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This thread is resolved. Here is a description of the problem and solution.

Problem:
You are trying to update a domain for a specific language on your multi-domain language setup and are unsure about the process, including handling redirects and database changes.
Solution:
To update your language domain, navigate to WPML → Languages → Language URL format and modify the domain settings as required. WPML will automatically update its internal configuration when the domain is changed. However, please note:
• Hardcoded links in posts, menus, or widgets do not update automatically. We recommend using a plugin like Better Search Replace to manually update these URLs.
• WPML does not manage 301 redirects from the old domain to the new one. You will need to set up these redirects manually, either at the server level (e.g., via .htaccess for Apache or appropriate rules for Nginx) or with a plugin such as Redirection or Yoast SEO Premium.

If this solution does not apply to your case, or if it seems outdated, we highly recommend checking related known issues at https://wpml.org/known-issues/, verifying the version of the permanent fix, and confirming that you have installed the latest versions of themes and plugins. If further assistance is needed, please open a new support ticket at WPML support forum.

This is the technical support forum for WPML - the multilingual WordPress plugin.

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This topic contains 1 reply, has 0 voices.

Last updated by Andrey 1 week ago.

Assisted by: Andrey.

Author Posts
August 5, 2025 at 5:22 pm #17297534

danM-32

Background of the issue:
I am trying to update one of the domains (swapping an old domain for a newly purchased domain) for my site, hidden link, which is configured to have one domain per language. I can't find any existing documentation on this process.

Symptoms:
I am unsure of the recommended process for updating a domain in a multi-domain language setup.

Questions:
Does WPML handle the redirects at all or will I have to configure the permanent redirects on my own?
Do I need to handle any changes in the DB or does this happen automatically when the domain changes?

August 5, 2025 at 8:23 pm #17298081

Andrey
WPML Supporter since 06/2013

Languages: English (English ) Russian (Русский )

Timezone: Europe/Kyiv (GMT+03:00)

Thank you for contacting WPML support.

To change your specific language domain, go to WPML → Languages → Language URL format and update the domain settings as needed.

WPML automatically updates its internal configuration when the domain is changed.

However, please keep in mind:
• Hardcoded links (e.g., in posts, menus, or widgets) are not updated automatically. We recommend using a plugin like Better Search Replace to manually update these URLs.
• WPML does not handle 301 redirects from the old domain to the new one. If needed, you must set up redirects manually—either at the server level (e.g., via .htaccess for Apache or appropriate rules for Nginx) or with a plugin such as Redirection or Yoast SEO Premium.