Why WordPress Not Working After Changing Site Url

WordPress may not work after changing the site URL due to incorrect database entries or mismatched settings. Fix this by updating the site URL in the database or wp-config.php.

Understanding the reasons behind these problems is crucial. Changing the site URL involves more than just updating a setting. It impacts your database, links, and configurations. When these elements don’t sync correctly, your site can break. This can be frustrating, especially if you rely on your site for business or personal projects.

Knowing the common pitfalls and how to fix them can save you time and stress. In this post, we’ll explore why WordPress might not work after changing the site URL and how to resolve these issues. Stick with us to get your site back on track.

Common Causes

Changing the site URL on WordPress can lead to several issues. These problems may prevent your site from working properly. Let’s explore the common causes behind these challenges.

Incorrect Url

One common cause is an incorrect URL. If the new URL is not entered correctly, WordPress cannot locate your site. This mistake can break links and images. Ensure the new URL matches your site’s structure.

• Check the URL in the WordPress settings.
• Verify the URL in the wp-config.php file.
• Update URLs in the database using a tool like Better Search Replace.

Database Issues

Database issues can also cause problems after changing the site URL. The database stores your site’s content and settings. An incorrect URL can corrupt these entries.

To fix database issues, follow these steps:

1. Access your database using phpMyAdmin.
2. Locate the wp_options table.
3. Update the ‘siteurl’ and ‘home’ fields with the new URL.

Ensure all database entries reflect the new URL. This process helps prevent broken links and errors.

Fixing Url In Database

Changing the site URL in WordPress can sometimes cause issues. If your site is not working after changing the URL, you might need to fix the URL in the database. This process involves accessing phpMyAdmin and updating the site URL. This guide will help you through the steps to get your site back online.

Accessing PHPMyAdmin

First, you need to access phpMyAdmin. This tool allows you to manage your WordPress database. Follow these steps:

1. Log in to your hosting control panel (cPanel, Plesk, etc.).
2. Look for the phpMyAdmin option and click on it.
3. In phpMyAdmin, find your WordPress database. The name usually includes “wp” or “wordpress”.

Once inside phpMyAdmin, you can see a list of tables. Each table stores different parts of your WordPress site.

Updating Site Url

Now, you need to update the site URL in the database. Follow these steps carefully:

1. In phpMyAdmin, click on the wp_options table. This table stores site settings.
2. Look for the siteurl and home rows. These rows contain your site’s URL.
3. Click the Edit button next to each row.
4. Update the option_value field with your new site URL. Make sure it includes http:// or https://.
5. Click Go to save changes.

After updating the URL, clear your browser cache. Then, try accessing your site.

Here is a quick reference table for updating site URL:

Field	Action
siteurl	Update with new URL
home	Update with new URL

Updating these fields can fix issues caused by changing the site URL. If the problem persists, check other settings or consult your hosting provider.

Adjusting Wp-config.php

Adjusting the wp-config.php file is a common step if your WordPress site is not working after changing the site URL. This file holds important configuration settings for your WordPress installation. Making the right adjustments can resolve the issue and get your site back online.

Editing Config File

The wp-config.php file is in the root directory of your WordPress installation. Follow these steps to edit it:

1. Access your site files via FTP or your hosting control panel.
2. Locate the wp-config.php file in the root directory.
3. Download a backup copy of the file to your computer.
4. Open the file in a text editor like Notepad++.
5. Make the necessary changes (explained below).
6. Save the file and upload it back to the server.

Defining Site Url

Defining the site URL in the wp-config.php file ensures WordPress knows the correct URL. This can fix the problem if your site is not loading. Add these lines to the file:

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

Replace http://yoursite.com with your actual site URL. Make sure to use the correct protocol (http or https).

Setting	Description
WP_HOME	The home URL of your WordPress site.
WP_SITEURL	The site URL of your WordPress installation.

If you’ve made changes and the site still doesn’t work, double-check your entries. Ensure there are no typos and the URLs are correct.

Resolving Permalinks Issues

Changing your WordPress site URL can sometimes lead to issues with permalinks. These issues can cause broken links and 404 errors. Fixing permalinks is crucial for maintaining a functional site. Here are steps to resolve these issues:

Resetting Permalinks

Resetting permalinks is often the first step. This process can refresh and update the URL structure. Follow these steps to reset permalinks:

1. Log in to your WordPress dashboard.
2. Navigate to Settings > Permalinks.
3. Choose a different permalink structure.
4. Click Save Changes.
5. Switch back to your preferred permalink structure.
6. Click Save Changes again.

This process helps to reset and reapply permalink settings. It can often resolve minor issues.

Flushing Rewrite Rules

If resetting permalinks does not work, try flushing rewrite rules. This action clears the rewrite rules cache. Follow these steps:

1. Access your site’s functions.php file via FTP or the WordPress editor.
2. Add the following code to the file:

add_action('init', function() {
  global $wp_rewrite;
  $wp_rewrite->flush_rules();
});

Save the changes and then remove the code after visiting your site once.

Flush the rewrite rules only when necessary. This method can resolve more persistent permalink issues.

Clearing Browser Cache

After changing your WordPress site URL, you might face issues with accessing your site. One common solution is clearing your browser cache. This step ensures your browser is not holding on to old information that could be causing the problem.

Importance Of Cache Clearing

Browser cache stores web page data to load sites faster. Yet, it can sometimes cause issues. When you change your site URL, the cache may store the old URL data. This can result in your site not displaying correctly.

