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How to Transfer WordPress: Easy Step-by-Step Guide

Posted on by William Zheng

Thinking about moving your WordPress site to a new host or domain? You’re not alone—whether you’ve outgrown your current setup, need better performance, or want a fresh start, transferring WordPress is a common step for many website owners.

But how do you do it without losing your hard work or risking downtime? In this article, you’ll find a clear, step-by-step guide to safely transfer your WordPress website, complete with practical tips and essential insights to make the process smooth and stress-free.

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How to Transfer Your WordPress Website: A Step-by-Step Guide

Transferring your WordPress website to a new host or server may sound daunting, but it’s entirely achievable with the right guidance. Whether you’re moving to a faster server, upgrading your hosting, or simply want a fresh start elsewhere, migrating your WordPress site is a straightforward process. This guide covers everything you need to know, from preparation to execution, ensuring a smooth and stress-free transfer.

Why Move Your WordPress Site?

Website owners consider moving their WordPress sites for several reasons:

  • Better Performance: Upgrading to a host with improved speed and uptime.
  • Cost Efficiency: Switching to a hosting plan that better fits your budget.
  • Improved Support: Choosing a provider with better customer service.
  • Greater Control: Migrating to a server that allows more customization.
  • Expanding Features: Gaining access to advanced features unavailable on your current host.


How to Transfer WordPress? - TinyGrab - transfer wordpress

No matter the reason, the goal is to move your site without losing data or suffering downtime.

Understanding the WordPress Migration Process

At its core, transferring a WordPress site involves copying your website files and database from your old host to the new one, then updating configurations so your domain correctly points to the new server.

The Basic Migration Steps

  1. Back Up Everything: Secure a full backup of your website.
  2. Transfer Files & Database: Move your website content and database to the new host.
  3. Reconfigure Settings: Update connection details and test the site.
  4. Point Your Domain: Change DNS settings so visitors reach your site at the new location.
  5. Test and Finalize: Make sure everything works smoothly, then wrap up loose ends.

Step-by-Step: How to Transfer WordPress to a New Host or Server

Let’s break down the process into manageable steps you can follow, whether you use plugins or prefer the manual method.


How to Migrate WordPress to a New Server (Step-By-Step-Guide) - transfer wordpress

1. Prepare for Migration

  • Choose Your New Host: Select a reliable hosting provider with plans suitable for your needs.
  • Set Up Your Account: Sign up, and make note of new server details.
  • Back Up Your Website: Use tools or plugins to back up both your website files (themes, plugins, uploads) and your database.
  • Create the New Database: On your new host, set up a new, blank database and user.

Tip: Always double-check backup files by downloading them to your computer.

2. Copy Website Files

There are two main approaches:

Using a Migration Plugin

Several WordPress plugins automate much of the migration process, saving time and reducing the chance of errors. Popular choices include:

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

Typical Steps:
1. Install the plugin on your old site.
2. Generate a backup or package.
3. Download the backup.
4. Install WordPress and the plugin on the new host.
5. Upload and restore the backup.

Manual Transfer

Prefer the hands-on approach? Here’s how:

  1. Download Your Files: Use an FTP client (such as FileZilla) to download everything from the /public_html/ or root directory.
  2. Export Your Database: Through phpMyAdmin, export your existing database as a .sql file.

Pro Tip: Don’t forget the hidden files like .htaccess—they are crucial for your site’s settings.

3. Import to the New Host

  1. Upload Your Files: Use FTP to upload your downloaded WordPress files to the new host’s directory.
  2. Import the Database: Using phpMyAdmin on the new server, import the .sql database file you exported earlier.
  3. Update wp-config.php: Adjust the file to match the new database’s name, user, and password.

Example:

define('DB_NAME', 'new_database_name');
define('DB_USER', 'new_database_user');
define('DB_PASSWORD', 'new_database_password');
define('DB_HOST', 'localhost');

4. Repoint Your Domain

Once your files and database are in place:

  • Update your domain’s DNS settings to point to your new host’s server. This is typically done by changing the nameservers at your domain registrar.
  • DNS changes can take up to 48 hours to propagate, but your website remains accessible if you don’t remove it from the old host immediately.

