Changing a domain name on Wix can seem like a daunting task, especially if you’re new to website management. However, with the right guidance, the process is straightforward and manageable.
Whether you’re rebranding, correcting a typo, or simply upgrading to a better domain, Wix offers tools to help you make the switch seamlessly.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step involved in changing your domain name on Wix. We will cover essential concepts, provide actionable instructions, and include tips to avoid common pitfalls.
Understanding Wix Domain Setup
Before diving into the steps to change your domain name, it’s important to understand how Wix handles domains. Wix allows you to either purchase a domain directly through their platform or connect an external domain purchased from third-party registrars.
The domain you use is the web address visitors type to access your site. Changing it affects your site’s branding, SEO, and user experience.
Therefore, it requires careful planning.
Note: If you have a free Wix site (ending with wixsite.com), you must upgrade to a Premium Plan to connect a custom domain.
Why Change Your Domain Name?
There are many reasons why you might want to change your domain name on Wix:
- Rebranding your business or website
- Correcting spelling errors in the current domain
- Switching to a more memorable or shorter domain
- Aligning domain with new marketing strategies
- Moving from a third-party domain to Wix domain or vice versa
Whatever your reason, it’s important to understand the implications and process involved.
Step-by-Step Guide: Changing Your Domain Name on Wix
Step 1: Purchase a New Domain (If Needed)
If you don’t already own the new domain you want to switch to, you can purchase it directly through Wix or via an external domain registrar like GoDaddy, Namecheap, or Google Domains. Wix offers competitive prices and simplifies the integration process if you buy through them.
| Registrar | Price Range | Integration with Wix |
|---|---|---|
| Wix | $10 – $20/year | Seamless |
| GoDaddy | $12 – $25/year | Manual connection required |
| Namecheap | $8 – $15/year | Manual connection required |
| Google Domains | $12/year | Manual connection required |
Tip: If you want to avoid the hassle of manual DNS configuration, purchasing directly from Wix is the easiest option.
Step 2: Upgrade Your Wix Site to a Premium Plan
Connecting a custom domain to your Wix site requires a Premium Plan. If your site is still on the free plan, you must upgrade before changing your domain name.
Wix offers several Premium Plans depending on your needs, such as Combo, Unlimited, Pro, and VIP. Each plan has its own features and pricing.
| Plan | Monthly Price (Approx.) | Storage | Bandwidth | Custom Domain |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Combo | $14 | 3 GB | 2 GB | Included |
| Unlimited | $18 | 10 GB | Unlimited | Included |
| Pro | $23 | 20 GB | Unlimited | Included |
| VIP | $39 | 35 GB | Unlimited | Included |
Important: You cannot connect a custom domain on the free Wix plan.
Step 3: Connect or Transfer Your Domain to Wix
Once you have your new domain and a Premium Plan in place, you have two options to use the new domain:
- Connect the domain: Keep your domain registered elsewhere and point your DNS records to Wix.
- Transfer the domain: Move your domain registration to Wix for easier management.
To connect a domain registered elsewhere, follow these steps:
- Log in to your Wix account and go to Dashboard > Settings > Domains.
- Click Connect a domain you already own.
- Enter your domain name and follow the instructions.
- Update your domain’s DNS records at your registrar by changing the nameservers to Wix’s or by pointing the A record and CNAME records to Wix.
This process can take up to 48 hours for DNS changes to propagate.
To transfer your domain registration to Wix:
- Unlock your domain at your current registrar.
- Obtain the authorization code (EPP code) from your registrar.
- Go to Wix Dashboard > Settings > Domains and select Transfer a Domain.
- Enter the domain name and authorization code, then complete the purchase and transfer process.
Domain transfers typically take 5-7 days but Wix will notify you of progress.
Step 4: Set the New Domain as Primary
After connecting or transferring your new domain, you need to set it as your site’s primary domain. This ensures visitors see the new domain in their browser and search engines index the correct address.
To do this:
- Go to Wix Dashboard > Settings > Domains.
- Find the new domain and click Set as Primary.
- Confirm your choice.
Wix will automatically redirect your old domain to the new primary domain if the old domain is connected.
Step 5: Update Your Website Content and SEO Settings
Changing your domain affects SEO and user experience. You should update your website content and settings accordingly:
- Update all internal links, images, and references to use the new domain.
- Verify your new domain in Google Search Console and Bing Webmaster Tools.
- Update your sitemap and submit it to search engines.
- Check that your SSL certificate is active on the new domain (Wix provides free SSL).
Pro Tip: Use Wix SEO Wiz tool to optimize your site after domain change and maintain your search rankings.
Important Considerations When Changing Domain Names
| Aspect | What to Know | Recommended Action |
|---|---|---|
| SEO Impact | Changing domain can affect search rankings and traffic. | Set up 301 redirects; notify search engines; update all backlinks. |
| Email Accounts | If you have email addresses linked to the old domain, they may stop working. | Set up email forwarding or new email accounts with the new domain. |
| Backlinks | External sites linking to your old domain may lose value. | Contact key sites to update links; use redirects. |
| SSL Certificate | SSL certificates are domain-specific. | Ensure Wix issues SSL for the new domain immediately. |
| Brand Consistency | Domain change affects branding and marketing materials. | Update all offline and online materials with the new domain. |
How to Manage Multiple Domains on Wix
Wix allows you to connect multiple domains to a single site. This can be useful if you want to keep your old domain active alongside your new one.
When you add multiple domains, you can set one as primary and redirect the others to it. This helps preserve SEO equity and ensures visitors always land on the main website.
To add multiple domains:
- Go to Dashboard > Settings > Domains.
- Click Add an Existing Domain or purchase a new one.
- Connect the additional domain(s) following the domain connection steps.
Make sure to set only one primary domain.
FAQs About Changing Domain Names on Wix
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can I keep my old Wix domain after changing to a new one? | Yes, you can keep it connected and redirect visitors to the new domain. |
| Will changing my domain affect my Wix email? | Yes, you need to update your email settings or create new email accounts for the new domain. |
| How long does it take for a new domain to work on Wix? | DNS propagation can take 24-48 hours, but Wix generally activates domains quickly once configured. |
| Do I need to cancel my old domain after switching? | Not immediately. Keep it for a while to preserve traffic and SEO, then cancel if no longer needed. |
| Is it possible to switch domains without losing SEO rankings? | Yes, by setting up proper 301 redirects and updating search engines and backlinks. |
Summary Checklist for Changing Your Domain on Wix
| Task | Status |
|---|---|
| Purchase or acquire new domain | ☐ |
| Upgrade to Wix Premium Plan | ☐ |
| Connect or transfer domain to Wix | ☐ |
| Set new domain as primary | ☐ |
| Update website content and internal links | ☐ |
| Verify new domain in Google Search Console | ☐ |
| Submit updated sitemap to search engines | ☐ |
| Set up 301 redirects from old domain | ☐ |
| Update email accounts and forwarding | ☐ |
| Notify partners and update backlinks | ☐ |
Final Thoughts
Changing your domain name on Wix is a strategic decision that can significantly impact your online presence. With proper preparation and by following the outlined steps, you can ensure a smooth transition without losing traffic or SEO value.
Remember to take your time, verify all settings, and make use of Wix’s support resources if needed. A well-executed domain change can refresh your brand and open new opportunities for growth.
