Your website’s domain name is more than just a technical address—it’s the digital signature that shapes your brand’s identity and how others find you online. If you’re using Wix to build your website, you may wonder whether you can change your domain name for free and what such a change would mean for your business, branding, and online reach.
Choosing the right domain name is a pivotal step, but sometimes, circumstances change: maybe you’ve rebranded, found a catchier name, or simply want to pivot your content in a new direction. The ability to update your domain can feel empowering, but it’s important to understand the processes, possibilities, and potential costs that come with making this switch on Wix.
As someone who’s navigated the world of website management, I know firsthand how a domain change can impact SEO, traffic, and user trust. The process with Wix involves unique considerations, especially regarding free versus paid options.
Before you make the leap, it’s essential to weigh the technical, financial, and strategic factors involved. Let’s explore everything you need to know about changing your Wix domain name, the limitations of the platform, and smart strategies to ensure your online presence stays strong throughout the transition.
Understanding Wix Domains: Free vs. Custom Options
Before you dive into changing your domain, it helps to understand how Wix structures its domain offerings. Wix provides both free subdomains and the ability to connect custom domains, each with distinct features and limitations that impact your ability to switch names.
Wix’s free website plan assigns you a subdomain that looks like yourusername.wixsite.com/sitename. This option requires no payment, making it ideal for personal projects or testing.
However, most businesses and professionals eventually upgrade to a custom domain—such as www.yourbrand.com—for a more professional appearance and better branding.
When you purchase a premium plan, Wix allows you to connect a custom domain, which can be bought directly through Wix or from a third-party registrar. Custom domains unlock a host of benefits, such as improved SEO, brand recognition, and email address customization.
But the question remains: can you change either your free subdomain or custom domain for free?
- Free Wix subdomains can be changed easily, but with some limits.
- Custom domains typically involve costs, especially if you want a new domain name.
- Switching domains may affect site traffic, SEO, and brand consistency.
“Your domain name is your first impression online. Choose wisely, but remember you’re not locked in forever—just be prepared for the journey of change.”
Can You Change Your Wix Domain Name for Free?
Let’s get straight to the heart of the matter: Wix does not let you change a purchased custom domain’s name for free. However, you can change the free Wix subdomain associated with your account at no cost, with a few caveats.
If you’re using a free Wix plan, modifying your site address is as simple as editing the subdomain portion—though the wixsite.com part remains. This allows for flexibility if your project name changes or you want a more memorable URL.
On the other hand, if you’ve purchased a custom domain (such as through Wix or another registrar), you can’t simply “rename” it. You would need to purchase a new domain and connect it to your site, which usually involves additional costs.
Here’s a quick comparison to clarify what’s possible:
| Domain Type | Change Name for Free? | How? |
| Free Wix Subdomain | Yes | Edit site address in site settings |
| Custom Domain Purchased via Wix | No | Buy new domain, connect to site |
| Custom Domain via Third-Party | No | Buy new domain, point to Wix |
It’s helpful to think of a domain as a digital address. Just as you can’t move to a new house for free, you can’t always change your web address without some costs involved.
Step-by-Step: Changing Your Free Wix Subdomain
If you’re still on Wix’s free plan, you have the flexibility to update your subdomain without spending a dime. This section covers the exact steps to make the switch, so you can refresh your site’s web address if your focus changes or you want something more memorable.
To change your free Wix subdomain, head to your site’s dashboard. Look for the menu options under “Site Actions,” then select “Rename Site.” From there, you can edit the portion of your site’s address that appears after wixsite.com.
This won’t impact your actual content or design, just the link users use to access your site.
Keep these important notes in mind:
- Changing your subdomain won’t redirect your old address. Visitors using the previous link will see a 404 error.
- You can only change your free subdomain a limited number of times.
- This option is only available if you haven’t connected a custom domain.
Best Practices When Renaming Your Free Subdomain
When updating your address, try to keep it short, relevant, and easy to remember. Avoid using special characters or numbers that might confuse visitors.
If your site’s focus is changing, ensure the new subdomain matches your new identity as closely as possible.
