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Set Up WordPress Multisite

WordPress Multisite lets you run a network of sites from one WordPress installation.

It can be useful when several related sites need to share the same WordPress core files, themes and plugins. It is not always the best choice for separate websites. In many cases, separate WordPress installations are easier to manage and troubleshoot.

Multisite is an advanced WordPress feature. Take a full backup of the site files and database before enabling it, especially on an existing live site.

Before You Start

Check the following first:

  • You have administrator access to WordPress.
  • You can edit the site’s wp-config.php and .htaccess files.
  • Pretty permalinks are working.
  • You have deactivated active plugins temporarily.
  • You understand whether you want subdomains or subdirectories.

For a subdomain network, wildcard DNS may be needed so that subdomains point to the correct hosting account.

Enable Multisite

  1. Log in to cPanel.
  2. Open File Manager.
  3. Open the folder where WordPress is installed.
  4. Edit the wp-config.php file.
  5. Add this line above the line that says / That's all, stop editing! Happy publishing. /:
define( 'WP_ALLOW_MULTISITE', true );
  1. Save the file.
  2. Refresh your WordPress dashboard.

Create the Network

  1. Log in to WordPress as an administrator.
  2. Go to Tools > Network Setup.
  3. Choose whether the network should use subdomains or subdirectories.
  4. Enter the network title and admin email address.
  5. Click Install.

WordPress will then show code that must be added to wp-config.php and .htaccess.

The exact code is generated for your installation, so use the code shown in your own WordPress dashboard rather than copying code from another website.

Enable the Network

  1. Back up your current wp-config.php and .htaccess files.
  2. Add the generated WordPress code to wp-config.php.
  3. Replace the relevant WordPress rules in .htaccess with the rules shown by WordPress.
  4. Save both files.
  5. Log out of WordPress.
  6. Log back in.

You should now see My Sites in the WordPress admin bar. From there, you can open Network Admin to manage sites, users, themes, plugins and network settings.

Important Notes

Themes and plugins are installed at network level. Individual sites can usually activate themes or plugins that have been made available by the network administrator.

Changing an existing WordPress site to Multisite can affect URLs, plugins, theme behaviour and user management. If the site is important, speak to your developer or open a support ticket before enabling it.