Sigma Search & Replace (free)
Search and replace anything in your WordPress database safely and efficiently, migrate sites, update URLs, or bulk-edit content with full control and live progress tracking.
From WordPress.org
The most trustworthy free WordPress plugin for safe and efficient database search & replace. Designed to overcome the limitations and errors of other plugins.
From site migrations and URL updates to bulk content edits, Sigma Search & Replace ensures safe, accurate, and fully tracked database search-and-replace operations with live progress reporting.
Main Features
Powerful features for safe, flexible, and intelligent search & replace operations.
Selective Table Processing
Choose which tables to include in each search and replace operation.
Two-Step Safety Mode
Nothing changes until you review results and confirm replacements.
Case Sensitivity Control
Switch between case-sensitive or insensitive search modes.
GUID Protection
Option to skip WordPress GUIDs to preserve data integrity.
Serialized-Data Support
Update serialized arrays and objects safely without breaking structure.
Real-time Search & Replace Progress
Monitor operations live with detailed reports and cancel anytime.
Batch Processing
Handles large databases efficiently with configurable batch sizes.
Detailed Reports & Logs
Per-table hit counts, summaries, and error logs for transparency.
Multisite Ready
Run network-wide searches or limit operations to a sub-site.
Modern React Interface
Enjoy a fast, intuitive dashboard built with React + REST API.
How It Works
Run fast, safe WordPress database search & replace in four guided steps.
Search Phase
Scan your entire database to detect accurate matches across tables, columns, and serialized data.
Preview & Review
See what will change: affected tables, rows, and occurrences; before applying updates.
Safe Replace
Run replacements with safety checks, serialized data support, and live progress tracking.
Summary Report
View a clear report of all changes: total replacements, impacted tables, and execution time.
Search & replace with confidence
Download plugin nowSafety Features You Can Trust
Run database search & replace with built-in protections designed to prevent errors, data loss, and downtime.
Backup Warnings
Multiple reminders prompt you to back up your database before running any changes.
Dry Run Mode
Preview all modifications without applying them to ensure complete accuracy.
Table Validation
Validates database tables before processing to avoid corrupted or invalid data.
Smart Change Detection
Skips changes automatically if the data has been modified since the initial search.
Site URL Safeguard
Delays site URL updates to the final step to prevent accidental site breakage.
Error Handling
Robust error handling and logging ensure a safe process with clear diagnostics.
Screenshots
Take a look at 'Sigma Search & Replace' plugin in action. Click any screenshot to view it in full screen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have a question? Browse our most frequently asked questions below for quick answers, or contact us, we're always happy to help.
Is the plugin safe to use?
Yes. The plugin includes multiple safety checks and warnings to help prevent mistakes. However, you should always create a full database backup before running any search and replace operation, and the plugin will remind you to do so.
Can I search in specific database tables?
Yes. You can choose exactly which database tables to include in your search and replace process.
Will it break serialized or encoded data?
No. The plugin automatically unserializes, updates, and re-serializes values correctly to ensure your data remains intact and valid.
Can I undo or revert the changes?
The plugin does not include a built-in undo option. This is why taking a database backup beforehand is essential. Detailed logs help you review which changes were made.
Is it compatible with WordPress multisite?
Yes. Network administrators can access and process any site's tables, while sub-site admins are limited to their own database tables.
Does it support large databases?
Yes. The plugin is optimized for large databases using batch processing and memory-efficient techniques. Performance still depends on your hosting server, and very limited environments may struggle to complete the operation.
What if the search or replace process times out?
The plugin includes timeout protection and can automatically resume the search phase from where it stopped, helping you avoid incomplete operations.
Start Searching & Replacing Today
Download Sigma Search & Replace for free from the WordPress plugin repository and take control of your database content.
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