Transforming Your WordPress Website URLs: The Ultimate Guide
If you’re considering modifying the URLs of your WordPress website, whether it’s transitioning from HTTP to HTTPS, altering your domain name, or moving to a subdomain, this comprehensive guide is for you. We understand that the process may seem daunting, so we’ve broken it down into simple steps to assist you in making the necessary changes with confidence. Continue reading to discover everything you need to know about transforming your WordPress website URLs.
Why Change Your WordPress URLs?
There are numerous reasons why you might need or want to change your WordPress URLs. For example, you may encounter the “too many redirects” error or need to troubleshoot another error in your WordPress site. Moreover, larger companies with multiple applications may choose to host their WordPress sites on different servers to enhance security. Whatever your reason may be, changing your WordPress URLs is a crucial task.
Understanding WordPress Address and Site Address
When it comes to altering your WordPress URL, it’s important to update two distinct settings: the WordPress address and the site address. In most cases, these URLs will be the same. However, in certain situations where companies have multiple applications hosted on different servers, the URLs may differ. Understanding the difference between these two settings is vital for successfully changing your URLs.
Method 1: Changing URLs from the WordPress Admin Panel
This method is the simplest and most suitable for beginners. If you have access to your WordPress admin panel, simply log in and navigate to Settings » General. In the WordPress Address and Site Address fields, enter your new URLs. After making the changes, click the “Save Changes” button to update your URLs.
Method 2: Changing URLs via FTP
If you’re unable to access your WordPress admin panel, you’ll need to utilize this method. First, connect to your WordPress site using an FTP client. Locate your WordPress theme folder and open the functions.php file. Add the provided code to the bottom of the file, ensuring that you replace the example URLs with your own. Save the changes and re-upload the file to your server using FTP. Visit your website to verify that everything is functioning correctly.
Method 3: Changing URLs in wp-config.php
If you’re uncertain about which WordPress theme to edit or unable to find the functions.php file, this method is for you. You’ll need to add your website URLs to the wp-config.php file located in the root folder of your website. Connect to your website using an FTP client, locate the wp-config.php file, and add the code provided in this guide. Save the changes and upload the file back to your server. Visit your website to ensure that everything is working as expected.
Method 4: Changing URLs in the WordPress Database
Another option is to modify URLs directly in the WordPress database. Before proceeding, make sure to create a backup of your WordPress database. Log in to your web hosting account dashboard and access phpMyAdmin (or an equivalent tool). Select your WordPress database and find the ‘wp_options’ table. Locate the ‘siteurl’ and ‘home’ options and edit the ‘option_value’ field to reflect your new site URL. Save your changes and check your website to ensure that everything is functioning correctly.
Method 5: Redirecting Your WordPress Site Using AIOSEO Plugin
This method is perfect for redirecting your entire website, including posts and pages, when migrating to a new domain. AIOSEO plugin, an exceptional WordPress SEO plugin, enables you to effortlessly create website redirects while preserving your SEO rankings. By redirecting your website, you not only maintain link integrity but also provide a seamless experience for your visitors. For more information, follow our detailed guide on updating URLs when moving your WordPress website.
Additional Resources
If you have further questions or need additional assistance, you’re in luck. Check out our comprehensive list of frequently asked questions related to changing WordPress URLs. We address a range of common concerns, from recovering your WordPress site after accidentally changing URL settings to updating URLs in bulk. Additionally, we provide guides on obtaining free SSL certificates for your WordPress site and selecting the best live chat software for small businesses.
Conclusion
Changing the URLs of your WordPress website doesn’t have to be an overwhelming task. With the right knowledge and step-by-step instructions, you can confidently make the necessary changes to your WordPress URLs. Whether you choose to update them from the admin panel, via FTP, in the wp-config.php file, or directly in the database, this guide covers all the methods you need to know. Utilize these resources and enhance your WordPress website. And don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube Channel for more helpful WordPress video tutorials. Stay updated with the latest tips and news by connecting with us on Twitter and Facebook.
