HOW DO I CHANGE FONT ON WORDPRESS?

Changing your WordPress URL may sound like a small adjustment, but it can have a significant impact on how your website functions, how users find you and how search engines index your content. The WordPress URL, often referred to as the site address, is the web address people type into their browser to access your site. You might want to change it if you are moving your site to a new domain, changing from a temporary development address or switching from HTTP to HTTPS.

Whether you are rebranding, improving site security or just correcting a setup error, changing your URL must be done carefully to avoid broken links, login issues or downtime. WordPress gives you a few methods to make this change, depending on how your site is hosted and whether you still have access to the admin dashboard.

Understanding the Difference Between WordPress Address and Site Address

Before making any changes, it is important to understand the distinction between the WordPress Address and the Site Address. The WordPress Address is where your core WordPress files are located. This is typically the location where your installation is running. The Site Address is the URL visitors use to access your website.

In most cases, these two addresses are the same. However, they can differ if you install WordPress in a subdirectory but want users to view the site from the main domain. Knowing which field to change prevents unnecessary disruption and ensures that your site remains accessible.

Changing the URL from the WordPress Dashboard

The simplest and safest way to change your WordPress URL is through the admin dashboard. Once logged in, go to Settings, then select General. You will see fields labelled WordPress Address and Site Address. Here you can enter the new URL and save your changes.

Once you click Save Changes, your site will attempt to load with the new address. If the domain is not properly connected or configured, you may lose access to the dashboard. For this reason, ensure your hosting and DNS settings are ready before updating the URL in the admin area. This method works best when the new domain is already live and properly pointing to your server.

Changing the URL in wp-config.php

If you cannot access the dashboard, you can change the URL manually by editing the wp-config.php file. This file is located in the root directory of your WordPress installation. Using an FTP client or your hosting provider’s file manager, open the file and add the following lines before the line that says ‘That’s all, stop editing’:

php

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

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

Replace the URL with your new domain. Saving these changes will override any values stored in the database and force WordPress to load with the new address. This is a reliable method if the database cannot be updated or if you are troubleshooting access issues after a move.

Updating the Database and Links

After changing the site URL, you will likely need to update internal links and media paths that still point to the old address. This includes links in posts, pages, menus and theme settings. Failing to update these can lead to broken links and missing images.

You can use a plugin designed to search and replace URLs in the database. Popular options include Better Search Replace or WP Migrate DB. These tools let you scan your database for old URLs and replace them with the new ones in a controlled and reversible way.

It is also a good idea to clear your site’s cache and regenerate permalinks. You can do this by going to Settings, then Permalinks, and clicking Save Changes without making edits. This helps ensure that all URL structures reflect the new address.

Redirecting Traffic from the Old URL

If your previous URL was already live and indexed by search engines, you should set up proper redirects to maintain your search visibility and preserve user access. A 301 redirect tells search engines that your site has permanently moved and ensures that visitors are automatically sent to the new address.

You can configure redirects through your .htaccess file or by using a plugin. Redirects are especially important for maintaining SEO rankings, as they help transfer link equity from the old domain to the new one. You may also want to update your sitemap and submit the new address to search engines via tools such as Google Search Console.

Final Thoughts on Changing a WordPress URL

Changing your WordPress URL is a routine process but one that requires precision and planning. Whether you are rebranding, moving to a secure connection or relocating your site, making sure the change is done correctly will help avoid disruption and ensure that your site remains visible, functional and easy to manage.

Take time to update all links, monitor traffic, and check that your site behaves as expected. With the right approach, you can change your WordPress URL smoothly and take full advantage of your new domain or configuration.