links or issues with the new URL.

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