Knowledgebase

Changing domain means updating the URLs stored throughout the database, not just the files.

1. Prepare

Add the new domain to your hosting account (Client Area, then cPanel → Domains → Create A New Domain if it is an addon), point it at our nameservers, and take a full backup.

2. Update the two main URLs

Add these lines temporarily to wp-config.php:

define('WP_HOME','https://newdomain.com');
define('WP_SITEURL','https://newdomain.com');

This gets you back into the dashboard on the new domain.

3. Rewrite the database

1. Install Better Search Replace.
2. Search for olddomain.com and replace with newdomain.com across all tables.
3. Run it as a dry run first, then for real.

Then remove the two lines you added to wp-config.php and set the URLs properly under Settings → General.

4. Redirect the old domain

If you still control the old domain, keep it pointing here and add a permanent redirect in its .htaccess so links and search rankings follow you:

RewriteEngine On
RewriteRule ^(.*)$ https://newdomain.com/$1 [L,R=301]

5. Tidy up

Run AutoSSL on the new domain, re-save permalinks, update the property in Google Search Console and submit a change of address, and update the site URL anywhere it is embedded — email signatures, social profiles, payment gateways.