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How to Migrate WordPress to Another Server: Step-by-Step…

Posted on by William Zheng

Ever felt anxious about moving your WordPress site to a new server without breaking anything? You’re not alone. Whether you’re seeking better performance, more control, or just switching hosts, migrating your website can seem daunting.

Getting it right is crucial—one wrong step, and your site could end up offline, losing visitors and business.

This article will guide you through the process, offering clear steps, practical tips, and helpful insights to ensure a smooth, stress-free migration.

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How to Migrate WordPress to Another Server: A Comprehensive Guide

Migrating your WordPress website to a new server may sound intimidating, but with the right approach, you can transition smoothly—without losing any data or suffering downtime. Whether you’re switching hosts for better performance, security, or support, understanding the process can make the task manageable and stress-free. In this guide, you’ll learn step-by-step how to migrate WordPress to another server, discover best practices, and gain useful tips for a successful move.

Why Migrate Your WordPress Site?

Before you begin, it’s important to know the common reasons for migrating a WordPress site:

  • Improved Performance: Upgrading to a better hosting provider can boost your site’s speed and reliability.
  • Enhanced Security: Some hosts offer stronger security measures to better protect your site and its users.
  • Better Support or Features: New hosts might provide superior customer service or specific tools you need.
  • Cost Savings: Migration can sometimes mean lower hosting costs with improved resources.

No matter your motivation, careful planning helps avoid pitfalls during the transition.

Preparing for Migration


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Preparation sets the tone for a successful migration. Here’s how to get started:

1. Evaluate Your Current Site

  • Check the size of your website, especially large media libraries and databases.
  • Identify custom code, plugins, or themes, as these may need special care.
  • Clean up your site by deleting unnecessary files or plugins.

2. Choose Your New Hosting Environment

  • Ensure the new server meets WordPress requirements (PHP, MySQL/MariaDB, HTTPS support).
  • Check transfer limits, storage, and bandwidth.
  • Find out if your new host provides migration assistance—it can simplify the process.

3. Backup Your Website

Before making any changes, always back up your site:

  • Full Site Backup: Includes all files and the database.
  • Consider using reliable plugins or manual methods for safety.
  • Keep this backup in a secure location in case you need to restore later.

Step-by-Step WordPress Migration Process

There are two main ways to migrate your WordPress site: using a plugin or by doing it manually. Below, both methods are detailed so you can choose the one that best fits your needs.

Option 1: Migrate Using a WordPress Plugin

Plugins automate much of the migration, reducing technical demands. Here’s how to do it:

1. Install a Migration Plugin

  • Choose a trusted plugin (such as Duplicator, All-in-One WP Migration, or UpdraftPlus).
  • Install and activate the plugin on your existing WordPress site.

2. Create a Site Backup

  • Use the plugin to generate a full backup (files + database).
  • Download the backup package to your computer.

3. Set Up the New Server

  • Install a fresh version of WordPress on your new hosting account.
  • Install the same migration plugin on this new site.

4. Import Your Backup

  • Use the plugin to upload your backup package to the new site.
  • Follow on-screen steps to unpack and restore your site on the new server.

5. Update Domain and DNS Settings

  • Point your domain to the new server by updating DNS records via your domain registrar.
  • This might take a few hours due to propagation (often up to 48 hours).

6. Test Everything

  • Once DNS changes propagate, visit your site on the new server.
  • Test pages, forms, media, user logins, and plugins to ensure all work correctly.

Option 2: Manual WordPress Migration

If you prefer more control or want to understand the nuts and bolts, manual migration is a solid option:

1. Download Website Files

  • Access your old server via FTP or File Manager.
  • Download all WordPress files (including .htaccess, wp-content, plugins, themes, and uploads).

2. Export the Database

  • Log into phpMyAdmin (or similar tool) on your old host.
  • Select your WordPress database and click “Export.”
  • Choose the SQL format to download the file.

3. Upload Files to the New Server

  • Use FTP or File Manager to upload your files to the new server’s root directory for your domain.

4. Create a New Database

  • In the new server’s control panel, create a new MySQL database and user.
  • Assign the user to the new database with all privileges.
  • Record the database name, username, and password.

5. Import the Database

  • Open phpMyAdmin on the new server.
  • Select your new database and use the “Import” function to upload your SQL file.

