How to Convert a WordPress Site into a Multisite

WordPress Multisite is a powerful feature that allows you to manage multiple websites from a single WordPress installation. This is particularly useful for organizations, agencies, or individuals who need to run a network of sites with centralized control. Converting your existing WordPress site into a Multisite network enables you to create and manage multiple subsites efficiently.​

By enabling Multisite, you transform your single WordPress installation into a network capable of hosting multiple sites. Each subsite can have its own themes, plugins, and content, while sharing a common set of core files. This setup simplifies maintenance and streamlines the management of multiple sites.​

1. Backup Your Site

Before making any changes, it's crucial to back up your WordPress site. This ensures that you can restore your site to its previous state if anything goes wrong during the conversion process.​

2. Enable Multisite in wp-config.php

To activate the Multisite feature, you'll need to modify your wp-config.php file:

• Access your site's files via SFTP or your hosting control panel.​

• Locate and open the wp-config.php file in the root directory.​

• Add the following line above the comment /* That's all, stop editing! Happy blogging. */:​

  define( 'WP_ALLOW_MULTISITE', true ); 

• Save the changes and close the file.​

3. Set Up the Network

With Multisite enabled, you can now configure your network:​

• Log in to your WordPress dashboard.​

• Navigate to Tools > Network Setup.​

• Choose between subdomains (e.g., site1.example.com) or subdirectories (e.g., example.com/site1) for your subsites.​

• Enter a name for your network and the network admin email address.​

• Click Install to proceed.

Note: You may be prompted to deactivate all plugins before proceeding. If so, go to Plugins > Installed Plugins, deactivate all plugins, and then return to the Network Setup page.​

4. Update wp-config.php and .htaccess

After installation, WordPress will provide code snippets to add to your wp-config.php:​

• Open wp-config.php again and add the provided lines above the comment /* That's all, stop editing! Happy blogging. */.​

• Save both files and close them.​

5. Access and Manage Your Network

Log out and log back into your WordPress dashboard. You will now see a new My Sites menu in the admin toolbar:​

• Hover over My Sites to access the Network Admin dashboard.​

• From here, you can add new sites, install themes and plugins, and manage users across your network.​

Pro Tip: When setting up a Multisite network, consider using wildcard subdomains if you opted for the subdomain structure. This requires configuring your DNS settings to accept all subdomains (e.g., *.example.com).