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How to Copy a WordPress Site: Step-by-Step Guide

Posted on by William Zheng

Ever wish you could duplicate your WordPress site—whether to create a backup, launch a new project, or move to a new host? You’re not alone. Copying a WordPress site can save time, effort, and help prevent costly mistakes, making it a common need for bloggers, business owners, and developers alike.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the essential steps, share practical tips, and highlight important insights to make copying your WordPress site simple and stress-free.

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How to Copy a WordPress Site: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re thinking about copying or cloning your WordPress site, you might feel a bit overwhelmed. Maybe you want to set up a staging site, move to a new host, or simply create a backup for peace of mind. Good news: copying a WordPress site is far more manageable than it might seem – and you can choose from multiple methods, with or without plugins.

Below, you’ll discover step-by-step instructions, practical tips, and answers to the most common questions. Whether you’re a beginner or have some technical experience, you’ll find clear guidance to confidently clone your WordPress site.

Why Copy a WordPress Site?

Copying or cloning a WordPress site simply means creating an exact duplicate of your website – including all its files, themes, plugins, content, and database. Here are some compelling reasons you might want to do this:


Copy-Paste with a Twist: 4 Surprising Ways to Clone a Website - WP Mayor - copy wordpress site

  • Testing and Development: Experiment with new themes, plugins, or site designs without risking your live website.
  • Website Migration: Move your site to a new hosting provider or domain name.
  • Backups: Keep a safe backup for emergencies.
  • Redesigns or Overhauls: Work on a major refresh without affecting your visitors.
  • Create Similar Sites: Launch a new site using the same design and content as your current one.

Common Methods to Copy a WordPress Site

There are several ways to copy a WordPress site, each with its pros and cons. The best method for you depends on your technical comfort level and what you want to achieve.

1. Using a WordPress Plugin (Recommended for Most Users)

Plugins make the process quick and easy, even for beginners, by automating most of the work.

Popular Plugins for Site Copying/Cloning:

  • Duplicator
  • All-in-One WP Migration
  • UpdraftPlus
  • WP Staging

Pros:

  • Fast and user-friendly
  • Minimal technical skills needed
  • Flexible options for copying and restoring

Cons:

  • Some plugins have limitations on free versions (e.g., backup size)
  • May require additional steps for very large sites

2. Manual Copy (Best for Full Control)

Advanced users may want to copy everything manually. This method gives you total control and avoids plugin limits.

Steps Involved:

  • Download all site files via FTP or File Manager
  • Export the database using phpMyAdmin
  • Upload the files to the new location
  • Import the database
  • Update configuration files and URLs as needed

Pros:

  • No plugin limitations
  • Useful for understanding your site’s structure

Cons:

  • Technical; requires some web hosting knowledge
  • More time-consuming

3. Host-Provided Cloning Tools

Some premium hosting providers (like SiteGround, WP Engine, etc.) offer one-click cloning or staging features.

Pros:

  • Extremely simple if your host supports it
  • Fast, reliable, and safe

Cons:

  • Feature availability depends on your hosting plan
  • Less control over the copying process

4. Copying Without Access

If you can’t access the admin dashboard, plugins, or server files, copying a WordPress site becomes trickier (and may not be entirely possible or legal unless you own the content).

Possible Approaches:

  • Request a backup or copy from the site administrator or hosting provider
  • Use web scraping tools (not recommended, as it copies only visible content, not WordPress features or backend data)

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Copy a WordPress Site Using Duplicator

Let’s break down the process using the Duplicator plugin, as it’s popular, widely supported, and easy to use.

Step 1: Backup Your Current Site

Always start by making a full backup. This protects you if anything goes wrong during the process.

Step 2: Install and Activate Duplicator

  1. Log in to your WordPress dashboard.
  2. Go to “Plugins” → “Add New”.
  3. Search for “Duplicator”.
  4. Install and activate the plugin.

Step 3: Create a Site Package

  1. In the menu, find “Duplicator” and click “Create New”.
  2. Give your package a name for easy reference.
  3. Click “Next” to scan your site.
  4. Once the scan is complete, click “Build”.

Duplicator will now bundle your entire website (files and database) into a downloadable package.

Step 4: Download the Package and Installer

  1. After the build, you’ll see two files: the archive (.zip) and the installer (installer.php).
  2. Download both files to your computer.

Step 5: Upload Files to the New Location

Depending on your goal, upload the files to:

  • A new domain or server (using FTP or your host’s file manager)
  • A subdomain or a local server for testing

Step 6: Run the Installer

  1. Access yournewsite.com/installer.php in your browser.
  2. Follow the on-screen prompts to install the site.
  3. Enter new database details (create an empty database beforehand).
  4. The installer will import your database and site files.
  5. Update your site URL if necessary.
  6. Delete the installer and archive after setup for security.

