Configuring my wordpress.com domain to work with my new host

Exciting times! Congratulations on setting up a new host for your WordPress.com domain. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you configure your WordPress.com domain to work with your new host:

Prerequisites:

  1. You have a WordPress.com domain (e.g., yoursite.wordpress.com).
  2. You have set up a new host (e.g., Bluehost, SiteGround, etc.).
  3. You have a domain name registered with your new host (e.g., yoursite.com).

Step 1: Update your DNS settings

  1. Log in to your new host's control panel (e.g., cPanel).
  2. Go to the DNS Manager or Domain Manager section.
  3. Update the following DNS records:
    • A record: Point yoursite.com to your new host's IP address (usually provided by your host).
    • CNAME record: Create a CNAME record for yoursite.wordpress.com, pointing to the WordPress.com CNAME value (usually ghs.googlehosted.com).
  4. Save the changes.

Step 2: Update your WordPress.com settings

  1. Log in to your WordPress.com account.
  2. Go to the "Domains" section.
  3. Click on the "Edit" button next to your domain (yoursite.wordpress.com).
  4. Update the "Domain Name" field to your new domain (yoursite.com).
  5. Click "Save Changes".

Step 3: Update your WordPress installation

  1. Log in to your new host's control panel (e.g., cPanel).
  2. Go to the File Manager or FTP client (e.g., FileZilla).
  3. Upload your WordPress files (usually found in the wp-content folder) to your new host.
  4. Update the wp-config.php file to reflect your new host's database settings.

Step 4: Update your database settings

  1. Log in to your new host's control panel (e.g., cPanel).
  2. Go to the MySQL or Database Manager section.
  3. Create a new database and user for your WordPress installation.
  4. Update the wp-config.php file with the new database settings.

Step 5: Update your WordPress.com settings (again)

  1. Log in to your WordPress.com account.
  2. Go to the "Domains" section.
  3. Click on the "Edit" button next to your domain (yoursite.com).
  4. Update the "Domain Name" field to your new domain (yoursite.com).
  5. Click "Save Changes".

Step 6: Verify your domain

  1. Log in to your WordPress.com account.
  2. Go to the "Domains" section.
  3. Click on the "Verify" button next to your domain (yoursite.com).
  4. Follow the verification process (usually involves uploading a file to your new host).

Step 7: Update your WordPress theme and plugins

  1. Log in to your WordPress dashboard (yoursite.com/wp-admin).
  2. Update your theme and plugins to ensure compatibility with your new host.

That's it! Your WordPress.com domain should now be configured to work with your new host. If you encounter any issues, feel free to ask, and I'll do my best to help you troubleshoot.