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How to Migrate WordPress: Step-by-Step Migration Guide

Posted on by William Zheng

Thinking of moving your WordPress site but worried about losing content or disrupting your online presence? You’re not alone. Website migration is a common challenge for bloggers, business owners, and anyone wanting a fresh start or improved performance.

Migrating WordPress can feel daunting, but it’s essential when changing hosts, redesigning, or upgrading your site. This article walks you through each step, from preparation to successful launch, highlighting tips and insights that make the process smooth and stress-free.

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How to Migrate WordPress: The Complete Guide

Migrating your WordPress site may sound intimidating, but with the right steps, it’s a manageable task. Whether you’re switching to a new host, moving to a different domain, or just want a fresh setup, you can move your WordPress website with minimal hassle and downtime. This comprehensive guide walks you through each step of the WordPress migration process, highlights key challenges, and shares best practices to make your migration smooth and safe.

What Does It Mean to Migrate a WordPress Site?

Migrating a WordPress site means moving all your website’s files, databases, themes, plugins, and settings from one hosting environment to another. This can include:

  • Moving to a new hosting provider
  • Shifting your site to a different domain name
  • Transferring from a local server to a live environment
  • Migrating from WordPress.com to WordPress.org, or vice versa


Ultimate WordPress Migration Guide for Beginners (Step by Step) - migrate wordpress

Site migration ensures your website remains intact in its new home, preserving your design, content, and functionality.

Step-by-Step: How to Migrate Your WordPress Site

There are a few main ways to migrate a WordPress site. Let’s break down the most popular methods, from manual migrations to user-friendly plugin solutions.

1. Preparation: Back Up Your Website

Before beginning any migration, always back up your complete website. This protects your data if something goes wrong during the move.

  • Use a WordPress backup plugin or your web host’s backup solution.
  • Download both your site files (via FTP or File Manager) and your database (usually via phpMyAdmin).
  • Store backups securely on your computer or in cloud storage.

2. Choose Your Migration Method

There are two primary ways to migrate your site:

A. Manual Migration

This method gives you the most control, though it’s a bit more technical.

  1. Download your WordPress site files using FTP (such as FileZilla).
  2. Export your WordPress database from the current web host using phpMyAdmin.
  3. Upload your files to the new host using FTP.
  4. Create a new database at the destination (via cPanel or your host’s control panel).
  5. Import your old database into this new one with phpMyAdmin.
  6. Edit the wp-config.php file to match the new database credentials.
  7. Update your DNS records to point to the new server.

B. Migration with Plugins

Plugins greatly simplify migration—even for beginners. Some popular tools include:

  • Duplicator
  • All-in-One WP Migration
  • Jetpack Backup

With most plugins, you:

  1. Install the plugin on your current site.
  2. Create an export package (including files and the database).
  3. Install WordPress and the migration plugin on the new host.
  4. Upload and import the package.
  5. Follow on-screen steps to complete the process.

3. Update Site Settings and URLs

After moving your files and database:

  • Check the WordPress Address (URL) and Site Address (URL) in your WordPress dashboard under Settings > General.
  • If you’ve changed domains, search for old URLs in your database and update them using a plugin like Better Search Replace or through SQL queries.
  • Update your permalinks by visiting Settings > Permalinks and clicking ‘Save’.

4. Test Your New Site

Before relaunching, verify everything works as expected:

  • Browse all pages and posts.
  • Test forms, login pages, and plugins.
  • Check images and media files.
  • Ensure your theme displays correctly.

If you’ve moved to a new domain or host, preview your website before switching DNS by editing your hosts file. This lets you test without affecting live visitors.

5. Point Your Domain to the New Host

The final step for many migrations is updating your domain’s DNS records:

  • Log into your domain registrar (e.g., Namecheap, GoDaddy).
  • Update the DNS to point to your new host’s nameservers or IP address.
  • Allow time for DNS propagation (this can take several hours up to 48 hours).