Copying a WordPress Site Manually: Summarized Steps

If you want full control and have some technical experience, manual copying works as follows:

1. Copy Website Files

  • Connect to your site via FTP or a file manager.
  • Download all files (including themes, plugins, uploads, and .htaccess).

2. Export the Database

  • Access phpMyAdmin (usually found in your hosting control panel).
  • Select your site’s database.
  • Click “Export” and download the SQL file.

3. Upload to New Location

  • Upload your site files to the new host or server.
  • Import your database using phpMyAdmin.

4. Update wp-config.php

  • Edit database information (DB_NAME, DB_USER, DB_PASSWORD, DB_HOST) to match the new hosting environment.

5. Update Site URLs

  • If using a new domain or staging site, run a “find and replace” tool for URLs in the database.
  • Plugins like “Better Search Replace” can help here.

Benefits of Cloning Your WordPress Site

Cloning isn’t just convenient – it offers major benefits:

  • Enhanced Security: Have a one-click restore point if something breaks.
  • Risk-Free Testing: Experiment with features and layouts safely.
  • Faster Deployments: Launch new sites quickly with a ready-made template.
  • Migration Made Easy: Move hosting providers without losing data or breaking your site.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Even with handy tools and plugins, copying a WordPress site can have hiccups. Here are some typical issues and tips to resolve them:

  • File Size Limits: Large sites may exceed the limits of certain plugins. If this happens, try increasing your server’s upload limits or splitting the backup into pieces.
  • Server Timeouts: Long copying processes can time out on shared hosting. Consider manual methods or contact your host for help.
  • Broken Links: After cloning, you might find broken internal links or media. Use a search-and-replace plugin to fix URLs in the database.
  • Missing Customizations: Double-check that all theme and plugin settings have transferred; some plugins store settings outside the database.
  • Site Not Loading: Clear your browser cache, and if needed, update your site’s .htaccess and permalinks.

Practical Tips and Best Practices

Here’s how to make your WordPress site copy as smooth as possible:

  • Test Before Going Live: Use a local or staging site to confirm everything works as expected before updating your real site.
  • Keep Backups: Always have a fresh backup before making major changes.
  • Monitor File Permissions: Check that all files and folders have the correct permissions after copying.
  • Update Your Plugins and Themes: Outdated software can break during migration or copying.
  • Secure Sensitive Data: Delete installer files and backups from your server after completing the process.
  • Check Site Health: Navigate your new site thoroughly to ensure all features, forms, and media work correctly.
  • Mind the Database Prefix: Keep the same database table prefix or update configuration files accordingly.

Cost Considerations When Cloning a WordPress Site

Most cloning methods can be done for free, especially with open-source plugins. However, you may encounter costs in certain scenarios:

  • Premium Plugins: Some plugins charge for advanced features like very large site support or streamlined migrations.
  • Hosting Requirements: Cloning to a new host may mean paying for additional services.
  • Professional Services: If you’d rather not DIY, many agencies and hosts offer migration as a paid service.
  • Storage Needs: Large websites may require increased hosting storage or bandwidth.

Tips to Keep Costs Down

  • Use free versions of well-reviewed plugins.
  • Regularly clean unused themes, plugins, and large media files before cloning.
  • Consider temporary upgrades or trial periods on hosting for migration or cloning needs.

Summary

Copying a WordPress site is a straightforward process once you know the right steps. Whether you prefer using a plugin, doing it manually, or working with host-provided tools, there’s a solution for every skill level. Take care to back up your site, follow clear steps, and check everything carefully after the copy.

Cloning empowers you to make bold changes, switch hosts, or safeguard your website with minimal risk. Armed with these steps and best practices, you’re ready to confidently copy any WordPress site you own or manage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I copy a WordPress site without using a plugin?

Yes, you can manually copy your site by downloading all files via FTP and exporting the database with phpMyAdmin. This method gives you more control but requires more technical knowledge. After migrating, you’ll need to edit configuration files and update URLs as necessary.

Will copying my site affect SEO or Google rankings?

Copying a site itself does not harm SEO as long as the copied version is not live to the public. If you plan to run multiple identical sites, use proper redirection or noindex tags to avoid duplicate content penalties from search engines.

Can I copy a site to a different domain or host?

Absolutely. Cloning your site to a new domain or host is common during migrations. Make sure to update all references to the old domain in your database and configuration files to ensure everything works correctly.

What if my site is too big for plugins like Duplicator?

Large sites can exceed the limits of some migration plugins. Try increasing your hosting’s upload and timeout limits, or use manual transfer methods. Some plugins offer premium versions without file size restrictions.

Is it legal to copy someone else’s WordPress site?

You should only copy sites you own or have explicit permission to reproduce. Copying someone else’s website without consent is a violation of copyright law and ethical standards.

Ready to get started? With this guide, you have the knowledge and tools to safely and efficiently copy any WordPress site you manage. Happy cloning!

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