The Ultimate Guide to Updating Your Domain Name in WordPress Using cPanel
Introduction: What is a Domain Name and Why Would You Want to Update It?
A domain name is a unique, human-readable address that is used to identify and locate websites on the Internet. It serves as the online identity for individuals, businesses, organizations, and other entities. Domain names are typically composed of two main parts: the top-level domain (TLD) and the second-level domain (SLD). For example, in the domain name “example.com,” the “.com” is the TLD, and “example” is the SLD.
Updating a domain name can refer to two different scenarios:
Changing the domain name itself: This involves modifying the SLD or TLD of an existing domain name. Businesses or individuals may want to update their domain names for various reasons, such as rebranding, improving the relevance of the domain name to their business or target audience, or reflecting a change in their offerings or focus.
Updating the domain name settings: This involves making changes to the domain name’s configuration or settings, such as updating the DNS (Domain Name System) records, modifying the domain’s contact information, or transferring the domain to a different registrar. These updates are typically done to ensure the smooth functioning of the website, maintain accurate contact information, or to switch domain management providers.
In both cases, updating a domain name requires working with domain registrars, which are companies authorized to manage domain registrations and settings on behalf of customers. It’s important to carefully consider the implications and potential impact of updating a domain name, as it can affect website visibility, search engine rankings, and user familiarity with the previous domain name.
How to Change Your Domain Name in WordPress Using cPanel
To change your domain name in WordPress using cPanel, you’ll need to follow several steps. Please note that this process assumes you have a hosting account with cPanel access and that you’re using a self-hosted WordPress.org installation. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Backup your website: Before making any changes, it’s crucial to create a backup of your WordPress website. This ensures that you have a copy of your site in case anything goes wrong during the domain name change process.
Obtain the new domain name: Make sure you have registered and obtained the new domain name that you want to use for your WordPress site. Ensure that the new domain is properly configured and pointed to your hosting account. For new domains check HostingN Domain .
Update WordPress Address and Site Address: Log in to your WordPress admin dashboard. From the left-hand menu, go to “Settings” and then “General.” In the “WordPress Address (URL)” and “Site Address (URL)” fields, replace the existing domain name with the new domain name. Make sure to include “http://” or “https://” at the beginning of the URL. Save the changes. Updating Your Domain Name in WordPress
Access cPanel: Now, log in to your hosting account’s cPanel dashboard. Look for the “Domains” section and click on “Addon Domains” or “Aliases,” depending on your hosting provider. Updating Your Domain Name in WordPress
Add the new domain: In the “Addon Domains” or “Aliases” section, you will find an option to add the new domain. Enter the new domain name and the document root directory where your WordPress files are located. This is typically a folder named “public_html” or “www.” Save the changes. The Ultimate Tutorial on Updating Your Domain Name in WordPress Using cPanel
Update database references: In cPanel, locate the “phpMyAdmin” option under the “Databases” section and click on it. This will open the phpMyAdmin interface.
Select your WordPress database: In phpMyAdmin, select your WordPress database from the left-hand side. The database name is usually in the format “username_databasename.” if u have many databases and you have no ideas database name then open the Cpanel and click your domain name directory where found wp-config.php file then open this file here check in ‘DB_NAME’ here you check your database name. Updating Your Domain Name in WordPress
Modify site URL references: Within your WordPress database, locate the “wp_options” table and click on it. Look for the “siteurl” and “home” rows and click on the “Edit” button next to each.
Update the URLs: In the “option_value” column, replace the old domain name with the new domain name for both the “siteurl” and “home” rows. Save the changes. Updating Your Domain Name in WordPress
Clear cache and test: Clear any caching mechanisms you may have in place, such as cache plugins or server-side caching. After that, visit your new domain name in a web browser to ensure that your WordPress site is functioning correctly with the updated domain name.
It’s important to note that changing a domain name can have implications for your SEO, existing links, and user experience. Consider implementing redirects from the old domain to the new domain to maintain search engine rankings and ensure a smooth transition for visitors.
Common Mistakes When Updating a Domain Name In WordPress & How To Avoid Them (Keywords: DNS misconfiguration errors, incorrect CNAME settings)
When updating a domain name in WordPress, there are a few common mistakes that people make. Here are some of them, along with tips on how to avoid them:
DNS misconfiguration errors: DNS (Domain Name System) is responsible for translating domain names into IP addresses. Misconfiguring DNS settings can lead to website downtime or the website being inaccessible. To avoid this mistake, follow these tips: Updating Your Domain Name in WordPress
Double-check the DNS settings provided by your hosting provider or domain registrar.
Ensure that you update the DNS records correctly for your new domain name. Common records include A records and CNAME records.
Make sure you set the TTL (Time to Live) value appropriately to avoid DNS caching issues.
Incorrect CNAME settings: CNAME (Canonical Name) records are used to associate a domain name with another domain or subdomain. Incorrectly configuring CNAME settings can cause issues with website functionality or lead to the website not loading properly. Here’s how to avoid this mistake:
Verify that you have the correct CNAME record values for your new domain name.
Ensure that the CNAME record points to the correct destination, such as the WordPress hosting provider or the desired subdomain.
Be cautious when modifying CNAME records, as they can affect email delivery and other services associated with the domain.
Not updating internal links and media references: After changing the domain name, it’s crucial to update internal links within your WordPress site, including permalinks, image references, and embedded media. Failing to update these references can result in broken links and missing images. To avoid this mistake:
Consider using a search and replace tool or plugin to update internal links in your WordPress database automatically.
Review your content and manually update any references to the old domain name, ensuring they reflect the new domain.
Test your website thoroughly after making the updates to ensure all internal links and media references are functioning correctly.
Neglecting 301 redirects: When changing the domain name, it’s essential to implement 301 redirects from the old domain to the new one. This preserves search engine rankings and ensures a seamless transition for visitors. To avoid this mistake:
Set up 301 redirects either through your hosting provider’s control panel or using a plugin like “Redirection” or “Yoast SEO.”
Create individual redirects for each page or post on the old domain, redirecting them to their respective URLs on the new domain. Updating Your Domain Name in WordPress
Test the redirects to ensure they are correctly configured and functioning as intended.
By being cautious and thorough during the domain name update process, you can avoid these common mistakes and minimize the potential impact on your website’s functionality and user experience. Updating Your Domain Name in WordPress