Last Updated on August 14, 2022 by Thiago Crepaldi
Enabling Multi-site network feature
All recent WordPress releases already include Multi-site Network support, all you have to do is enable it after initial installation. The steps described below are valid for both new and existing installations.
First, connect to your web server and find a file named wp-config.php. This is a special file generated during initial configuration wizard and stores sensitive configurations, such as database credentials and feature behaviors.
Once you find it, add the following code to your wp-config.php file just before the /* That’s all, stop editing! Happy blogging. */ line.
/* Multisite */
define( 'WP_ALLOW_MULTISITE', true );After you save the file, the changes are immediately applied!
Setting up Multi-site Network
If you are setting up a multi-site network on an existing WordPress website, you need to deactivate all plugins on your site. Access Plugins >> Installed Plugins page, select all plugins, pick Deactivate from the Bulk Actions drop down menu and then click on the Apply button.
Next, access your multi-site network setup page through Tools >> Network Setup menu. You may see a notice that you need Apache’s mod_rewrite module installed on your web server.
Select the type of domain structure your WordPress will use for sites in your network. Other basic settings include Network Title and Network Admin Email. Click on the install button to proceed.
Lastly, WordPress will show some code that you need to add to wp-config.php and .htaccess files, respectively.
That is all you need to do to enable and configure the Multi-site Network feature. Re-login to your WordPress site to access the new network setup!
Configuring Network Settings
Feel free to explore all settings available for your new Network by accessing My Sites >> Network Admin >> Settings
Once you are done, it is time to add new sites to your Network!
Adding new sites
To add new sites, visit My Sites >> Network Admin >> Sites
Then click at the Add New button
On the Add New Site page, provide the Site Address. Notice you don’t have to type the full address, just the part you will use as subdomain or sub-directory. Next, define a title, language and admin email address.
Important to remember is that if the email address doesn’t belong to an existing WordPress user, a new user will be registered and the username and password will be sent by email to the address you entered. Click Add Site button to finalize.