Question

Move WordPress Site to New Server: Step-by-Step Guide

Posted on by William Zheng

Thinking about switching your WordPress site to a new server but worried you’ll lose your hard work or break your site? You’re not alone—moving a website can feel intimidating, but it’s a common step as your site grows or needs faster hosting.

Understanding how to move your WordPress site safely is essential to avoid downtime, lost data, or SEO setbacks. In this article, you’ll find a clear, step-by-step guide, plus practical tips to make your move smooth and stress-free.

Related Video

How to Move Your WordPress Site to a New Server: The Complete Guide

Migrating a WordPress site to a new server might seem intimidating, but it can be straightforward with the right steps and preparation. Whether you’re switching hosting providers for better performance, seeking improved customer support, or scaling your site, this process ensures your website is seamlessly relocated with minimal risk of downtime or data loss.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through each step, explain essential considerations, offer cost-saving tips, and share expert advice so your move is as smooth as possible.

Understanding the WordPress Migration Process

At its core, moving a WordPress website to a new server involves copying your site’s files and database from your existing host to the new one. Think of it as packing up your belongings, transporting them, and setting them up in a new home.

The process typically consists of:

  • Backing up your current website (files and database).
  • Transferring all files to the new server.
  • Importing your database.
  • Updating configurations.
  • Testing your site on the new server.
  • Pointing your domain to the new host.

Let’s break these down further to simplify the experience.

Step-by-Step: How to Move Your WordPress Site to a New Server

1. Prepare a Backup of Your Website

Moving your site without a backup is a major risk. Always start by backing up everything.

What to back up:
– All WordPress files: These include themes, plugins, uploads, and core files.
– The database: This stores your site’s content, settings, users, and more.

How to back up:
– Use a plugin (like UpdraftPlus, All-in-One WP Migration, or Duplicator) for a quick, user-friendly backup.
– Alternatively, back up manually via your host’s file manager or using FTP (File Transfer Protocol) clients like FileZilla, and export your database from phpMyAdmin.

Pro Tip: Double-check your backups are complete and accessible before continuing.

2. Download Your WordPress Files

Next, you’ll need to download all your WordPress files:

  • Connect to your current server using FTP/SFTP or your host’s file manager.
  • Download the entire contents of your website’s root folder (often called public_html or www).
  • Pay special attention to folders like /wp-content/uploads, as these contain your images and media.

3. Export Your WordPress Database

The database contains your site’s content, comments, settings, and user information.

  • Log into your hosting control panel (usually cPanel or similar).
  • Access phpMyAdmin.
  • Select your WordPress database.
  • Choose Export and save the .sql file to your computer.

4. Upload WordPress Files to the New Server

With your files and database securely backed up, it’s time to move them to the new server:


How to Transfer a WordPress Site to Another Server - WPGIZ - move wordpress site to new server

  • Use FTP or your new host’s file manager to upload all WordPress files into your new site’s root folder.
  • Ensure the folder structure matches your previous server.

Cost Tip: Some hosts offer free site migration. Check with your new host to see if this service is included, which could save you time and effort.

5. Create a New Database and Import Your Data

Set up a new database for your site on the new server:

  1. Create a new database and user in your hosting control panel.
  2. Assign your user full privileges to the new database.
  3. Access phpMyAdmin on the new host.
  4. Select the new database, go to Import, and upload the .sql file exported earlier.

6. Update the wp-config.php File

The wp-config.php file tells WordPress how to connect to your database.

  • Open this file (found in your site’s root directory) in a text editor.
  • Look for the following lines and update them with your new database name, user, and password:

php
define('DB_NAME', 'new_db_name');
define('DB_USER', 'new_db_user');
define('DB_PASSWORD', 'new_db_password');
define('DB_HOST', 'localhost'); // Often 'localhost', but confirm with your host

  • Save and upload the updated wp-config.php file to your new server.

7. Update Site URLs if Needed

If you are also changing your domain name, or your development server uses a temporary URL, you must update your site’s URLs across the database.

  • Use a plugin like “Better Search Replace” or “WP Migrate DB” to find and replace old URLs with the new domain.
  • Manually changing URLs is rarely recommended due to serialization inside the database.

8. Test Your Site on the New Server (Before Changing DNS)

Before pointing your domain to the new server, make sure everything works as expected.

  • Use your server’s temporary URL or modify your computer’s hosts file to preview your site on the new server without affecting the public site.
  • Test every part: pages, posts, login, plugins, and forms.