It’s also wise to inform your audience of the change. Share your new link on social media, email newsletters, and anywhere you previously promoted your site.
Consistency is key for users to find and trust your content.
“A clear, consistent web address helps your audience remember and revisit your site. Don’t underestimate the value of a simple, meaningful subdomain.”
Changing a Custom Domain: What’s Possible and What’s Not
Once you’ve upgraded to a custom domain, the process for changing your name is different—and usually not free. Understanding these distinctions will help you budget and plan for any future changes.
If you’ve registered a custom domain directly through Wix, you don’t have the option to simply edit the domain name. Instead, you must purchase a new domain name, either through Wix or another registrar.
After buying the new domain, you can connect it to your Wix site and set it as the primary address. Your old domain remains yours for the duration of the registration period but can be disconnected or redirected.
The same logic applies if you bought your domain from a third-party registrar like GoDaddy or Namecheap. You’ll need to register the new domain and update your site’s settings to point to it.
Remember, domain names are unique and can’t be exchanged or renamed once registered.
- Domain registration is non-transferable: You can’t swap an existing domain for a new one without a new purchase.
- Redirection is possible: You can set up redirects from your old domain to the new one to avoid losing visitors.
- Wix charges annually: Both the old and new domains will need to be renewed if you wish to keep them active.
Weighing the Pros and Cons
Before investing in a new domain, consider the potential impact on your brand and search rankings. While a fresh name can reinvigorate your online presence, it can also temporarily disrupt your audience’s ability to find you.
Setting up proper redirects helps minimize this risk, but you’ll still need to update marketing materials, business cards, and social profiles.
If you’re interested in the deeper significance of names and their impact, you might enjoy exploring why we have a name and the meaning behind our identity.
Costs Involved in Changing Your Wix Domain Name
Let’s break down the financial implications of changing your domain name with Wix. While editing your free subdomain is cost-free, any change involving a custom domain comes with clear costs, both direct and indirect.
For a new custom domain, you’ll pay a registration fee—usually between $10 and $25 per year, depending on the domain extension and registrar. Wix often runs promotions that include a free domain for one year with certain premium plans, but after that, renewal fees apply.
If you choose a premium domain (such as highly competitive or short names), expect to pay significantly more.
Beyond the domain registration, think about other costs:
- Branding updates: New business cards, marketing collateral, and logo changes may be necessary.
- SEO and traffic loss: Changing domains can temporarily hurt search rankings unless you set up proper redirects and notify search engines.
- Email address updates: If your email is tied to your old domain, you’ll need to create new accounts and update contact information everywhere.
Comparing Domain Costs
| Type | Typical Cost | Notes |
| Free Wix Subdomain | $0 | No branding control |
| Standard .com Domain | $10-$25/year | Renewed annually |
| Premium Domain | $100-$1000+ | Special cases, short or high-demand names |
So, while you can’t change your custom domain for free, careful planning and budgeting can help you make a smooth transition without breaking the bank.
How Domain Changes Impact SEO and Branding
Changing your domain name is about more than just the address bar—it affects your search engine rankings, backlinks, and how your audience perceives your brand. Understanding these impacts is crucial before making the switch.
From an SEO perspective, domain changes can cause a temporary dip in rankings as search engines reindex your new URL. If you set up 301 redirects from your old domain to the new one, you’ll preserve most of your SEO equity, but some loss is almost inevitable.
Over time, your new domain can regain and even surpass previous rankings with consistent content and outreach.
Branding is another major consideration. A new domain can signal a fresh start or a refined message, but it can also confuse returning visitors if not communicated clearly.
To maintain trust, update all your public profiles, email signatures, and social links as soon as you make the change.
- Set up 301 redirects to ensure old links still reach your site.
- Notify Google Search Console and Bing Webmaster Tools of your domain change.
- Update your sitemap and resubmit it to search engines.
“A domain change is like moving your storefront to a new address—don’t forget to leave a forwarding address for your loyal customers.”
For more stories on how names affect legacy and perception, take a look at who named the Titanic and uncover the ship’s true story.
