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Use a Plugin to Search and Replace WordPress Content

A search and replace plugin can update repeated text, links or URLs across a WordPress site.

This can be useful after changing domain name, moving from HTTP to HTTPS, replacing an old brand name or correcting repeated text across many pages.

Search and replace tools can make wide changes to the WordPress database, so take a backup before you start.

  1. Log in to your WordPress admin area.
  2. Go to Plugins > Add New.
  3. Search for a reputable search and replace plugin.
  4. Install and activate the plugin.
  5. Open the plugin from the WordPress Tools menu.
  6. Enter the text or URL you want to search for.
  7. Enter the replacement text or URL.
  8. Select the database tables you want to check.
  9. Run a dry run or preview first, if the plugin offers one.
  10. Review the result carefully.
  11. Run the replacement only when you are sure it is correct.

Plugins such as Better Search Replace or Search & Replace Everything are commonly used for this type of task, but the exact screens may vary.

Be careful with partial matches. For example, replacing cat would also affect words such as category if the plugin is not configured carefully.

When replacing URLs, use the exact format you want to change. For example, decide whether you need to include http://, https://, www or a trailing slash.

After running the replacement, check the site carefully. Visit important pages, menus, forms and images to make sure everything still works.