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How to Move a WordPress Site: Step-by-Step Migration Guide

Posted on by William Zheng

Thinking about moving your WordPress site to a new host or domain, but feeling overwhelmed by the process? You’re not alone. Whether you’re upgrading to faster hosting, rebranding your business, or simply need a fresh start, moving a WordPress site is a common, yet daunting task.

In this article, we’ll walk you through each step, share helpful tips, and highlight pitfalls to avoid—making your site move smooth, secure, and stress-free.

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How to Move a WordPress Site: The Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Moving a WordPress website can seem intimidating, but with a clear plan and the right steps, you’ll have your site live on its new host or domain with minimal stress. Whether you are relocating to a better host, changing your domain, or creating a staging site, understanding the migration process helps ensure a smooth transition with no downtime and no lost data.

Why Would You Need to Move a WordPress Site?

There are several common reasons:

  • Upgrading to a better host for improved performance or support.
  • Changing your website domain for branding or business changes.
  • Moving from a local development environment to a live server.
  • Duplicating your site for staging or testing.
  • Consolidating web projects into a new hosting account.


How To Migrate A WordPress Site From One Host To Another - move a wordpress site

Whatever your reason, learning how to correctly migrate your WordPress site puts you in control and helps avoid costly errors.

The Two Main Ways to Move a WordPress Site

Before diving into steps, it’s good to know there are two common migration methods:

  1. Manual Migration
    This involves exporting files and databases yourself, suitable for those who prefer hands-on control.

  2. Using a Plugin
    Migration plugins can automate the entire process, ideal for beginners or anyone seeking convenience.

Both options have their strengths. Let’s break down each method.

How to Manually Move a WordPress Site

1. Prepare for Migration

  • Backup your website.
    Take a full backup of your site files and database before starting. This is your safety net!

  • Choose your new host or domain.
    Set up your new hosting account or domain where the site will be moved.

2. Download WordPress Files

  • Use an FTP client like FileZilla to connect to your current server.
  • Download the entire public_html (or relevant) directory to your computer.
    This contains all your WordPress core files, themes, plugins, and uploads.

3. Export Your Database

  • Log in to your hosting control panel (like cPanel) and open phpMyAdmin.
  • Select your WordPress database.
  • Click “Export” and choose the “Quick” method in SQL format.
  • Download the database file.

4. Upload Files to New Host

  • Connect to your new host using FTP.
  • If using the same domain, upload your files to the same directory (e.g., public_html).
  • If going to a new domain, upload to the directory tied to your new web address.

5. Create A New Database

  • In cPanel, create a new MySQL database and user.
  • Assign the user to the database and note the database name, username, and password.

6. Import The Database

  • Open phpMyAdmin on your new host.
  • Select your new database and click “Import.”
  • Upload the SQL file you exported earlier.

7. Update wp-config.php

  • With a code editor, open your wp-config.php file.
  • Update the following fields with your new database details:

php
define('DB_NAME', 'new_db_name');
define('DB_USER', 'new_db_user');
define('DB_PASSWORD', 'new_db_password');
define('DB_HOST', 'localhost');

  • Save and upload this file to your new host.

8. Update Site URL (if needed)

  • If moving to a new domain, you’ll need to update the site URL.

  • Option 1: With phpMyAdmin, locate the wp_options table.

  • Update the siteurl and home rows to your new domain URL.

  • Alternatively, add these lines to wp-config.php temporarily:

php
define('WP_HOME', 'http://newdomain.com');
define('WP_SITEURL', 'http://newdomain.com');

  • Remember to remove these lines once your site loads correctly.

9. Fix Permalinks and Search & Replace

  • Log into your WordPress dashboard at the new location.
  • Go to Settings > Permalinks and click “Save Changes” to flush rewrite rules.
  • If your domain changed, use a plugin like “Better Search Replace” to update all old URLs in the database.

10. Test Your Site

  • Browse your new site and check pages, posts, media, menus, and theme functionality.
  • Address any broken links or missing media.

11. Point Your Domain (DNS Changes)

  • If you’ve also moved to a new host but retained your domain, update your domain’s DNS settings to point to your new host’s nameservers.
  • It may take a few hours for DNS propagation, during which old and new sites might alternate as you browse.

12. Clean Up

  • Remove any temporary files or maintenance plugins used during migration.
  • Monitor your site for any issues.

How to Move Your WordPress Site Using a Plugin

For most users, using a migration plugin is the easiest and least error-prone method. Popular tools include Duplicator, UpdraftPlus, All-in-One WP Migration, and others.

