# Changing the website URL in Joomla

> Update your Joomla site URL in the configuration.php file after moving it to a new domain, folder or server.

Source: https://helpcenter.ruachost.com/apps/joomla/changing-the-website-url-in-joomla/

If you migrate your Joomla site to a new server or domain, you may need to update the **site URL** so that pages display correctly. On **ruachost.com**, this is done by editing the Joomla configuration file.

## Why Change the URL?

- After migrating Joomla to a new hosting account or server.
- When switching from HTTP to HTTPS.
- If you change your domain name.
- To correct display issues caused by mismatched URLs.

## Steps to Change the Joomla Website URL

1. **Log in to your hosting account** via SSH or File Manager.
2. Navigate to the directory where Joomla is installed.
3. Open the `configuration.php` file in a text editor.
4. Locate the line that begins:

   ```
   public $live_site =
   ```
5. Update it with your new site URL. For example:

   ```
   public $live_site = 'http://www.example.com';
   ```
6. Save the file.

## Important Notes

- If the `$live_site` setting is blank, **do not change it**. Only update it if a domain name is already defined.
- Also check the following lines in `configuration.php`:

  ```
  public $log_path =
  public $tmp_path =
  ```

  Make sure they point to the correct paths for your Joomla installation.
- Always back up your site before making configuration changes.
- Clear Joomla cache after updating the URL.