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How to Copy a WordPress Website: Easy Step-by-Step Guide

Posted on by William Zheng

Ever stumbled upon a WordPress site you wish you could recreate for your own project? Whether you’re moving to a new host, backing up a precious creation, or inspired by a design, knowing how to copy a WordPress website can save time and spark fresh ideas.

This step-by-step guide will walk you through the essential process—demystifying each stage and sharing tips along the way. You’ll learn practical methods to duplicate any WordPress site smoothly and securely.

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How to Copy a WordPress Website: A Step-by-Step Guide

Cloning or copying a WordPress website is a common need, whether you’re redesigning your site, testing updates on a staging environment, or moving your site to a new host. While the task might seem daunting at first, copying a WordPress site is surprisingly manageable with the right approach and tools. In this guide, you’ll learn clear, actionable steps and best practices for duplicating your WordPress website safely and efficiently.

Why Copy a WordPress Website?

Before diving into the step-by-step process, it helps to understand why you might want to clone your WordPress site:

  • Create a Backup: Protect your content and data before making big changes.
  • Set Up a Staging Site: Test updates, plugins, or new designs without affecting your live website.
  • Migrate to a New Host or Domain: Move your website efficiently to a different server or a new web address.
  • Redesign Safely: Experiment with your site’s look and functionality behind the scenes.


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Methods to Copy a WordPress Website

There are several ways to duplicate your site. Here are the most popular methods:

  1. Using a Plugin (Most Recommended)
  2. Manual Copying (For Advanced Users)
  3. Built-in Host Tools (If Offered by Your Web Host)
  4. Copying Site with WordPress.com (If You’re Using WordPress.com)

Let’s break down the most common approach: using a plugin.

Method 1: Copy a WordPress Website with a Plugin

Plugins make the cloning process fast and straightforward. Some of the most trusted plugins include Duplicator, All-in-One WP Migration, and Jetpack’s site duplicator tools.

1. Install a Cloning Plugin

  • Log in to your WordPress dashboard.
  • Go to the Plugins section and click “Add New.”
  • Search for a plugin like “Duplicator” or “All-in-One WP Migration.”
  • Click “Install Now” and then “Activate.”

2. Create a Backup or Package

  • After activating the plugin, navigate to its screen (usually under the Tools or Plugins menu).
  • Choose to create a new package or backup.
  • Name your package and follow the on-screen steps to include all your files and the database.

3. Download the Backup Files

  • Once the tool is done, download the backup/archive file and, often, an installer script.
  • Save these to your local computer.

4. Upload to a New Location

  • Upload the files to the new server or staging location using FTP or your web host’s file manager.
  • If you’re copying to a local server, extract them to your web directory.

5. Run the Installer Script

  • Access the installer (often by visiting your new site’s URL and adding /installer.php at the end).
  • Follow the plugin’s prompts to complete the setup and import the database.

6. Update Site URLs

  • The plugin typically updates your site URLs for you, but check your site settings (Settings > General) to confirm.
  • If necessary, you can use the plugin’s search-and-replace features to adjust links or media paths.

Method 2: Manually Copy a WordPress Website

For those comfortable with technical tasks, manual copying offers full control and no reliance on plugins.

1. Download Site Files

  • Use an FTP client or your host’s file manager to download all WordPress files, including the wp-content folder, themes, plugins, and media uploads.

2. Export the Database

  • Log in to your web hosting control panel (like cPanel).
  • Open phpMyAdmin.
  • Select your website’s database and export it as a .sql file.

3. Upload Files to New Location

  • Upload the site files to your new server or directory using FTP.

4. Create a New Database

  • In your host’s control panel, create a new MySQL database and user.
  • Assign user permissions to the database.

5. Import the Database

  • Open phpMyAdmin at the new location.
  • Select your new database and import the .sql file.

6. Edit wp-config.php

  • Update database details (DB_NAME, DB_USER, DB_PASSWORD, DB_HOST) in the wp-config.php file to match the new database.

7. Update URLs

  • Use a tool like “Better Search Replace” or run SQL queries in phpMyAdmin to update site URLs if the domain has changed.