Here’s a typical plugin-based process:

1. Install a Migration Plugin

  • From your WordPress dashboard, go to Plugins > Add New.
  • Search for your chosen migration plugin (e.g., Duplicator).
  • Install and activate it.

2. Export Your Site

  • Launch the plugin and follow its prompts to create a full package or backup.
  • Download the generated files (usually a package and an installer script).

3. Set Up Your New Host

  • Have your new hosting account or domain ready.
  • Create an empty database, user, and password (as described above).

4. Upload Migration Files

  • Upload the plugin’s package and installer to your new server using FTP.

5. Run the Installer

  • Visit the installer script via your browser (e.g., yoursite.com/installer.php).
  • Follow the wizard to extract files, import database, and set new paths or URLs.
  • Update database credentials as prompted.

6. Finalize Migration

  • Once the installer completes, log into your WordPress dashboard.
  • Remove the installer and package files for security.
  • Test your website thoroughly.

7. Update DNS (if needed)

  • If your domain is moving, update DNS to point at your new server.

Key Benefits of Migrating Your WordPress Site Correctly

  • Zero Downtime: Your visitors may never notice the move if done carefully.
  • Data Integrity: Your posts, pages, users, and settings all remain safe and unchanged.
  • Improved Performance: A new server can offer better speed and reliability.
  • Flexibility: You have full control over your website environment.

Common Challenges & How to Overcome Them

  • Database Connection Errors: Usually solved by double-checking wp-config.php credentials.
  • Missing Images or Broken Links: Use search and replace tools within the database or plugins to update all URL references.
  • Timeouts or Incomplete Uploads: Large sites may need chunked uploads or increased server limits; plugins can help handle big files.
  • SSL Issues: Ensure your new host supports SSL; install certificates as needed and update your site settings.
  • Email Deliverability: Sometimes emails sent from forms or WordPress may not work right away; set up SMTP if needed.

Practical Tips and Best Practices

  • Always Back Up: Before any migration, take a full backup of both files and database.
  • Check PHP and MySQL Versions: Make sure your new environment supports your WordPress version.
  • Test Before Going Live: Use a local host or staging area to check everything before public launch.
  • Update All Plugins and Themes: Outdated software can cause conflicts after the move.
  • Keep Your Old Hosting Active: Don’t cancel your old host until you’re sure the move is successful.

Cost Tips for WordPress Migration

  • DIY Migration is Free: Manual migration and free plugin options save money.
  • Premium Plugins: Some migration plugins have paid versions, offering extra features and support.
  • Host-Assisted Migration: Many web hosts offer free or low-cost site migration as a perk—ask them beforehand.
  • Domain Transfers: If moving to a new domain, there may be a registration fee for the new domain.
  • Data Transfer Limits: Check if your web host imposes limits or fees for large transfers.
  • No Shipping Costs: Migration is entirely digital—there are no shipping or handling fees.

Advanced Tips (For Experienced Users)

  • Use WP-CLI: WordPress’s command-line tool can export and import databases rapidly.
  • Migrate Staging to Live: Many managed hosts let you stage your site and then push it live with a click.
  • Selective Migration: Copy only themes, plugins, or parts of the site for advanced troubleshooting or redesigns.

Summary

Moving your WordPress site doesn’t have to be scary. Whether you’re doing a manual transfer for total control or letting a plugin handle the heavy lifting, the key lies in careful preparation, following clear steps, and thoroughly testing the result. By keeping solid backups and understanding each step, you’ll ensure your website migrates smoothly—ready for new growth and opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I migrate my WordPress site without downtime?
Yes, with careful planning, you can ensure zero downtime. The primary trick is to keep your old site live until the new site on the new host is fully functional. Update your DNS settings only when everything is ready.

Do I need technical knowledge to use a migration plugin?
Most migration plugins are designed for beginners and guide you step-by-step. Basic familiarity with WordPress admin and simple file uploads/downloads should be enough.

What if my website breaks after moving?
Don’t panic! Start by restoring your backup. Then, check wp-config.php settings, plugin compatibility, and whether all files and the database have transferred correctly. Tools like search/replace plugins can fix URL issues.

How do I move my site to a new domain?
Follow the migration steps, but ensure you update the site URL in the database or using the wp-config.php file. Use a plugin to search and replace old domain references with the new one throughout your database.

Are there risks in migrating a live site?
Any big change has risks. However, if you back up your site thoroughly, test before launching, and follow best practices, risks are minimal. Avoid making critical updates during high-traffic times, and keep your old host active for a buffer period.

By following these steps, tips, and best practices, you can master your next WordPress migration project confidently!

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