How to Change the WordPress Address (URL) and Site Address (URL): A Complete Guide

Managing your WordPress site effectively often involves adjusting critical settings like the WordPress Address (URL) and Site Address (URL). These fields, found under Settings > General in a single-site WordPress installation, define where WordPress identifies your site and how URLs are displayed in the admin dashboard and frontend.

Understanding these settings is vital for site functionality and user accessibility. Below, we explain their purposes and provide actionable steps to update them.

WordPress Address (URL) vs. Site Address (URL)

• WordPress Address (URL): Specifies the location of your WordPress core files.
• Site Address (URL): Determines the URL users enter to access your website.

💡 Pro Tip: Both URLs should start with http:// or https:// and should not include a trailing slash (/).

Occasionally, incorrect URL settings can cause your site to malfunction, leaving users unable to access it. This guide outlines methods to resolve such issues, move WordPress sites, and ensure seamless updates.

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Methods to Change WordPress URLs

1. Edit wp-config.php

Manually defining URLs in the wp-config.php file is a quick fix:

phpCopyEditdefine('WP_HOME', 'http://example.com');
define('WP_SITEURL', 'http://example.com');

Note: This approach hardcodes the values, preventing future edits through the WordPress admin panel.

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2. Edit functions.php

If you can access your site via FTP, you can modify the functions.php file to restore functionality:

1. Open the active theme’s functions.php file in a text editor.
2. Add the following lines after <?php:phpCopyEditupdate_option('siteurl', 'http://example.com'); update_option('home', 'http://example.com');
3. Save and upload the file. Reload your admin page to verify the changes.
4. Important: Remove these lines after resolving the issue to prevent unwanted behavior.

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3. Change URLs via phpMyAdmin

If you’re familiar with database management, you can update URLs directly in your WordPress database:

1. Log in to phpMyAdmin and select your WordPress database.
2. Navigate to the wp_options table.
3. Locate and edit the siteurl and home fields, replacing them with your new URLs.
4. Save changes and refresh your site.

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4. Using the Relocate Method

For quick site relocation:

1. Add the following line to wp-config.php:phpCopyEditdefine('RELOCATE', true);
2. Log in to wp-login.php on your new server.
3. Update the settings under Settings > General.
4. Remove or comment out the RELOCATE line in wp-config.php after completing the changes.

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Moving WordPress to a New Domain

When transferring WordPress to a new domain or server, ensure the following:

• Update hardcoded URLs in theme files (sidebar.php, footer.php, etc.).
• Search and replace old URLs in the database using tools like WP-CLI:bashCopyEditwp search-replace 'http://oldsite.com' 'http://newsite.com' --skip-columns=guid

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Additional Tips for URL Management

• Media Links: Update media URLs in the post_content column of the database if the upload folder changes.
• GUID Caution: Never edit the GUID field in the wp_posts table—it ensures feed integrity.
• Permalinks: After URL changes, update your .htaccess file to ensure permalinks function correctly.

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Troubleshooting and Best Practices

1. Backup First: Always create backups of your database and files before making changes.
2. Check Plugins: Some plugins store URL references. Update these settings manually if needed.
3. Test Your Changes: Verify that all links, media, and redirects work as expected.

By following these steps, you can confidently manage WordPress URLs, recover a broken site, or move your website to a new location without complications.

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FAQs

1. Why should I avoid leaving the RELOCATE constant in wp-config.php?
Leaving RELOCATE enabled can expose your site to security risks, allowing attackers to change your URL.

2. How do I update multiple URLs in a multisite setup?
Multisite configurations require careful adjustments in multiple tables. Tools like WP-CLI simplify this process:

bashCopyEditwp search-replace 'http://oldsite.com' 'http://newsite.com'

3. Can I edit URLs through the WordPress admin dashboard?
Yes, under Settings > General, but this requires a functioning site.

Mastering URL management in WordPress ensures smooth operation and enhances user experience. Bookmark this guide for future reference!