# Word Press Hosting — Search & Replace Tool > Safely update URLs and text at scale with GHL Customer Care’s built‑in Search & Replace. Preview matches, replace confidently, and work in Live or Staging. - Source: https://docs.ghlcustomercare.com/docs/sites/wordpress/word-press-hosting-search-replace-tool - Section: Sites / Wordpress - Reading time: 3 min - Images: 4, each explained below --- Make quick, safe, database‑level text updates across your hosted WordPress sites—without third‑party plugins or scripts. GHL Customer Care’s built‑in Search & Replace lets you preview matches, then confidently apply replacements in Live or Staging. Common uses include domain changes after migration, HTTP→HTTPS updates, and bulk URL or email fixes. --- **TABLE OF CONTENTS** - [What is the Search & Replace tool?](#what-is-the-search-and-replace-tool) - [Key Benefits of Search & Replace](#key-benefits-of-search-and-replace) - [Preview Mode (Search‑Only)](#preview-mode-search-only) - [Replacement Options & Matching Behavior](#replacement-options-and-matching-behavior) - [How To Set Up and Use Search & Replace](#how-to-set-up-and-use-search-and-replace) - [Frequently Asked Questions](#frequently-asked-questions) - [Related Articles](#related-articles) --- # **What is the Search & Replace tool?** Search & Replace is a native WordPress hosting utility in GHL Customer Care that scans your site’s database for a specific string and, optionally, replaces it across supported tables. It’s designed to streamline post‑migration cleanups, link corrections, and other bulk text updates while guiding you through safe, reversible practices such as taking backups and testing in Staging first. --- ## **Key Benefits of Search & Replace ** Understanding how this tool helps ensures you pick the fastest, safest path for wide‑ranging content edits. These benefits focus on reducing risk, saving time, and improving operational consistency across client sites. - **Native & Secure:** No third‑party plugins or custom scripts required. - **Preview First:** Run a Search‑only to confirm match counts before replacing. - **Environment Aware:** Works in Live and Staging to support safe testing. - **Guided Safety:** Backup reminders and confirmations minimize accidental edits. - **Fewer Errors:** Consistent, centralized workflow for common maintenance tasks. - **Time Savings:** Bulk updates beat manual page‑by‑page edits. --- ## **Preview Mode (Search‑Only)** Previewing lets you validate exactly what will be changed before any data is modified, reducing risk and rework. - Enter the Search string and choose Search (without Replace) to get a match count. - Use the count to spot obvious issues (e.g., an unexpectedly high number for a broad string). - Adjust your search for specificity before committing to a replacement. --- ## **Replacement Options & Matching Behavior** Understanding matching rules helps you target the right content while avoiding unintended changes. - Case Sensitivity: Matching respects case to prevent accidental replacements (e.g., HTTP vs http). - Partial Matches: Standard string matching is supported. Use specific strings to avoid over‑broad changes. - Tables & Data Safety: The tool is designed to work safely with common WordPress data, including post content and metadata. Extremely sensitive/system fields (like credentials) should not be targeted. - Regex & Wildcards: Not supported. Aim for precise, literal strings. --- ## **How To Set Up and Use Search & Replace** Following a consistent setup and execution flow reduces errors and accelerates safe deployments across client sites. 1. Open **Sites** → **WordPress** → Select Site. ![Step 1 of 4: Open Sites → WordPress → Select Site](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/155062527968/original/gb_euDcpdYK22x4sU4P600F70WkNWOtC5A.png) **Step 1 of 4: Open Sites → WordPress → Select Site** This screenshot accompanies step 1 of 4 in the "How To Set Up and Use Search & Replace" section of "Word Press Hosting — Search & Replace Tool". At this point in the walkthrough you open Sites → WordPress → Select Site. For context, this section explains: Following a consistent setup and execution flow reduces errors and accelerates safe deployments across client sites. The next step is to in Quick Actions, select Search & Replace. - Where to go: Open Sites → WordPress → Select Site. - Controls: Sites, WordPress, Quick Actions, Search & Replace., Next - Next: In Quick Actions, select Search & Replace. Full procedure: 1. Open Sites → WordPress → Select Site. <- this image 2. In Quick Actions, select Search & Replace. 3. Include Search Values, Tables and Replace Values. Click on Next to continue. 4. Wait for the completion confirmation. Review the summary and spot‑check several pages/posts. 2. In **Quick Actions**, select **Search & Replace.