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How to Transfer a WordPress Website to a New Host Easily

Posted on by William Zheng

Have you ever wondered how to move your WordPress website to a new hosting provider without losing your content or disrupting your site? Maybe you’re seeking better speed, support, or pricing, but the thought of transferring everything feels overwhelming.

Knowing how to smoothly transfer your site is crucial for growth and peace of mind. In this article, you’ll find simple, step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and key insights to ensure your website’s transition is seamless and stress-free.

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How to Transfer a WordPress Website to a New Host – The Complete Guide

Moving your WordPress website to a new hosting provider may sound intimidating, but with the right steps, you can ensure a smooth transition with minimal to no downtime. Whether you’re upgrading to a better server, looking for more resources, or just seeking a more reliable host, transferring your WordPress site is a manageable process. Let’s guide you through each stage, break down complex notions, and share expert tips for a worry-free migration.

Why Transfer Your WordPress Website?

Switching to a new host can offer several benefits:

  • Improved website speed and performance.
  • Enhanced security and uptime.
  • Better customer support and user experience.
  • More competitive pricing or scalable resources.


How to Migrate a WordPress Site: 5 Methods - Hostinger - transfer a wordpress website to a new host

However, a move comes with challenges, such as the risk of downtime or data loss. Careful planning and following a detailed process can help avoid such issues.

The Step-by-Step WordPress Migration Process

There are various methods for transferring your WordPress website. The two most common are manual migration and using a dedicated migration plugin. This guide focuses on manual migration, as it applies universally to all hosting providers and gives you full control.

1. Prepare for the Migration

Before making any changes, take these preparatory steps:

  • Back up your website: Always make a full backup of your files and database. This protects you from data loss in case something goes wrong.
  • Inform your users: If your site gets lots of visitors, consider letting your users know of possible downtime. Typically, though, you can achieve a seamless migration.
  • Choose the right time: Schedule the move during low-traffic hours to minimize impact.
  • Set up the new hosting account: Make sure your new host is ready and provides access to the file manager, FTP/SFTP, and phpMyAdmin or equivalent database management.

2. Download Your Website Files

Your website files include WordPress core files, themes, plugins, media uploads, and custom code.


How to Move a WordPress Site to a New Host - Website Builder Expert - transfer a wordpress website to a new host

  • Use an FTP client (like FileZilla) or your old host’s file manager.
  • Connect to your website’s root directory (usually called public_html or www).
  • Download all the files and folders to your local computer.

Tip: Double-check that you’ve selected all files, including hidden ones like .htaccess.

3. Export Your WordPress Database

WordPress stores content, settings, and user data in a MySQL database.

  • Log in to your hosting control panel and navigate to phpMyAdmin.
  • Select the database linked to your site.
  • Click on “Export” and use the “Quick” method with SQL format.
  • Save the exported database file to your computer.

4. Upload Files to the New Host

Now, transfer your downloaded site files to the new server.

  • Access your new host’s file manager or connect via FTP.
  • Upload the entire set of files to the root directory.
  • Wait for uploads to finish – large sites may take longer.

Tip: Keep the folder structure the same to avoid broken links or errors.


How to manually migrate a WordPress Site - UpdraftPlus - transfer a wordpress website to a new host

5. Create a New Database on the New Host

You need a fresh database for your site to function.

  • In your new hosting control panel, find the database section.
  • Create a new MySQL database, user, and assign full permissions.
  • Note the database name, username, and password for later.

6. Import the Old Database

Restore your data on the new host.

  • Open phpMyAdmin on the new host.
  • Select the new database you created.
  • Click “Import,” choose the SQL file you exported earlier, and run the import.
  • Wait until you receive a success confirmation.

7. Update wp-config.php

Match your WordPress configuration to the new database details.

  • Locate the wp-config.php file in your site’s files.
  • Edit it using a code editor or the file manager.
  • Update these lines with your new database name, user, and password:


How to Move a WordPress Website to a New Host (Effortlessly) - Duplicator - transfer a wordpress website to a new host

php
define('DB_NAME', 'your_new_db_name');
define('DB_USER', 'your_new_username');
define('DB_PASSWORD', 'your_new_password');
define('DB_HOST', 'localhost'); // Most hosts use 'localhost', but check with your provider

  • Save your changes.

