How to Change Your WordPress Site's Domain Name
Guide for changing WordPress domain names, including server-side requirements, migration process, and options for managing old domains.
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This guide explains the proper process for changing your WordPress site's domain name on WPCloud. While it might seem simple, changing a domain requires server-side modifications and database updates that must be performed by our technical teams.
Prerequisites
- Active WPCloud hosting account
- Ownership/control of the new domain
- Access to domain DNS management
Important Warnings
โ ๏ธ Critical: Do not make any of these changes yourself:
Step-by-Step Process
- Submit Change Request
- Open a support ticket at support.wpcloud.ca
- Include:
- Current domain name
- New domain name
- Preferred timeline
- Await Confirmation
- Our team will review your request
- You'll receive scheduling confirmation
- Migration team will provide a specific time slot
- Schedule Confirmation
- Migration team operates on a first-come, first-served basis
- Typical scheduling window: 24-48 hours
- You'll receive a specific time slot for the change
- During the Change
- Server team will configure new domain
- Migration team will perform database search/replace
- Process typically takes 15-30 minutes
- Brief site downtime may occur during the change
- Post-Change Steps
- You'll receive confirmation when changes are complete
- Only then should you update your domain's DNS settings
Common Issues and Solutions
- Issue: Domain pointing to server before approved
- Solution: Revert DNS settings until receiving confirmation from our team
- Impact: May trigger firewall blocks
- Issue: WordPress settings changed manually
- Solution: Contact support immediately for assistance
- Impact: Site accessibility issues
What Not to Do
- Don't modify WordPress site URL settings in wp-admin
- Don't update DNS records prematurely
- Don't attempt database search/replace operations
- Don't assume the change is instant
Scheduling Notes
- Migration team works on a slot-based schedule
- Requests are processed in order of submission
- Emergency requests may require additional fees
- Standard processing time: 24-48 hours
Post-Change Verification
- Check site accessibility with new domain
- Verify all internal links are working
- Test site functionality (forms, logins, etc.)
- Clear browser cache when testing
Old Domain Management
Planning for Your Old Domain
- Keep and Forward
- Redirect all traffic to new domain
- Preserves SEO benefits
- Maintains access for existing bookmarks
- Configuration Options:
- 301 Permanent Redirect (recommended for SEO)
- 302 Temporary Redirect
- No Forwarding
- Old domain stops working
- Potential loss of traffic
- Bookmarks will break
- SEO impact on existing rankings
Implementation Choices
- WPCloud Management
- We can set up and manage forwarding
- Requires keeping old domain in our system
- Additional fees may apply
- Self-Management
- Handle forwarding through domain registrar
- More control over forwarding rules
- No additional hosting fees
Support Options
Need assistance? Contact our support team:
- Support Portal: support.wpcloud.ca
- Email: support@wpcloud.ca
- Response Time: Typically within 15 minutes
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Last updated on December 17, 2024