Clearing the cache forces your browser to fetch the latest version of your site. This simple step can resolve many issues after a URL change. Let’s dive into the steps for clearing your cache.

Steps To Clear Cache

Browser	Steps to Clear Cache
Google Chrome	Click the three dots at the top-right corner. Select “More tools” and then “Clear browsing data”. Choose the time range and check “Cached images and files”. Click “Clear data”.
Mozilla Firefox	Click the three lines at the top-right corner. Select “Options” and go to “Privacy & Security”. Scroll down to “Cookies and Site Data” and click “Clear Data”. Check “Cached Web Content” and click “Clear”.
Safari	Click “Safari” in the top menu and select “Preferences”. Go to the “Advanced” tab and check “Show Develop menu in menu bar”. Click “Develop” in the menu bar and select “Empty Caches”.

By following these steps, you can ensure your browser is displaying the latest version of your site. This can solve many issues related to changing your WordPress site URL. Remember, clearing cache is a crucial step in troubleshooting site display problems.

Checking .htaccess File

After changing your WordPress site URL, you may find that your site is not working correctly. One common cause is issues with the .htaccess file. This file is crucial for controlling how URLs are handled on your site. Let’s explore how to check and fix any problems with this file.

Identifying .htaccess Issues

Your .htaccess file might be causing your site to break. To identify issues:

• Access your website’s root directory using FTP or your hosting control panel.
• Look for the .htaccess file. It might be hidden; enable viewing hidden files.
• Download a copy of the file to your computer as a backup.
• Check the file for any unusual code or errors.

Common issues include incorrect RewriteRule directives or missing necessary directives.

Editing .htaccess File

To edit the .htaccess file, follow these steps:

1. Open the file in a text editor like Notepad.
2. Look for the default WordPress .htaccess rules. They usually look like this:

# BEGIN WordPress

RewriteEngine On
RewriteBase /
RewriteRule ^index\.php$ - [L]
RewriteCond %{REQUEST_FILENAME} !-f
RewriteCond %{REQUEST_FILENAME} !-d
RewriteRule . /index.php [L]

# END WordPress

Ensure these rules are present and correct. If not, add or correct them.

If you have custom rules, check them for errors. Correct any mistakes you find.

Save your changes and upload the edited file back to your site’s root directory. Refresh your site to see if the issues are resolved.

Plugin Conflicts

When you change your WordPress site URL, you might face issues. One common reason is plugin conflicts. Plugins add features but sometimes cause problems. Understanding how to handle plugin conflicts can help fix your site.

Deactivating Plugins

First, you need to deactivate all plugins. This helps you check if a plugin is causing the issue. You can do this easily from your WordPress dashboard.

1. Go to Plugins in the dashboard menu.
2. Select Installed Plugins.
3. Check the box to select all plugins.
4. Choose Deactivate from the bulk actions dropdown.
5. Click Apply.

After deactivating, check if your site works. If it does, a plugin is the problem.

Identifying Problematic Plugins

Now, you need to find the specific plugin causing trouble. Reactivate your plugins one by one.

• Go back to the Installed Plugins page.
• Activate one plugin at a time.
• After activating each plugin, check your site.

When your site breaks, you have found the problematic plugin. Note it down.

Repeat this until all plugins are tested. You might find more than one conflicting plugin.

Contact the plugin developer for support or look for alternatives.

Seeking Professional Help

Changing your WordPress site URL might cause issues. Sometimes, these problems need professional help. Technical errors can be complex. Fixing them on your own may not be easy. Let’s explore when to contact support and how to find a WordPress expert.

When To Contact Support

• Your site is completely down.
• Admin login is not working.
• Pages are showing 404 errors.
• Images and links are broken.
• Database connection errors appear.

If any of these issues arise, it’s best to seek help. Delaying can make problems worse. A quick response can save your site.

Finding A WordPress Expert

Finding a reliable WordPress expert is crucial. Here are some tips:

1. Check WordPress forums for recommendations.
2. Look for experts with positive reviews.
3. Ask for their portfolio.
4. Ensure they have experience with similar issues.
5. Discuss their approach to solving your problem.

You can also visit trusted websites like Upwork or Fiverr. These platforms have many skilled freelancers. Be sure to read their reviews and ratings.

Communicating your issues clearly helps. This ensures the expert understands your problem. Providing screenshots or error messages can be useful.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Is WordPress Site Not Loading?

After changing the site URL, WordPress might not load due to incorrect URL settings. Verify the new URL in the WordPress dashboard settings. Also, check the wp-config. php file for URL mismatches.

How To Fix WordPress Url Issues?

To fix URL issues, update the WordPress and site address in the dashboard settings. Also, edit the wp-config. php file. Use phpMyAdmin to correct URLs in the database if needed.

Why Is My WordPress Login Not Working?

Your WordPress login might fail if the site URL change wasn’t updated in the database. Ensure the new URL is set correctly in the wp-config. php file and the database.

How To Update WordPress Urls In Database?

To update URLs in the database, access phpMyAdmin. Find your database, go to the wp_options table, and change the siteurl and home values.

Conclusion

Fixing WordPress issues after changing the site URL can be tricky. Small errors can cause big problems. Always backup your site before making changes. Check your settings and update links carefully. Use tools like phpMyAdmin for database updates. If problems persist, seek help from WordPress forums or support.

Remember, patience is key. With the right steps, your site will run smoothly again. Happy blogging!