Basic Search & Replace

Direct database replacements can corrupt serialised WordPress data.

Page Builder Data

Elementor, Beaver Builder, and widgets may still contain old URLs.

Mixed Content

Old HTTP links can trigger SSL and browser security warnings.

Update WordPress Settings

Go to:

Settings → General

Update both:

WordPress Address (URL)
Site Address (URL)

Use Better Search Replace

Use a plugin designed to safely update WordPress URLs while handling serialised data correctly.

Recommended:

• Better Search Replace
• WP Migrate DB

Avoid Raw SQL Replacements

Manual SQL search and replace queries can break serialised data and corrupt page builder layouts.

Clear Cache

Clear WordPress cache, server cache, CDN cache, and browser cache after changing URLs.

Regenerate Page Builder Data

Some page builders may require CSS regeneration or cache rebuilding after a domain change.

Examples:

• Elementor → Regenerate CSS
• Beaver Builder → Clear Cache

Check SSL & Redirects

Ensure the new domain has a valid SSL certificate and correct 301 redirects configured.

What is Serialised Data?

WordPress stores some plugin and theme settings in a special serialised format.

Why Sites Break

Serialised data includes character counts. Incorrect replacements can corrupt the stored data structure.

Common Symptoms

• Broken layouts
• Missing images
• White screens
• Broken widgets
• Page builder errors

WP Migrate DB

Excellent for full migrations and safe URL replacements.

Better Search Replace

Popular plugin for safe database search and replace operations.

WP-CLI

Advanced command-line option for developers.

wp search-replace oldsite.com newsite.com

Backup First

Always create a full backup before changing website URLs or domains.

Use Staging

Test URL changes on a staging site before updating the live website.

Flush Permalinks

Go to Settings → Permalinks and click Save Changes after migration.