Overview
This article explains how to change the name of your WordPress or DreamPress site in the panel. These instructions can be used to change the name of a regular domain, such as example.com to:
- a new root domain, such as dreamhostexample.com.
- or temporary domain, such as example.dreamhosters.com.
- a DreamPress temporary domain, such as example.dream.press
Your website content will not be touched during this process, and it will continue to function normally after this change.
DreamPress staging sites and backups will be deleted
Renaming a WordPress site hosted on DreamPress will delete any previously created staging sites and any backups. Use caution before proceeding!
Subdirectory installs
Subdirectory DreamHost WordPress installs, such as example.com/blog, will not work with the website renamer. You can still move the site manually or contact support to have the install moved to the site's root directory.
Configuring your domain
Your installation must be configured as follows to rename it in the panel:
Remove hosting
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The domain you move TO cannot be hosted. If it is, you must remove hosting for the domain before proceeding. You can do this by setting the domain as DNS Only. This allows you to safely move the domain without breaking a live site.
Configure a DreamHost WordPress install
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The website renamer feature only works with DreamHost WordPress installs. Confirm that the domain name you are changing FROM is a DreamHost WordPress install (or DreamPress). If it isn't, you can move the site manually or contact support to have it converted.
Delete custom DNS
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Delete any custom DNS A or CNAME records (pointing to another web host) on the domain you are changing TO. Other Custom DNS records are fine to leave in place.
Changing your domain
To change the WordPress domain:
- Navigate to the Manage Websites page.
- Click the Manage button to open the Domain Settings page, which allows you to adjust various settings for your site.
- Click the WordPress tab.
- Click the Change link next to Domain Name.
- Select a domain. There are two options to change the name:
- Choose an Existing Domain — A checkbox appears asking you to confirm that any previous backups from the old domain name will be removed. This option allows you to choose from a domain you've already added to your panel.
- Enter a New Domain — A checkbox may appear, asking you to confirm that the domain is not registered with DreamHost and you will need to update the DNS. This option allows you to enter a domain name you already own or a temporary domain. The panel will then add it for you.
- Click the Change Domain button.
- It takes 4-6 hours for the DNS to update for your new domain at DreamHost.
Wait for DNS to update
It can take 4–6 hours for the DNS to update online for the new domain name.
If the domain's DNS is hosted at another company
To avoid connection issues, wait until the DNS records have updated to the new domain before logging in to your current registrar and pointing your DNS to DreamHost. After the DNS propagates, your site will be hosted at DreamHost.