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How to Migrate WordPress to a New Server: Full Guide

Posted on by William Zheng

Thinking about moving your WordPress website to a new server, but worried about downtime or losing your hard work? You’re not alone. Whether you’re upgrading hosting, improving site speed, or seeking better support, migration is a key step for many site owners.

This article guides you through the process, outlining essential steps, offering practical tips, and highlighting common pitfalls to avoid. Get ready for a smooth, stress-free move and keep your website running seamlessly.

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How to Migrate WordPress to a New Server: The Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Moving your WordPress site to a new server can seem daunting. Worries about losing content or causing downtime are common, especially if you’re running a business or blog that relies on continuous uptime. Fortunately, migration is a well-trodden path, and you can accomplish it smoothly with the right approach and tools. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process, break it down into clear steps, and highlight the best practices so you can confidently move your WordPress site to its new home.

Why Migrate Your WordPress Site?

There are many reasons you might want to migrate WordPress to a new server, such as:

  • Outgrowing your current hosting provider.
  • Needing better speed, security, or support.
  • Switching to a host that better suits your budget or traffic needs.
  • Preparing for a redesign or major update.

Knowing your reason helps you plan for the right timing and resources.

Preparation: What to Do Before Migrating

Migration success is built on solid preparation. Here’s what you should do before you begin any transfer:

1. Back Up Everything

  • Site Files: Include themes, plugins, images, and media in your backup.
  • Database: This contains your posts, users, settings, and more.

Use plugins or manual methods to ensure you have both files and database backups stored safely, preferably in more than one location.

2. Inform Stakeholders

Let team members know the schedule of migration to avoid simultaneous changes, and consider alerting users if you expect any visible downtime.

3. Update WordPress and Plugins

Ensure WordPress, themes, and plugins are up to date. This reduces compatibility issues during migration.

4. Check Access Credentials

  • Confirm you have access to your old and new web hosting accounts.
  • Secure FTP/SFTP, database, and control panel login details.
  • Ensure you can access the domain registrar if DNS changes are needed.

Step-by-Step Guide: Migrating WordPress to a New Server

There are two primary methods to migrate your WordPress site: manually or by using a plugin. Here, you’ll find step-by-step instructions for both routes, including tips to minimize downtime.

Method 1: Using a Migration Plugin

For many users, migration plugins are the simplest and fastest way to move a site.

Top Migration Plugins

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

Steps

  1. Install the Migration Plugin
  2. On your current WordPress site, go to the plugins section.

  3. Add and activate your chosen migration plugin.

  4. Export Your Site

  5. Follow the plugin’s instructions to create a backup or export file.

  6. Download the backup file to your computer.

  7. Upload WordPress to New Server

  8. Install WordPress on the new server, if it’s not already there.

  9. Install the same migration plugin on the new WordPress site.

  10. Import Your Site

  11. Use the plugin to import the previously downloaded backup file.

  12. The plugin will recreate your site, including its database and contents.

  13. Update Domain Name Servers (DNS)

  14. Point your domain to the new server’s nameservers.

  15. This step ensures your visitors go to the new site.

  16. Test the New Site

  17. Before making the DNS change public or after propagation, check for broken links, errors, or missing files.

Tip:

Some plugins have upload limits. For larger sites, check plugin documentation for special instructions.

Method 2: Manual Migration

Manual migration offers control and can be more reliable for large or complex sites.

Steps

  1. Download Your WordPress Files
  2. Connect to your current server via FTP/SFTP.

  3. Download all WordPress files: this includes everything in the public_html or root directory.

  4. Export the WordPress Database

  5. Access your hosting control panel (like cPanel).

  6. Open phpMyAdmin, select your database, and export it as an SQL file.

  7. Upload Files to New Server

  8. Connect to your new host using FTP/SFTP.

  9. Upload your downloaded files to the new website directory.

  10. Create a New Database

  11. In your new hosting control panel, set up a new database and database user.

  12. Note the database name, username, and password.

  13. Import the Database

  14. Use phpMyAdmin on the new host to import the SQL file you exported earlier.

  15. Update wp-config.php

  16. In your new server’s WordPress files, edit the wp-config.php file.
  17. Update the following to match the new database details:

define('DB_NAME', 'new_database_name');
define('DB_USER', 'new_username');
define('DB_PASSWORD', 'new_password');
define('DB_HOST', 'localhost'); // Usually 'localhost', but check with your host.