5. Test Your Site

  • Check your site using your new host’s temporary URL, or modify your local computer’s HOSTS file to preview the new site before DNS propagation completes.
  • Verify that all pages, posts, images, and plugins are functioning.
  • Check contact forms, comments, and other interactive features.

Important: Only delete your site from the old host after confirming everything works perfectly on the new one.

Benefits of Transferring Your WordPress Site

  • Improved Performance: Faster loading speeds and better resource allocation.
  • Enhanced Security: Access to the latest server security features.
  • Scalability: Ability to upgrade as your site grows.
  • Reliable Support: Better and faster help when you need it.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Even the best migrations can hit a few bumps. Here’s what to watch out for:

  • Broken Links or Missing Images: Double-check that all files and folder paths match. Update URL references if your domain or site address changes.
  • Login Issues: Clear your browser cache or reset your password.
  • Database Connection Errors: Verify credentials in wp-config.php.
  • Downtime: To minimize downtime, don’t update your DNS until after restoring the site on the new host and comprehensive testing.
  • Email Disruptions: If your email is tied to your hosting provider, update email records after the migration.

Practical Tips and Best Practices

Achieve a seamless transfer with these tried-and-true methods:

  • Take Multiple Backups: Always create and store more than one backup, in different locations.
  • Stay Organized: Keep a checklist of the steps you’re taking and files you move.
  • Check PHP and MySQL Versions: Ensure your new host supports the same or higher versions as your old one for compatibility.
  • Keep the Old Site Until DNS Fully Propagates: This ensures no visitors encounter a broken site.
  • Test Everything Thoroughly: Functional testing is vital before removing the old website.

Cost Considerations When Transferring WordPress

Although many aspects of WordPress migration are free (especially if you do it yourself), there are potential costs to plan for:

  • Hosting Fees: New hosting packages can range from a few dollars to hundreds per month based on resources and features.
  • Premium Migration Plugins/Services: Some plugins and hosts offer paid migration features or professional support for a fee.
  • Domain Transfer Costs: If moving your domain registration, your registrar may charge a small fee.
  • Time as Currency: DIY migration saves money but takes time. Paid services can save time and effort if your budget allows.
  • Downtime Costs: If your site is unavailable during migration, it could impact revenue or user trust. Avoid this with careful planning.

Tip: Many modern hosts offer free migration services—always check before starting!

In Summary

Transferring your WordPress site is simpler than it seems. Whether using a plugin or moving everything by hand, the key to success is preparation. Take backups, follow a clear plan, and test thoroughly. With careful steps, you’ll minimize downtime, preserve valuable content, and give your website a fresh start on powerful new hosting. Remember, the process is as much about planning as it is about execution.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long does it take to transfer a WordPress website?
The actual migration process can take a few hours, but DNS propagation can extend the total time up to 48 hours. Most of the work is copying files, databases, and updating settings. Proper testing and planning help reduce interruptions.

Can I transfer my WordPress site without any downtime?
Absolutely. By keeping your old site live until the new one is fully set up and only switching your DNS afterward, downtime can be avoided. Testing the new site using a temporary URL also ensures visitors don’t experience issues.

What are the risks of migrating a WordPress site?
Risks include data loss, broken functionality (like missing images or links), downtime, and SEO ranking changes. Making thorough backups and testing your migrated site on the new host helps mitigate these risks.

Do I need technical knowledge to transfer my website?
While having basic familiarity with FTP and databases helps, many migration plugins make the process accessible to beginners. For more complex migrations, or if you’re unsure, consider hiring professional help or using your new host’s free migration service (if available).

Will switching hosts affect my SEO rankings?
If you maintain your website’s structure and URLs, SEO impact is minimal. To ensure your rankings remain stable, avoid prolonged site downtime and double-check that internal links and sitemap entries update correctly during migration.

With these steps and best practices, you can transfer your WordPress site confidently, unlocking better performance and future-proofing your online presence.

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