Option for free domain not showing
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Hi! :) I’m trying to create a new free .wordpress site, but in the creation guide no free option appears. No matter what search terms I put I get a list of payable domain suggestions but no free option, which I gather should show up at the top. I’ve created several sites in the past (though last time was a few years ago) and never had this issue.
It’s the exact same issue as in this thread from 2017: https://en.forums.wordpress.com/topic/create-a-free-site-option-not-showing/
I’ve tried several different browsers and devices, so if this is a bug it seems to be linked to my account.
Any ideas? :)
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but no free option, which I gather should show up at the top
The free options actually shows below the offers of two different custom domains. Leaving the first page completely blank where you’re asked what your site is about usually helps too.
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Nope, I’ve scrolled through all of it, there’s no free option at all. I’ve tried both leaving the first page of the setup bland and filling out the form.
it does give me this error message, regardless of what keyword I type in: “Sorry, we weren’t able to generate any domain name suggestions for that search term. Please try a different set of keywords.”
Following the error message it shows me two (paid) options based on the best match. Then, it gives a long list of other (paid) options. The last option is to use a domain you already own.
It doesn’t matter how I fill out the setup form or what keywords I use, it still shows me a lot of paid options but no option for a free domain.
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Perhaps you are inputting a phrase or address that already exists at WordPress.com. Are you at: https://wordpress.com/start/domains
If I go there and type a random word like “smith” I’m offered a free address of smith589110340.wordpress.com as the third option. If I play around with adding another word before or after “smith” I can get a free address without the long string of numbers. -
Yes, that’s the page I’m on. And no, that’s not it either :/ I’ve tried all kinds of terms. When I try “smith” I don’t get any free suggestions, and when I try another word before or after it’s the same thing.
This must clearly be some kind of bug…
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Perhaps clearing cache and cookies in your browser would help, or even trying a completely different browser?
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Hi there,
When creating a new site please don’t type anything nor tick any of the checkboxes on the first step. Here’s a screenshot of the step I’m referring to:
If this still doesn’t work or you have more questions, just let me know and I’ll be happy to help!
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I created a brand new WordPress account to see if that worked. When doing so, it does work! I can create a new free domain. But on my regular account, I cannot.
I have cleared caches, tried different browsers, different computers and even the WordPress app on my phone. I have tried leaving the page that @fstat left a screenshot of above empty as well as filling it out.
On computers or in the web browser on my phone, the page where you type in key words shows a lot of options, but not the free one. In the app, the search simply remains blank, no matter what I type.
Conclusion: this is either an account-related bug, or some sort of restriction. Can you have too many free blogs connected to your account?
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