  1. Update Site URLs (if needed)
  2. If your site’s domain is changing, update the site’s URL in the database.

  3. This can be done via phpMyAdmin (wp_options table: update siteurl and home).

  4. Reconfigure Domain/DNS

  5. Update your domain’s DNS records to point to your new host’s server.

  6. DNS changes can take up to 48 hours to propagate.

  7. Test Everything

  8. Browse your new site, testing pages, images, forms, and especially admin login.
  9. Check for missing plugins, broken links, or media.

Tip:

Don’t delete your old files or cancel your old hosting until your site is running perfectly on the new server.

Common Challenges When Migrating

Migration can be seamless, but you may encounter roadblocks:

  • Downtime: With good planning and fast DNS updates, your site will have minimal downtime.
  • Broken Links or Images: This can occur if paths depend on old server directories or URLs aren’t updated.
  • Incompatible PHP or MySQL versions: Ensure your new host supports the same (or updated) versions as your old host.
  • Lost emails: If your domain’s email was managed by your old host, set up equivalent email accounts on the new server before changing DNS.

Practical Tips and Best Practices

  • Test migration on a staging site: Many hosts offer a “staging” environment where you can run your site in parallel, check everything, and switch live only when ready.
  • Set TTL (Time to Live) low before migration: Lower your DNS TTL to 300 seconds (5 minutes) before you switch hosts. This helps DNS propogate faster.
  • Keep both hosts running for a few days: This allows time to catch any files or emails missed during migration.
  • Enable maintenance mode: If you expect any downtime, use a maintenance mode plugin to display a friendly message.
  • Double-check file permissions: Ensure uploaded files and directories have the correct permissions for WordPress to function.

Cost Tips

Migrating a WordPress site doesn’t have to be expensive:

  • Free Plugins: Many migration plugins offer free versions suitable for small and medium-sized sites.
  • DIY vs. Professional Migration: Doing it yourself is free but requires time and effort. Some hosting companies offer free migration as a service—ask your new host before you start!
  • Avoiding Additional Costs: Make sure to cancel your old hosting only after the new site is verified, to avoid paying for two hosts longer than needed.
  • Domain Transfers: Generally, you only pay if you’re transferring the registration itself. DNS changes are usually free.

Benefits of Migrating to a New Server

  • Better performance: Faster load times and improved user experience.
  • Enhanced security: Some hosts specialize in WordPress security.
  • Advanced features: Access to new hosting technologies, backups, staging, or scalability options.
  • Cost efficiency: Choose a host with features that fit your needs and budget.

Conclusion

Migrating your WordPress site to a new server doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right preparation, a reliable backup, and careful step-by-step action—whether using a plugin or manual method—you can move your site with little or no downtime. Always double-check everything before and after the move to ensure your visitors and business don’t miss a beat. If you plan ahead and follow these best practices, the transition to your new hosting environment will be a breeze.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How long does it take to migrate a WordPress site to a new server?
The actual site transfer usually takes a few hours. However, DNS propagation can take up to 48 hours, though most users will see the new site much sooner.

2. Will my site experience downtime during migration?
If you plan properly, downtime is minimal or avoided entirely. Using plugins or staging, and setting your DNS TTL lower before the move, will help ensure uninterrupted access.

3. What if my website uses a different domain name on the new server?
If your domain is changing, update the site URL in your database and scan your site for links or media referencing the old domain. Plugins can help automate replacing old URLs with the new ones.

4. Should I delete my old site or hosting after migration?
Only delete your old hosting account after you’ve thoroughly tested your site on the new server and ensured everything is working as expected. Keep backups just in case you need to revert.

5. Can I migrate my WordPress site without using a plugin?
Yes, you can migrate manually by copying files via FTP and exporting/importing your database. This method gives you more control but requires careful attention to detail.

With patience and a step-by-step approach, you’ll have your WordPress site up and running on its new server in no time, ready for new visitors and new possibilities!

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