Changing the URL of a WordPress site can be a way to update its branding or improve its organization, but it can also cause unexpected problems.
One issue users face after changing their URL is being unable to access their WordPress admin page.
This issue can be a frustrating experience, especially if you need to update your site or approve new content.
Fortunately, you can resolve this problem with a few simple steps.
In this post, I’ll walk you through recovering your WordPress site after a URL change and getting back to business as usual.
Whether you’re a seasoned WordPress user or starting, this guide will help you solve the “Can’t Access WordPress Admin After Changing URL” problem.
Solving the “Can’t Access WordPress Admin After Changing URL” Problem
Step 1: Update Your Database
The first step in recovering your WordPress site after a URL change is to update your database.
You can add a constant to your wp-config.php file, located in the root directory of your WordPress installation.
To update your database, follow these steps:
- Connect to your website using an FTP client or cPanel file manager.
- Open the wp-config.php file in a text editor.
- Add the following line of code to the bottom of the file:
define(‘WP_SITEURL’, ‘http://yourdomain.com’);
define(‘WP_HOME’, ‘http://yourdomain.com’);
Note: Replace http://yourdomain.com with your actual domain name.
4. Save the changes to the wp-config.php file.
- Upload the updated wp-config.php file to your website.
Updating your database in this way tells WordPress where to find your site’s files and ensures that your site will be accessible after the URL change.
It’s essential to perform this step in order to resolve the “Can’t Access WordPress Admin After Changing URL” problem.
If you’re not comfortable editing your wp-config.php file, it’s best to reach out to a WordPress expert for help.
Making a mistake in this file can cause your site to break, so it’s important to be cautious.
Step 2: Reset Your Permalinks
After updating your database, you may find your site has pages that won’t load or broken links. You can resolve this by resetting your permalinks.
Permalinks are the permanent URLs assigned to your pages, posts, and other content on your site.
To reset your permalinks, follow these steps:
- Log into your WordPress admin dashboard.
- Navigate to the Settings > Permalinks section.
- Select the default permalink structure (e.g., “Plain”).
- Click the “Save Changes” button.
- Once the changes are saved, select your preferred permalink structure (e.g., “Post name”).
- Click the “Save Changes” button again.
Resetting your permalinks will regenerate the internal structure of your site, ensuring that your links and pages will be accessible after the URL change.
Step 3: Fix Broken Links
Once you have reset your permalinks, address any broken links created by changing the URL.
Broken links can impact the user experience on your site and can also affect your search engine rankings.
If you have a large site, checking each link is a massive task. I recommend using a plugin.
The plugin “Broken Link Checker” will automatically scan your site for broken links and provide you with a report of any issues that need addressing.
Install the plugin, activate it, and run a scan to identify any broken links. The plugin will then provide you with an option to edit or remove the broken links.
Fixing broken links is crucial in ensuring that your site is fully functional after a URL change and providing a smooth user experience for your visitors.
Conclusion
In conclusion, recovering your WordPress site after a URL change can be complex, but you can fix this issue with the correct steps.
By updating your database, resetting your permalinks, and fixing broken links, you can resolve the “Can’t Access WordPress Admin After Changing URL” issue and restore full functionality to your site.
These steps may vary depending on the setup and configuration of your site. Some issues may require additional troubleshooting or technical expertise.
However, by following the steps outlined in this guide, you will be well on your way to resolving the problem and ensuring that your site is fully accessible and functional.
If you continue to experience issues or need additional help, seek support from your hosting provider, a WordPress developer, or the WordPress community.
With the right resources and expertise, you can recover your site and get back to providing valuable content to your visitors.
Do you have an “Access Denied” error message? Check out my How to Fix Access Denied in WordPress: A Comprehensive Guide article to learn how to fix this error.
You can also access your WordPress website database to update your URL. Check out my Can’t Access WordPress Admin After Changing URL to learn more.
I hope you found my article informative. If you have questions, please leave them below.
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