How to Create a Multisite Network in WordPress

If you’re running multiple websites and want to streamline their management, creating a multisite network in WordPress can be a game-changer. With a multisite network, you can manage multiple websites from a single WordPress installation, making it easier to maintain and update your online presence. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll show you how to create a WordPress multisite network.

Before You Begin

Before diving into the setup process, there are a few essential things you should do:

1. 1. Backup Your Website: Make sure to create a backup of your existing WordPress website. This precaution ensures that you can revert to your original setup if something goes wrong during the multisite setup.

1. 1. Check Hosting Requirements: Verify that your web hosting provider supports WordPress multisite. Most reputable hosts offer this feature, but it’s a good idea to confirm with them.

1. 1. Disable Caching and Security Plugins: Temporarily deactivate any caching and security plugins you have installed, as they may interfere with the multisite setup process.

Creating a Multisite Network

Now let’s get started with the process of creating a WordPress multisite network:

1. Edit wp-config.php

Access your WordPress installation files via FTP or your hosting control panel and locate the wp-config.php file. Edit this file and add the following code just before the line that says /* That's all, stop editing! Happy blogging. */:

Save the wp-config.php file and upload it back to your server if necessary.

2. Set Up the Network

1. 1. Go to your WordPress admin dashboard. You should now see a new menu item called “Tools” with a submenu called “Network Setup.” Click on “Network Setup.”

In some case you wont find the Network Setup in that time add thies codes in

#wp-content-8080 & 8081/.htaccess: <-- dont add this line
# BEGIN WordPress 
<IfModule mod_rewrite.c> 
RewriteEngine On RewriteBase / 
RewriteRule ^index\.php$ - [L] 
RewriteCond %{REQUEST_FILENAME} !-f 
RewriteCond %{REQUEST_FILENAME} !-d 
RewriteRule . /index.php [L] 
</IfModule> # 
END WordPress

#wp-content-8081/wp-config.php:<-- dont add this line
define( 'DB_NAME', 'wordpress' ); 
define( 'DB_USER', 'wordpress' ); 
define( 'DB_PASSWORD', '1234' ); 
define( 'DB_HOST', 'db' ); 
// Other configuration settings... 
define( 'WP_HOME', 'http://localhost:8081' ); 
define( 'WP_SITEURL', 'http://localhost:8081' );  
// Other configuration settings...

Choose Network Type: You’ll be prompted to select either subdomains or subdirectories for your multisite network. Subdomains are typically used for different websites (e.g., site1.yourdomain.com, site2.yourdomain.com), whilesubdirectories are used for different sections or categories (e.g., yourdomain.com/site1, yourdomain.com/site2). Choose the option that best fits your needs.

Network Details: Provide the network title and your network admin email address. Fill in these details and click “Install.”

3. Follow the Instructions

WordPress will display some code that you need to add to your wp-config.php and .htaccess files. Follow the instructions carefully:

• • Add the code to your wp-config.php file above the line that says /* That's all, stop editing! Happy blogging. */.

• • Replace the existing WordPress rewrite rules in your .htaccess file with the provided code.

Save the changes to both files and upload them back to your server if needed.

4. Log In Again

After making these changes, log in to your WordPress admin dashboard again.

5. Network Admin Dashboard

You will now have a new “My Sites” menu item and a “Network Admin” menu in your WordPress dashboard. You can use the Network Admin dashboard to manage your multisite network, including adding new sites, managing users, and more.

6. Add New Sites

To add new sites to your multisite network, go to “Network Admin” -> “Sites” -> “Add New.” Fill in the site’s details and click “Add Site.”

7. Manage Sites and Users

Use the “My Sites” menu to switch between different sites in your network and manage them individually. You can also use the “Users” menu to manage users and assign roles across all sites in the network.

That’s it! You’ve successfully created a multisite network in WordPress. You can now start adding and managing multiple websites from a single WordPress installation.