8. Test the Site Before DNS Switch

Before making your site live on the new server, test everything.

How to preview your site:

  • Use a temporary URL provided by your new host.

  • Or, modify your computer’s hosts file to point your domain to the new server’s IP. This lets only you preview your site on the new host.

  • Visit the site in a browser. Check pages, links, images, and plugin functionality.

If you spot errors:

  • Confirm that all files are uploaded.
  • Double-check database details in wp-config.php.
  • Look for misconfigured paths or missing plugins/themes.

9. Point Your Domain to the New Host

After confirming everything works, update your domain’s settings:

  • Log into your domain registrar.
  • Find the DNS or Name Servers section.
  • Replace your old hosting provider’s nameservers with your new host’s nameservers (provided in your new host’s account dashboard).
  • Changes can take from a few hours up to 48 hours to fully propagate across the internet.

Tip: During this period, avoid making site changes, as some visitors may still access the old server.

10. Final Checks

Once DNS propagation completes, visit your website to confirm it’s loading from the new host. Double-check:

  • All pages, posts, and media content.
  • Contact forms, e-commerce functions, and user logins/registrations.
  • SEO settings and permalinks.

If you used caching plugins or CDN services, clear the cache to prevent conflicts.

Alternative Methods: Using WordPress Migration Plugins

If you prefer automating the process, several plugins can help:

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

These plugins simplify migration by packaging your site into a zip file and restoring it on the new host. However, large or complex websites may hit upload or server limitations.

Note: Always back up your site before using plugins for migration.

Common Challenges and How to Tackle Them

  • Downtime: Careful preparation and pre-testing minimize downtime.
  • Data loss: Full site backups ensure you can recover if something fails.
  • Broken links or missing images: Check folder paths and verify File uploads.
  • Database compatibility: Newer server software may require updating plugins or themes.

Practical Tips and Best Practices

  • Read your new host’s documentation: Each provider can have unique steps.
  • Keep your old hosting for a few days: Do not cancel the old host until you are 100% certain the new site works.
  • Update site address if changing domain: Use WordPress settings or plugins to update all internal URLs.
  • Monitor for issues: Check analytics and error logs for the first week after migration.
  • Double up on backups: Keep multiple backup copies (locally and on the cloud).

Cost-Saving Migration Strategies

While moving your WordPress website typically doesn’t involve shipping or physical transfer, consider the following tips to cut costs:

  • DIY migration: Manually moving your site is often free, aside from the cost of hosting.
  • Use free plugins: Many migration plugins have free versions suitable for most sites.
  • Choose hosts with free migration services: Some providers offer complimentary migrations when you sign up.
  • Avoid rush fees: Schedule migration during regular support hours to avoid charges.

When to Consider Professional Help

If your website is very large, has mission-critical uptime, or uses complex integrations, hiring a migration expert can save time and prevent errors. Many hosts offer migration experts as a paid service.

Summary

Transferring your WordPress website to a new hosting provider is a straightforward process if you follow the right steps. Back up your site, move files and database, update configurations, and carefully test before switching DNS. Using plugins or a host’s migration service can further simplify the process for less technical users. Always monitor your site after migration and keep backups handy for peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long does it take to migrate a WordPress website?

The migration process can take anywhere from 1 to 4 hours, depending on your site’s size, your familiarity with the tools, and the speed of internet and servers involved. DNS propagation after you update nameservers may take up to 48 hours.

Will my website experience downtime during the move?

If you follow the outlined steps and test your new site before switching DNS, downtime should be minimal or even zero. Your site remains live on the old host until the DNS points to your new host.

Do plugins or theme settings get lost during migration?

No. As long as you move all your site files and the full database, your plugins, themes, settings, and content remain intact. Always verify after migration that all functionality has transferred correctly.

Can I migrate my WordPress website without technical knowledge?

Yes, many hosts and plugins offer easy, guided migration tools that require little technical skill. However, understanding the basics can help you troubleshoot if issues arise.

Is it safe to cancel my old hosting right after migration?

Not immediately. Keep your old hosting for at least a few days to ensure all DNS changes have propagated and your site runs smoothly on the new server. Once verified, you can safely cancel.

With preparation, patience, and careful testing, you can smoothly transfer your WordPress website to a new host and enjoy the benefits of a better hosting experience!

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