** ![Step 2 of 4: In Quick Actions, select Search & Replace](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/155062528227/original/OFRMMr37pIWa4Ylu6d5V3CrHmg2RiGaEUw.gif) **Step 2 of 4: In Quick Actions, select Search & Replace** This animation accompanies step 2 of 4 in the "How To Set Up and Use Search & Replace" section of "Word Press Hosting — Search & Replace Tool". At this point in the walkthrough you in Quick Actions, select Search & Replace. The next step is to include Search Values, Tables and Replace Values. Click on Next to continue. - What to choose: In Quick Actions, select Search & Replace. - Controls: Quick Actions, Search & Replace., Sites, WordPress, Next - Next: Include Search Values, Tables and Replace Values. Click on Next to continue. Full procedure: 1. Open Sites → WordPress → Select Site. 2. In Quick Actions, select Search & Replace. <- this image 3. Include Search Values, Tables and Replace Values. Click on Next to continue. 4. Wait for the completion confirmation. Review the summary and spot‑check several pages/posts. 3. Include Search Values, Tables and Replace Values. Click on **Next** to continue. ![Step 3 of 4: Include Search Values, Tables and Replace Values. Click on Next to…](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/155062540335/original/qaVyR3elk7bcm4HuTTWPhxos0oQ6yiI1PA.png) **Step 3 of 4: Include Search Values, Tables and Replace Values. Click on Next to…** This screenshot accompanies step 3 of 4 in the "How To Set Up and Use Search & Replace" section of "Word Press Hosting — Search & Replace Tool". At this point in the walkthrough you include Search Values, Tables and Replace Values. Click on Next to continue. The next step is to wait for the completion confirmation. Review the summary and spot‑check several pages/posts. - What to click: Include Search Values, Tables and Replace Values. Click on Next to continue. - Controls: Next, Sites, WordPress, Quick Actions, Search & Replace. - Next: Wait for the completion confirmation. Review the summary and spot‑check several pages/posts. Full procedure: 1. Open Sites → WordPress → Select Site. 2. In Quick Actions, select Search & Replace. 3. Include Search Values, Tables and Replace Values. Click on Next to continue. <- this image 4. Wait for the completion confirmation. Review the summary and spot‑check several pages/posts. 4. Wait for the completion confirmation. Review the summary and spot‑check several pages/posts. ![Step 4 of 4: Wait for the completion confirmation. Review the summary and…](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/155062540634/original/MGW-bCjoZTm4ycJhYIX9can-EiWnC4OhTw.png) **Step 4 of 4: Wait for the completion confirmation. Review the summary and…** This screenshot accompanies step 4 of 4 in the "How To Set Up and Use Search & Replace" section of "Word Press Hosting — Search & Replace Tool". At this point in the walkthrough you wait for the completion confirmation. Review the summary and spot‑check several pages/posts. - What this covers: Wait for the completion confirmation. Review the summary and spot‑check several pages/posts. - Controls: Sites, WordPress, Quick Actions, Search & Replace., Next Full procedure: 1. Open Sites → WordPress → Select Site. 2. In Quick Actions, select Search & Replace. 3. Include Search Values, Tables and Replace Values. Click on Next to continue. 4. Wait for the completion confirmation. Review the summary and spot‑check several pages/posts. <- this image --- ## **Frequently Asked Questions ** **Q:Can I undo a replacement?** Use Backup & Restore to revert to the backup created before running the tool. **Q: Does the tool support regex or wildcards? **No. Use precise, literal strings for predictable results. **Q: Will this handle serialized data safely? **The tool is designed for common WordPress data patterns. For complex custom tables or plugins, validate in Staging first. **Q: Can I limit replacements to specific tables? **Not at this time. Use specific search strings and preview counts to control scope. **Q: Is matching case‑sensitive? **Yes—case sensitivity helps avoid unintended matches. Enter strings exactly as stored. **Q: Will it work on Multisite? **Run per site. Network‑wide replacements are not supported in one pass. **Q: Where can I see who ran a replacement?** Check your WordPress Access/Activity/Audit Logs for administrative actions relevant to your site. **Q: How long does it take?** Duration depends on database size and server load. For large sites, run during low‑traffic windows and use Staging first. --- ## **Related Articles** [ ](https://docs.ghlcustomercare.com/docs/sites/wordpress/wordpress-staging-environment-access) - [A Guide to Staging Environment Access in WordPress](https://docs.ghlcustomercare.com/docs/sites/wordpress/wordpress-staging-environment-access) - [How to Add Domains in the WordPress Dashboard (SSL)](https://docs.ghlcustomercare.com/docs/sites/wordpress/wordpress-how-to-add-domains-to-sites) - [SSH access for WordPress (WP‑CLI)](https://docs.ghlcustomercare.com/docs/sites/wordpress/ssh-access-for-wordpress) - Getting Started – Migrate a WordPress Site (LC Migrator) - [WordPress – SEO Reports](https://docs.ghlcustomercare.com/docs/sites/wordpress/wordpress-seo-reports) --- Documentation for GHL Customer Care. Support: support@ghlcustomercare.com