How to change your WordPress domain in JetHost WordPress Manager

The Change Domain tab in JetHost WordPress Manager allows you to migrate your WordPress installation to a different domain name with just a few clicks. In particular, this feature automatically updates all database references, configuration files, and URLs to reflect the new domain. Furthermore, it handles the complex technical steps required for domain changes, preventing the broken links and missing images that often result from manual domain migrations.

When to use the Change Domain feature

You might need to change your WordPress domain in several situations:

• Rebranding: Moving to a new business name or brand identity
• Domain upgrade: Switching from a subdomain to your main domain
• TLD change: Moving from .net to .com or another extension
• Development to production: Moving from a temporary to permanent domain
• Consolidation: Merging multiple sites under one domain

Accessing the Change Domain feature

To access domain changing functionality, navigate to the Change Domain tab from the top navigation menu in WordPress Manager. Once there, you’ll see your current WordPress installation domain and options for selecting a new one.

Preparing for a domain change

Before changing your domain, take these important preparatory steps:

Create a full backup

Always create a complete backup before changing domains. This provides a restore point if anything goes wrong during the migration. Moreover, backups let you revert quickly without data loss if you encounter unexpected issues.

Ensure the new domain is configured

Verify that your new domain is added to your hosting account and properly configured. The domain should be pointing to your JetHost nameservers and DNS records should be propagated. Additionally, ensure the domain doesn’t already have content that would be overwritten.

Note current settings

Document important settings like permalinks, installed WP plugins, active WP theme, and any custom configurations. While domain changes typically preserve these settings, documentation helps verify everything transferred correctly.

Changing your WordPress domain

The domain change interface displays important information and options:

Current domain warning

At the top, you’ll see a message: “Change the domain for your WordPress installation. Make sure the new domain is properly configured before proceeding.” This reminder emphasizes the importance of preparation. Consequently, double-check that your new domain is set up correctly before continuing.

Selecting the new domain

The Select Domain dropdown shows all domains and subdomains available in your hosting account. Choose the domain where you want to move your WordPress installation. The list includes:

• Primary domains
• Addon domains
• Subdomains
• Parked domains (if applicable)

Executing the domain change

After selecting your new domain, click the orange Change Domain button. The system begins the migration process, which includes:

• Updating wp-config.php with the new domain
• Modifying all database entries containing the old domain
• Updating WordPress site URL and home URL
• Adjusting serialized data in the database
• Clearing caches to reflect the new domain

This process typically completes in a few moments, though larger databases may take longer. Moreover, the system handles technical complexities automatically, ensuring a clean migration.

After changing domains

Once the domain change completes, verify everything works correctly:

Test your site thoroughly

Visit your new domain and check:

• Homepage loads correctly: Ensure design and content appear properly
• Internal links work: Click navigation menu items and internal links
• Images display: Verify all images load from the new domain
• Forms function: Test contact forms and other interactive elements
• Admin panel accessible: Log into WordPress admin at the new domain

Clear caches

Clear all caches after changing domains:

• WordPress cache using the overview tab
• Plugin caches (if using caching plugins)
• CDN cache (if using a CDN)
• Browser cache on your computer

This ensures you’re seeing content from the new domain rather than cached versions from the old domain.

Regenerate permalinks

In your WordPress admin panel, go to Settings → Permalinks and click “Save Changes” without modifying anything. This regenerates permalink rules for the new domain. Similarly, this step helps fix any URL-related issues that persist after the domain change.

Update external services

Update your new domain in external services:

• Google Search Console: Add the new domain property
• Google Analytics: Update the property URL
• Social media profiles: Update website links on Facebook, Twitter, etc.
• Email signatures: Update links in team email signatures
• Business listings: Update your website URL on Google My Business, Yelp, etc.

Managing the old domain

After successfully migrating to your new domain, handle the old domain appropriately:

Set up redirects

Configure 301 redirects from your old domain to the new one. This preserves search engine rankings and ensures visitors using old links reach your new domain. Contact JetHost support for assistance setting up domain-wide redirects, or use File Manager to add redirect rules to your .htaccess file.

Maintain the old domain temporarily

Keep your old domain active with redirects for at least 6-12 months. This gives search engines time to update their indexes and ensures people with old links can still find you. Moreover, maintaining redirects prevents losing traffic and search rankings during the transition.

Monitor for issues

Watch your old domain’s redirect logs to identify any broken links or pages that need specific attention. Additionally, monitor your new domain’s traffic to confirm visitors are successfully reaching your site.

Best practices for domain changes

Time the change carefully

Perform domain changes during low-traffic periods to minimize impact on visitors. For e-commerce sites, avoid major shopping seasons or sales events. Similarly, notify your team and customers in advance if the change might cause brief disruptions.

Update all hardcoded URLs

While WordPress Manager updates database URLs automatically, some themes or plugins may have hardcoded URLs in their files. Use File Manager to search for and update any hardcoded references to your old domain.

Check SSL certificates

Ensure your new domain has a valid SSL certificate installed. Contact JetHost support to install or migrate SSL certificates if needed. Consequently, your site will continue loading securely via HTTPS after the domain change.

Update CDN configuration

If using a CDN, update its configuration to point to your new domain. Additionally, purge the CDN cache to prevent serving content with old domain URLs.

Troubleshooting domain change issues

Site displays incorrectly after change

If styling looks broken, clear your WordPress cache and regenerate permalinks. Additionally, check that your theme and plugins are properly loading resources from the new domain. Similarly, verify your CDN is correctly configured for the new domain.

Some URLs still show old domain

Check for hardcoded URLs in custom code, widgets, or plugin settings. Use WordPress search-replace plugins to find remaining instances of the old domain. Moreover, verify external services aren’t inadvertently inserting old domain references.

Cannot access admin panel

If you can’t log into WordPress admin at the new domain, clear your browser cookies and cache. Additionally, verify DNS has fully propagated for the new domain—this can take up to 48 hours. Use File Manager to verify wp-config.php contains the correct new domain if problems persist.

Domain change fails

If the domain change process fails, verify the new domain is properly configured in your hosting account. Additionally, ensure you have sufficient permissions and the new domain doesn’t already have WordPress installed. Contact JetHost support for assistance if the issue continues.

Need more help?

Explore more WordPress Manager guides and hosting tutorials in our knowledgebase. The WordPress Manager is included free with all hosting for WordPress plans at JetHost.

For additional support with domain changes or DNS configuration, our team is here to help you migrate your WordPress site safely.