Practical Advice: Check for missing images, broken links, or plugin issues during your testing phase.

9. Update DNS Settings

Once you’re confident everything works:

  • Log into your domain registrar.
  • Update your domain’s nameservers to those provided by your new hosting provider or modify the A Record to point to your new server’s IP address.
  • DNS changes usually propagate within a few hours but can take up to 48 hours worldwide.

Minimize Downtime: Keep your old hosting active for at least 48 hours to ensure all visitors are seamlessly redirected during DNS propagation.

10. Final Checks and Clean-Up

  • When DNS has fully propagated, revisit your website to confirm it loads from the new server.
  • Check administrative areas, media files, plugins, and key site features again.
  • Remove the old files and database from your previous server once you’re certain the move was successful.

Benefits of Migrating WordPress to a New Server

Switching hosting providers isn’t just about change—it’s about improvement. Here are some gains you might notice:

  • Better performance: Faster loading times and improved uptime.
  • Enhanced security: More robust protections and regular updates.
  • Scalability: Resources to handle more traffic as your site grows.
  • Superior support: Responsive customer service and WordPress expertise.

By following best practices and preparing properly, you can enjoy these benefits with minimal hassle.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

While moving a WordPress site is straightforward, a few obstacles may arise:

  • Large Sites: Websites with lots of content or media can take longer to back up, transfer, and import. Use command-line tools (like SSH) or contact your host for advice if uploads time out.
  • Downtime Fears: Careful planning and testing, along with leaving your old host active during propagation, greatly reduce the chance of downtime.
  • Broken Links or Missing Media: Occur if uploads are missed or if URLs aren’t properly updated in the database. Verify after the move and use tools/plugins to fix broken links.
  • Email Issues: If you use email through your hosting provider, you’ll need to migrate/adjust email settings as well. Consult your host for help with this.

Practical Tips and Best Practices

  • Leave Your Old Site Online During DNS Propagation: This is crucial to avoid losing visitors during the switch.
  • Check Licensing and Plugin Keys: Some plugins or themes may require reactivation or a license reset when moving to a new domain or server.
  • Automate When Possible: Migration plugins can handle most tasks automatically, saving you time.
  • Document the Process: Keep a list of passwords, credentials, and step-by-step notes for future migrations.
  • Test Everything—Twice: Don’t rush. Failed migrations almost always result from a missed step or insufficient testing.

Cost-Saving Tips

  • Look for Free Migration Services: Many reputable hosting companies move your WordPress site at no extra charge.
  • Use Free Plugins for Small Sites: Tools like All-in-One WP Migration or Duplicator offer reliable free versions for sites under a certain size.
  • Choose Hosting Plans Wisely: Only pay for what you need. Start small and scale up when necessary.
  • Avoid Paid Tools Unless Needed: Premium backup and migration plugins are handy but not always necessary for simple moves.

Final Thoughts

Migrating your WordPress site to a new server is a significant but manageable task. With preparation, patience, and a careful approach, you can move your site with little to no downtime and enjoy better performance, security, and support. Use this guide as your roadmap, and don’t hesitate to reach out to your new host for assistance—they want your business to succeed!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I move my WordPress site without any downtime?
Yes, you can. By keeping your old host active during the transfer and testing your new server before changing your domain’s DNS, you minimize downtime. The key is to thoroughly test your site on the new server before finalizing the switch.

Do I need technical knowledge to migrate my WordPress site?
Some basic familiarity with website management helps, but many migration plugins or host-supported services make the process much easier. Step-by-step guides break down the process into manageable actions.

What should I do if my site is broken after migration?
Start by retracing your steps: verify that all files and the database were copied correctly, updated the wp-config.php file, and site URLs are correct. If problems persist, consult your hosting provider or a migration expert, or restore from your backup.

Is it necessary to change my domain when moving to a new server?
No, you can keep your domain. The only required change is updating your DNS settings to point the domain to your new server. Domain migration is only needed if you want to use a new website address.

How long does it take to move a WordPress site?
For small to medium-sized sites, migration can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours, especially if using plugins or automated tools. Larger sites may take longer due to the volume of data. DNS propagation following the move can take up to 48 hours.

Taking the time to plan, back up, and test ensures a successful migration and a faster, more reliable website on your new server. Good luck with your WordPress move!

Post Views: 11