6. Update wp-config.php

  • In the wp-config.php file, update:
  • DB_NAME: Your new database name
  • DB_USER: The username for the new database
  • DB_PASSWORD: The new password
  • DB_HOST: Usually “localhost,” but check your host’s requirements

7. Update Site URL (if Necessary)

  • Sometimes, your site URL changes when migrating.
  • Use phpMyAdmin to update the siteurl and home values in the wp_options table.

8. Point Domain to New Server

  • Change DNS records to point your domain to the new server’s IP address.

9. Test Your Website

  • Double-check pages, posts, logins, and forms to make sure everything works as before.

Key Tips for a Smooth WordPress Migration

Migrating a website can go awry without attention to key details. Keep these best practices in mind:

  • Start During Low Traffic Hours: Reduces the risk of visitors seeing errors.
  • Leave Your Old Site Active Temporarily: Wait until the new site is 100% operational and DNS changes have finished propagating.
  • Update Permalinks: Log in to WordPress, visit Settings > Permalinks, and click “Save Changes” to flush rewrite rules.
  • Clear Caches: Clear both site and browser caches to avoid loading old files.
  • Check Email Functions: Sometimes, emails or contact forms need reconfiguring after migration.
  • Monitor Your Site: Use uptime monitoring tools to catch any issues quickly.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

While migrating WordPress is generally straightforward, you’ll want to be aware of potential obstacles:

  • Large Sites May Time Out: If your site is huge, consider migrating in parts or use a staging environment.
  • Changed File Paths: Update paths in plugins or themes if they reference absolute URLs.
  • Broken Links/Images: Use plugins or database search-and-replace tools to fix links.
  • SSL Certificates: Install SSL on the new server to maintain HTTPS.
  • Plugin or Theme Conflicts: Update all resources before migrating to avoid compatibility issues.

Cost Tips for Migrating WordPress Sites

While migrating your WordPress site, costs can vary:

  • Manual Migration: Generally costs nothing except your time. You may need FTP software (many free options exist).
  • Plugin Migration: Most migration plugins offer free versions, but large or complex sites may require a paid license.
  • Host Migration Services: Some hosts offer free migration for new customers—ask before moving.
  • Domain Transfer: Changing domain registrars or purchasing new domains may incur extra fees.
  • Premium Support: If you need expert help, there may be a one-time fee.

Where possible, take advantage of free offerings from your new hosting provider.

Benefits of Migrating WordPress to Another Server

Migrating isn’t just about moving files—it often results in:

  • Improved Site Speed and Performance
  • Stronger Security and Backups
  • More Room for Growth
  • Access to New Hosting Features
  • Potential Savings on Hosting Fees

These advantages underscore why many website owners choose to undertake this important task.

Wrapping Up: Stress-Free WordPress Migration

Migrating your WordPress site to another server can seem overwhelming, but when broken down into clear steps, it becomes a straightforward process. With good preparation, reliable backups, and attention to detail, you can move your site with minimal hassle and no downtime.

Whether you use a plugin or migrate manually, always take your time, test everything, and seek help if things get tricky. Happy migrating!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long does it take to migrate a WordPress site?
Migration time often depends on your site’s size and the method used. Simple sites can move in under an hour, while complex or very large sites may take several hours. DNS propagation may require up to 48 hours for all users to see your site at its new home.

Will my website experience any downtime during migration?
If planned carefully, downtime can be minimized or avoided altogether. Keeping your old site live until the new one is fully tested and updating DNS correctly are key strategies to prevent disruption.

Do I need technical knowledge to migrate my site?
Many migration plugins make the process accessible to beginners. However, manual migration may require familiarity with FTP, databases, and basic server management. If you’re not confident, consider seeking professional help or asking your new host for support.

What should I do if something goes wrong during migration?
Restore your site from the backup you created before starting. Double-check steps such as database import, file permissions, and wp-config settings. If issues persist, reach out to your hosting provider or seek expert help.

Can I migrate my WordPress site to a different domain at the same time?
Yes, you can migrate to a new domain during server migration. You’ll need to update your WordPress settings (site URL and home URL) and search the database for old URLs to replace them with the new domain. Use a search-and-replace tool to catch all references.

By following this guide, you’ll navigate WordPress migration confidently and efficiently, ensuring your website continues to perform at its best on its new server.

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