Method 3: Copying Your Site with WordPress.com

If you’re on WordPress.com, the platform includes a built-in site copying tool:

  • Navigate to “My Sites” and select the site you want to copy.
  • Go to “Settings” > “Copy Site.”
  • Follow the prompts to create a duplicate under a new site address.

Method 4: Use Your Hosting Provider’s Tools

Many modern hosts offer one-click cloning or staging tools, often found in the control panel:

  • Look for options like “Staging,” “Clone Site,” or “Duplicate Site.”
  • Follow the prompts—hosts like Bluehost, SiteGround, and others offer this streamlined service.

Benefits of Copying a WordPress Website

Cloning your WordPress website comes with several advantages:

  • Safety: Reduce risk by testing updates or new features on a copy instead of your live site.
  • Flexibility: Seamlessly migrate sites between hosts or domains.
  • Time-Saving: Set up new websites with the same configuration and data quickly.
  • Easy Troubleshooting: Debug issues on a clone rather than risking your production site.

Common Challenges (and How to Overcome Them)

While plugins make copying sites accessible, you may encounter challenges:

  • Large Sites Failing to Clone: Chunk uploads or site size limits may cause plugin errors. Solution: Exclude large files (like backups) or increase server max upload size.
  • Server Restrictions: Web hosts may limit scripts or server resources. Solution: Use a manual process or host-provided tools if plugins fail.
  • Broken Links/Media: URLs may not update automatically when moving to a new domain. Solution: Use the plugin’s search-and-replace tool or a dedicated plugin.
  • Plugin Compatibility: Not all plugins work perfectly on every server. Solution: Choose a well-supported plugin and check the developer’s documentation.
  • Downtime Concerns: Always take full backups of your original website before cloning.

Practical Tips and Best Practices

To ensure smooth copying, follow these expert tips:

  • Disable Caching and Security Plugins: Temporarily deactivate these to avoid cloned site boot issues.
  • Always Backup: Even when cloning, take a fresh backup of both files and the database beforehand.
  • Check File Permissions: Make sure files and folders have the correct permissions after copying.
  • Test Everything: After cloning, click through your new site thoroughly—check menus, media, forms, and plugins.
  • Keep SEO Impact in Mind: Set your staging cloned site to discourage search engine indexing (Settings > Reading > Discourage search engines).
  • Clean Up: Delete old backups and installer files after the process to secure your site.

Cost Tips and Considerations

  • Free Plugins: Most basic cloning plugins offer free versions suitable for small to mid-size sites.
  • Premium Features: For large/site-wide migrations or automated scheduling, premium plugins may require a one-time or subscription fee.
  • Hosting Fees: If you’re migrating to a new server, factor in hosting costs (some hosts offer free migration assistance).
  • No Physical Shipping Needed: Since the process is digital, no shipping costs are involved.

Summary

Cloning or copying a WordPress website is an essential skill for site administrators, developers, and web designers. Whether for backups, testing, migration, or peace of mind, the process is accessible to users of all experience levels—particularly with the help of powerful, user-friendly plugins. By following the right steps and best practices, you can duplicate your WordPress site confidently and efficiently, avoiding downtime and headaches.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I copy a WordPress site without using a plugin?
Yes. You can manually copy your website by downloading all your files via FTP and exporting your database through phpMyAdmin. While this offers complete control, it’s more technical and best suited to those comfortable with web hosting tools.

2. Will cloning a WordPress site affect my original website?
No. As long as you follow the steps properly, the original site remains untouched during the cloning process. Always take an extra backup before starting, just in case something unexpected happens.

3. What happens if I copy a site to a new domain or host?
After moving your site, you may need to update internal links, image paths, and site URLs to match the new domain. Most cloning plugins handle this automatically, but double-check to ensure everything points to the correct place.

4. Are there any legal or copyright concerns when copying a WordPress site?
If you own or have rights to all of the content, copying is perfectly fine. However, duplicating sites you do not own, or copying licensed content without permission, can result in legal issues.

5. How do I keep my cloned site private for testing?
Set your cloned (staging) site to discourage search engines from indexing it. Go to Settings > Reading and check “Discourage search engines from indexing this site.” You may also want to password-protect your cloned site using your host or a security plugin.

With the right tools and careful attention to detail, copying your WordPress website is a straightforward process that boosts your site’s safety, flexibility, and reliability. Happy cloning!

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