6. Monitor and Troubleshoot

After migration:

  • Keep monitoring the site for errors, missing images, or broken links.
  • Review your error logs for any issues.
  • Set up redirects if needed (especially when changing domains) to preserve SEO rankings.
  • Check your site speed and optimize if necessary.

Key Benefits of Migrating WordPress Correctly

Migrations offer several advantages when performed correctly:

  • Improved Performance: Moving to a faster host can increase site speed and reliability.
  • More Control: Upgrading from WordPress.com to self-hosted gives you flexibility.
  • Enhanced Security: Switching hosts or updating your setup can reduce vulnerabilities.
  • Seamless Growth: A new host or domain can better support your business or blog as it grows.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Site migrations are generally safe, but these issues may arise:

  • Downtime: Minimize by planning, testing, and updating DNS during low-traffic periods.
  • Broken Links or Images: Check and run a search-and-replace for old URLs in the database.
  • Lost Data: Prevent this by updating all files and databases, and keeping backups.
  • Plugin/Theme Compatibility: Test everything in a staging environment before going live.
  • Emails Not Working: Check email configurations if your host also manages your email accounts.

Best Practices for a Smooth Migration

  • Read Your Host’s Policies: Some hosts offer free migration services—contact their support!
  • Use Staging Environments: If your host offers staging, try testing the entire migration here first.
  • Defer New Content: Don’t update the old site during DNS propagation, as changes could be lost.
  • Keep Old Hosting Active: Don’t cancel your old hosting account until you’ve confirmed your new site works perfectly.
  • Update Search Engines: If you’ve changed domains, use Google Search Console to update your address and maintain SEO benefits.
  • Check SSL Certificates: Ensure SSL is set up on the new host for security.

Practical Cost Tips

  • DIY vs. Paid Services: Doing it yourself with plugins is usually free. Hiring professionals or using premium plugins can cost anywhere from $50 to $500+, depending on site complexity and the provider.
  • Hosting: Upgrading or moving hosts may come with a cost difference, so compare features and support.
  • Domain Transfer Fees: If you’re switching registrars, some may charge a transfer fee (typically around $10-$20).
  • Premium Plugins: Advanced migration plugins with support and automation features usually charge an annual or one-time fee, but they often come with guarantees and support.

In Summary

Migrating your WordPress site is an important step when changing hosts, upgrading your environment, or rebranding with a new domain. The process can be manual or automated with plugins, and each method has its benefits. Back up your data, plan carefully, and follow best practices to minimize downtime and safeguard your content. With proper preparation, your site can change homes smoothly, reliably, and safely—setting you up for more growth and success.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the safest way to migrate my WordPress site as a beginner?

For beginners, the safest route is using a migration plugin like Duplicator or All-in-One WP Migration. These plugins automate most of the work and include checks to minimize risk. Always make a complete backup before you begin.

2. How long does the WordPress migration process take?

Most migrations take between 30 minutes and a few hours, depending on your site’s size and the method you choose. Larger sites with lots of media files or custom features may take longer, especially if transferring manually.

3. Will my SEO rankings drop if I migrate my site to a new host or domain?

If you’re just changing hosts, your SEO should remain intact as long as the domain stays the same. However, moving to a new domain may affect rankings temporarily. Use 301 redirects and update search engines to transfer SEO value.

4. Can I migrate my site without downtime?

Yes, it’s possible to migrate your WordPress site with little to no downtime. Use a staging environment, test thoroughly before changing DNS, and plan the migration during low-traffic hours. Most visitors will not notice the switch if done correctly.

5. What should I do if my site breaks after migration?

Don’t panic. Refer to your backup and restore if necessary. Check for broken plugins or themes, fix your database connections in wp-config.php, and clear your cache. If you used a plugin, consult their documentation or contact your new host’s support team for help.

With these steps and tips, you’re ready to migrate your WordPress site confidently and efficiently. Happy moving!

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