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Turn your WordPress website into a multisite

Definitions

WordPress multisite is a feature that lets you create and manage multiple websites from a single WordPress installation and admin dashboard.

Before you start

✅ To turn your WordPress website into multisite, you need an existing WordPress website or a new installation. If you require a new WordPress installation, go here: Install WordPress on your domain name

⚠️ Multisites are complex and require advanced technical knowledge. It is highly recommended that you consult and work with a website developer.

Step by step

1. Download and save manual backup of your WordPress website files and database

2. Log in to your WordPress admin dashboard

3. Deactivate all plugins on your website

Note: For plugin management, go here: Manage your WordPress plugins

4. Log in to your hosting control panel

5. Click on the File Manager button

6. Double click on the domains folder

7. Find your website folder and double click on it

8. Double click on the public_html folder

9. Find the wp-config.php file

10. Right click on the wp-config.php file and select Edit from the dropdown

11. Scroll and find the /* That’s all, stop editing! Happy publishing. */ line

12. Right above that line, activate multisite by adding the multisite code snippet:

define( 'WP_ALLOW_MULTISITE', true );

Here is an example of the process, make sure to click Save File to apply your changes.

13. Go to your WordPress admin dashboard

14. Go to Tools > Network Setup

15. Deactivate all plugins on your WordPress website

16. Select Sub-directories under the Addresses of Sites in your Network section

17. Review your Network Title and Network Admin Email, then click Install

18. Copy the provided code snippets into your wp-config.php and .htaccess files as instructed. Here is an example of the code snippets and process, make sure to click Save File to apply your changes.

19. Log in to your WordPress admin dashboard again when prompted

20. Click on My Sites > Network Admin to manage your network sites (multisite)

21. If you haven’t done so already, you can reactivate your plugins