Alternatives to Changing Your Domain Name
If the costs and risks of changing your domain feel daunting, you have several alternatives that can help you refresh your brand without a full domain switch. Sometimes, a small tweak can make a big difference.
Consider adjusting your site’s content, tagline, or branding visuals while keeping your existing domain. This allows you to pivot your message or niche without losing SEO traction or confusing loyal visitors.
Another option is to purchase a new domain and “forward” it to your existing site. This way, you can promote a different address in specific campaigns while retaining the main URL for regular visitors.
Other creative options include:
- Registering multiple domains and pointing them to your site for broader reach.
- Using subdomains (like blog.yourbrand.com) for different site sections.
- Launching a microsite on a new domain for special projects or events.
When a Full Change Makes Sense
If your business has undergone a significant transformation, such as a merger or complete rebranding, a full domain change might be the only option. In these cases, plan your transition carefully and communicate frequently with your audience to minimize confusion.
If you’re interested in the stories behind why people and brands change their names, explore why Latto changed her name and the real reason explained for an insightful perspective.
Best Practices for a Smooth Domain Transition
If you decide a domain change is right for you, following best practices can minimize negative impacts and help you make the most of the switch. Preparation and communication are your best allies.
Start by mapping out all the places your old domain appears online, from social media profiles to business directories. Update these as soon as your new domain is live.
Next, set up 301 redirects from your old domain to the new one to preserve search engine rankings and keep visitors from landing on broken pages.
Don’t forget to update your Google Analytics and Search Console accounts with the new domain information. These tools help you monitor traffic patterns and catch any unexpected issues early on.
- Communicate with your audience through email newsletters, blog posts, and social media updates.
- Monitor your traffic and SEO closely for the first few months after the switch.
- Maintain both domains (old and new) for at least a year to catch lingering traffic.
Real-World Example
Many companies have successfully navigated a domain change by planning ahead and prioritizing communication. For instance, a small business that pivoted from local sales to national distribution announced their new domain months in advance, updated all materials, and saw only a minor dip in search rankings.
Their proactive approach paid off with increased brand recognition and long-term growth.
If you’re fascinated by the power and meaning of names in different contexts, check out why the streets in Zinc have multiple names for a fun perspective on how naming conventions shape identity.
Common Questions About Wix Domain Changes
With so many moving parts, it’s natural to have questions about changing your domain on Wix. Addressing these concerns up front can help you make an informed decision and avoid surprises along the way.
Can I transfer my existing Wix domain to a new name? No, domain names are unique and cannot be renamed or replaced.
You’ll need to purchase a new domain if you want a different address.
Will my site experience downtime during the switch? If you follow best practices and set up your new domain before disconnecting the old one, downtime is usually minimal.
However, DNS changes can take up to 48 hours to propagate worldwide.
What happens to my old domain? You can either let the old domain expire or keep it active and set up a redirect to your new address.
Maintaining both for a period helps catch visitors who use outdated links.
- Always back up your website before making major changes.
- Test all redirects after updating your domain settings.
- Monitor your email accounts, especially if they’re tied to your domain.
Curious about the fascinating origins of names and what they mean for legacy? Dive into where the name Valentine comes from for a deeper look at naming history.
Conclusion: Making the Right Choice for Your Wix Domain
Changing your domain name in Wix is a decision that requires careful thought, planning, and an understanding of both the technical and branding implications. While Wix offers the flexibility to easily update your free subdomain, changing a custom domain always involves purchasing a new name and taking strategic steps to maintain your online presence.
The process isn’t free, but with the right approach, it can be a powerful way to rejuvenate your brand, reach new audiences, and align your web address with your evolving goals.
By considering the costs, communicating with your audience, and following best practices, you can make the transition as smooth as possible. Remember, your domain name is a central piece of your digital identity—choose wisely, act thoughtfully, and don’t be afraid to embrace change when it serves your mission.
If you need inspiration about the power of names and how they shape identity, be sure to browse why we have a name: the meaning behind our identity and explore the many stories behind names and their significance.
Whether you stick with your current domain or set out on a new path, your website’s future is in your hands.
