# Change the WordPress URL: Three methods to make it happen If you transfer a WordPress instance **to a completely new domain** or move the installation to another directory, you need to change your WordPress URL. We present you three options so you can adjust the URL easily. ## WordPress address & website address: What is the difference? With [WordPress](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/hosting/cms/wordpress-the-cms-for-more-than-just-blogs/ "WordPress: The CMS for more than just blogs") there are two different URL types. The WordPress address (site URL) covers all relevant WordPress files such as theme, plugins, and media files. Under this URL you can also reach the **admin area of your WordPress installation**. The website URL (home URL) is the address where **your website can be reached externally**. Most of the time, the WordPress URL and website URL are one and the same address. However, large companies often outsource their WordPress address to another server to separate the installed applications from the actual website. But why should you want to change the WordPress URL? --- ### Tip [Hosting for WordPress by IONOS](https://www.ionos.com/hosting/wordpress-hosting "Hosting for WordPress by IONOS") offers best protection for your website thanks to Managed WordPress and optional Site Scan & Repair. --- ## The most common reasons to change the URL on WordPress sites Even though it is advisable to choose the URL as long-term as possible, there may be times when you want to change the WordPress URL: - You are moving the WordPress site **from a local server or test environment** to the live site. - In the future, the **admin area** should be accessible via a **subdirectory**. You reach the subdirectory by changing the WordPress site URL. - You perform a [**WordPress domain migration**](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/hosting/blogs/wordpress-domain-change-and-domain-transfer/). In this case, it is important that you [set up redirects in WordPress](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/hosting/blogs/wordpress-redirect/) to redirect the old pages to the new one. - You have purchased an SSL certificate and [**convert your website to HTTPS**](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/websites/website-creation/how-do-i-convert-my-site-to-ssl-and-https/). Again, you should set up a redirect from the old site using HTTP to the new one using HTTPS. --- ### Tip For detailed instructions on how to [convert your WordPress website to HTTPS](https://www.ionos.com/help/ssl-certificates/tips-for-setup-and-use/converting-a-wordpress-website-to-https-ssl/ "Convert WordPress website to HTTPS - IONOS Help"), please visit the IONOS Help Center. Don’t have an SSL certificate yet? Secure your website’s information now with a [SSL Certificate from IONOS](https://www.ionos.com/security/ssl-certificate "SSL Certificate from IONOS"). --- ## How to change the URL in WordPress Below are **three different ways** to change the WordPress URL. ### Change WordPress site URL in the admin dashboard. The most common and easiest way to change the WordPress URL is to enter it directly in the admin dashboard. To do this, **navigate to “Settings” > “General” in the admin area**. There you will find the input fields where you can change the WordPress site URL or the website URL. [![Image: General settings in the admin area of WordPress](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/fileadmin/_processed_/1/a/csm_general-settings-in-the-admin-area-of-wordpress_8195c9b8ee.webp "General settings in the admin area of WordPress")](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/fileadmin/DigitalGuide/Screenshots_2022/general-settings-in-the-admin-area-of-wordpress.png) In the WordPress dashboard, you can change the WordPress URL under “Settings” > “General”. Usually, both URLs are identical. If you plan to put WordPress in a different directory, you only need to change the WordPress site URL - that is, the WordPress address. Note that when you click “Save”, the **dashboard is accessible at the new URL**. If a typo has crept into the new URL, you can use the *wpconfig.php* file to change the WordPress URL. ### Using the wpconfig.php to change the WordPress URL A second variant to change the WordPress URL works via the wpconfig.php file. This is located in the main directory of the WordPress installation. The easiest way to reach the file is with a [FTP client like FileZilla](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/server/configuration/filezilla-tutorial-for-the-ftp-client-program/). A text editor can be used to edit the file. To change the WordPress URL, **add the following code at the very bottom of the file:** ```none define('WP_SITEURL', 'https://www.new-domain.com'); define('WP_HOME', 'https://www.new-domain.com'); ``` Once the changes are saved and the customized file is on the server, **only the wpconfig.php file can be used to change the WordPress URL**. The input fields in the dashboard are grayed out accordingly and not editable. [![Image: Grayed out fields for WordPress URL change in dashboard](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/fileadmin/_processed_/e/9/csm_grayed-out-fields-for-wordpress-url-change-in-dashboard_85acf47a67.webp "Grayed out fields for WordPress URL change in dashboard")](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/fileadmin/DigitalGuide/Screenshots_2022/grayed-out-fields-for-wordpress-url-change-in-dashboard.png) If the lines of code are stored in wpconfig.php, editing in the WordPress dashboard is disabled. ### Change WordPress URL in the database The third way to change the WordPress URL is through the database. To do this, log into the phpMyAdmin area. The record for the URL name can be found in the **WordPress database in the first two rows under “wp\_options”**. Click on the domain name in the “option\_value” column - an input field will open where you enter the new URL. [![Image: wp_options in the WordPress database](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/fileadmin/_processed_/1/d/csm_wp-options-in-the-wordpress-database_3e344e530d.webp "wp_options in the WordPress database")](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/fileadmin/DigitalGuide/Screenshots_2022/wp-options-in-the-wordpress-database.png) In the WordPress database under “wp\_options” the WordPress URL can also be changed. By clicking \[Enter\] or by clicking the mouse elsewhere, phpMyAdmin will automatically save the changes. No matter which method you use - create a [backup of your database and WordPress files](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/hosting/blogs/create-wordpress-backup/) before each change. If there are any errors in the new version, just display the previous version on the server and import the original database. The fastest way to create such backups is via a corresponding [WordPress backup plugin](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/hosting/blogs/wordpress-plugins-for-securing-your-website/). --- ### Tip With IONOS, you can [register your desired domain](https://www.ionos.com/domains/domain-names "Register domain at IONOS") quickly and easily. --- In the IONOS Digital Guide, you will find many other interesting WordPress topics, e.g. [WordPress cookie plugins](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/hosting/blogs/wordpress-cookie-plugins/), [WordPress SEO tips for beginners](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/online-marketing/search-engine-marketing/wordpress-seo-tips/), and [WordPress shortcodes](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/hosting/blogs/wordpress-shortcodes-the-most-useful-short-commands/). This is a markdown version of: [https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/hosting/blogs/wordpress-url-change/](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/hosting/blogs/wordpress-url-change/) for AI/LLM consumption.