Changing a domain name in WordPress might feel like swapping your house address—exciting but a little nerve-wracking. I remember the first time I changed mine; my palms were sweaty, and I was constantly double-checking every single step. I was worried I’d mess up the whole site, lose my traffic, or break something I couldn’t fix. But guess what? It wasn’t as hard as I feared. Once I got the hang of it, it became just another box to check. If you’re here asking “Can I change my domain name WordPress?”—yes, friend, you absolutely can. And I’m going to walk you through it with warmth, honesty, and a bit of tech magic.
Key Points:
- Yes, you can change your domain name in WordPress.
- It’s easier if you follow a clear, step-by-step guide.
- Redirects and backups are your best friends.
Why Would You Even Change Your Domain Name?
There are so many reasons this could come up. For me, it was a rebranding decision. My blog outgrew its quirky, random domain name, and I wanted something sharper—more aligned with my voice. Maybe you’re launching a new product, shifting your business focus, or just realized your current domain sounds like a forgotten Wi-Fi password. All valid.
A better domain can boost your branding, trust, and even search visibility. But with great power comes responsibility. You’ve got to do it right to protect your hard-earned traffic and keep your site running smoothly.
Can I Change My Domain Name in WordPress?
Yes, and I’ll say it again: yes, you can. Whether you’re using WordPress.com or self-hosted WordPress.org, there’s a way. The steps differ a bit depending on your platform, but the idea is the same—swap the old domain, tell WordPress about it, and redirect traffic from the old address to the new one. It’s like forwarding your mail when you move.
If you’re on WordPress.com, you can’t “edit” a domain. Instead, you buy or connect a new one and make it your primary. For self-hosted users, you get more control—you update it in your settings and server.
Step-by-Step: How I Changed My Domain Name in WordPress
Let me break down the process that worked for me, plus some friendly extras I’ve picked up along the way.
Step 1: Get Your New Domain Ready
First things first, buy your new domain. I grabbed mine through Namecheap, but you can also use GoDaddy, Google Domains, or wherever you like. Once you have it, point the DNS to your current hosting provider. This is like telling the internet where your new “home” is.
| Step | Action | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Buy your new domain | Use a reliable registrar |
| 2 | Point domain to hosting | Update DNS settings |
| 3 | Wait for propagation | Can take up to 48 hours |
Step 2: Update WordPress Settings
This part made my heart race a little. Go to Settings > General in your WordPress dashboard. You’ll see two fields: WordPress Address (URL) and Site Address (URL). Change both to your shiny new domain and hit Save Changes.
Heads up: Your site will log you out immediately. That’s normal.
Step 3: Redirect the Old Domain
You don’t want visitors hitting a dead end if they use your old domain. I used a 301 redirect in my .htaccess file (you’ll find this in your site’s root folder if you’re using Apache hosting). Here’s what it looked like:
RewriteEngine On
RewriteCond %{HTTP_HOST} ^oldsite\.com [NC,OR]
RewriteCond %{HTTP_HOST} ^www\.oldsite\.com [NC]
RewriteRule ^(.*)$ https://newsite.com/$1 [L,R=301]
If this feels overwhelming, there are plugins like Redirection or All-in-One SEO that handle it smoothly. I’ve used both. They’re life-savers.
| Plugin | What It Does | Free Version? |
|---|---|---|
| Redirection | Manages 301 redirects easily | Yes |
| Better Search Replace | Updates URLs in your content | Yes |
| All-in-One SEO | Helps with redirects + SEO tools | Yes |
Step 4: Update Internal Links and Media
Even after changing the domain, your content might still link to your old URLs. I used Better Search Replace to update everything—from blog posts to image URLs. It’s like spring cleaning but for your links.
And don’t forget your menus, widgets, and footer links. They often hide old URLs too.
Step 5: Notify Google (And Breathe)
If you use Google Search Console (and you really should), go to the Change of Address tool. Let Google know your domain has moved. Also, update your sitemap and submit the new one.
I remember checking it every few hours, paranoid my traffic would drop to zero. But guess what? My rankings dipped for a bit, then bounced back. Some even improved because my new domain was more relevant.
Platform-Specific Notes
WordPress.com Users
You’ll need to buy the new domain and connect it under Upgrades > Domains. Then set it as the Primary Domain. No FTP needed, but you’ll need a paid plan to map a custom domain.
Self-Hosted WordPress
You’re in control, but that also means more responsibility. Don’t forget to edit your wp-config.php and database (especially the siteurl and home fields in wp_options). Backups are crucial here.
Managed Hosting (WP Engine, GoDaddy)
Most of these providers offer support or tools for domain changes. WP Engine even lets you update domains from their dashboard. Still, check with their support for exact steps.
SEO Considerations You Shouldn’t Ignore
Changing your domain is like changing your name on social media—people need to know where to find you now. Set up proper 301 redirects, update all links (internal and external), and monitor traffic for a few weeks.
Don’t panic if things dip slightly. It’s normal.
Over time, Google will catch up, and if your new domain is more relevant or branded, your site might even perform better in search results.
FAQs
Can I change my domain name in WordPress without losing content?
Yes, your content stays safe if you follow the proper steps.
Do I need to buy a new domain?
Yes, a domain name cannot be edited. You need to register a new one.
Will changing my domain affect SEO?
It might, temporarily. But proper redirects and Google notifications can minimize this.
How long does a domain change take to go live?
DNS changes can take up to 48 hours, but many happen within a few hours.
Do I need to change anything in my hosting account?
Yes, update domain mapping or add the new domain in your control panel.
Can I use plugins to help with the change?
Absolutely. Plugins like Redirection and Better Search Replace are very helpful.
Is it safe to change the domain myself?
Yes, but back up your site first. And don’t rush—follow each step carefully.
