how to change WordPress site url in database

Understanding WordPress URL Structures

Before diving into the database modification, it’s crucial to understand WordPress URLs. WordPress uses two main types of URLs: the Site Address (URL) and the WordPress Address (URL). The Site Address dictates where visitors access your site, while the WordPress Address indicates where WordPress’s core files reside.

Accessing the WordPress Database

To change the WordPress site URL directly in the database, you need access to phpMyAdmin or another database management tool provided by your hosting service. Ensure you have the login credentials for accessing your website’s database.

Navigating to phpMyAdmin

1. Log into your hosting control panel.
2. Locate and open phpMyAdmin.
3. Select the correct database from the left-hand side list.

WordPress databases are usually named something standard like wp_yourdatabasename, but this can vary based on how your site was set up.

Backup Your Database

Before making changes, it’s paramount to backup your database. Missteps in the database can render your site unusable or result in data loss.

• Click on the Export tab in phpMyAdmin.
• Choose the Quick export method and the format as SQL.
• Hit the Go button to download a copy of your database.

Modifying the Site URL and Home URL

In the WordPress database:

1. Click on the wp_options table. Note: The table prefix wp_ might differ if you or your host changed it during WordPress installation for security reasons.
2. Inside wp_options, search for siteurl and home rows. These can typically be found on the first page of the wp_options table, or you can use the search feature in phpMyAdmin.
3. Click the Edit button next to siteurl.
4. In the option_value field, change the URL to the new address.
5. Repeat the same procedure for the home row.
6. Save changes by clicking the Go button.

Editing the wp-config.php File (Alternative Method)

Modifying the wp-config.php file is a safer alternative if you’re not comfortable editing the database:

• Connect to your site using FTP or File Manager in cPanel.
• Locate wp-config.php, right-click and select Edit or View/Edit.
• Add the following lines above the line that reads / That’s all, stop editing! Happy publishing. /:

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

Replace http://yournewsite.com with your actual new site URL.

Using Functions File

Another simpler method, especially useful if you’re unable to access your site due to URL issues, is to edit the functions.php file:

• Access your theme’s folder via FTP or File Manager.
• Locate the functions.php file and open it for editing.
• Add these lines at the beginning of the file:

update_option( 'siteurl', 'http://yournewsite.com' );
update_option( 'home', 'http://yournewsite.com' );

Handling Potential Issues

After changing the URLs, you might face some hurdles like:

• Inaccessible pages.
• Loading old URL settings.
• Plugin malfunctions.

To solve these:

• Clear browser cache and site cookies.
• If using a caching plugin, clear the site’s cache.
• Reset permalink structure by navigating to Settings -> Permalinks in the WordPress dashboard, and simply click ‘Save Changes’.

SEO Considerations

Change of URLs should be carefully handled with SEO in mind:

• Use 301 redirects to inform search engines and redirect users from old to new URLs.
• Update any hardcoded URLs in theme files or posts.
• Resubmit your new sitemap to search engines like Google via Google Search Console to reindex the site with the new URL.

By following these detailed steps, you can successfully change your WordPress site’s URL directly in the database, a crucial skill for site migrations or rebranding projects. Always remember to keep backups and measure twice before cutting once in the realm of dabbling with databases.