Introduction to WordPress Website Migration
What is Website Migration?
Website migration is the process of moving a website from one place to another. This could mean changing the web hosting provider, moving the site to a new domain, or switching the structure of the website itself. For WordPress websites, migration usually involves transferring all the website files, the database, themes, and plugins to a new server or platform. The key goal is to make sure the website continues to work smoothly after the move. Visitors should not experience downtime, and it’s important to keep the site’s SEO rankings intact during the transition. For more detailed info: Migrate or move WordPress website to a new host in 2025
Common Reasons to Migrate in 2025
In 2025, many website owners choose to migrate their WordPress sites for several reasons. Often, they want to switch to a better hosting provider that offers faster speeds, more reliable uptime, or better customer support. Sometimes businesses rebrand or change their website’s URL structure, which requires moving to a new domain or adjusting how the URLs are organized.
Other times, site owners want to upgrade their website technology. They might move from an older CMS or outdated WordPress version to the latest WordPress platform to benefit from improved features, security, and flexibility. Performance is another major reason to migrate — moving to servers that are physically closer to the target audience or using specialized managed WordPress hosting can make a website load faster and perform better.
Security is also a key factor. If a hosting environment is vulnerable or has been compromised, migrating the site to a more secure server helps protect both the website’s data and its visitors. Additionally, some businesses with multiple websites decide to consolidate their content into a single, more manageable WordPress site, which can help improve SEO and simplify maintenance.
Why You Might Need to Move Your WordPress Site
There are several important reasons why you might decide to move your WordPress website. One of the most common reasons is performance and speed issues. If your current hosting provider cannot deliver fast load times or suffers from frequent downtime, your visitors will have a poor experience, and your search rankings might drop. Moving your site to a faster, more reliable host can make a big difference in how your website performs.
Another reason is better customer support. When your hosting provider isn’t responsive or lacks expertise in WordPress, troubleshooting problems becomes stressful and time-consuming. Switching to a host with dedicated WordPress support ensures that you can quickly get help when you need it, reducing site downtime and technical headaches.
Cost efficiency also plays a role. If your hosting fees are too high for the features or performance you receive, migrating to a more affordable provider can help you save money without sacrificing quality. On the other hand, sometimes it makes sense to upgrade to a more premium hosting plan that better suits your growing needs.
Security improvements are crucial as well. Hosting environments that don’t offer strong security measures put your website and user data at risk. Migrating to a host with better security protocols—such as regular backups, malware scanning, and firewalls—can help protect your site from attacks and data breaches.
Finally, scaling for growth is a key factor. As your website attracts more visitors, you may outgrow your current hosting setup. Moving to a platform that supports higher traffic volumes, offers more resources, or provides scalable infrastructure ensures your site can handle growth smoothly without crashing or slowing down.
Choosing the Right Hosting Provider for 2025
Picking the right hosting provider is one of the most important decisions when migrating your WordPress site. Hosting options vary widely, and understanding the differences helps you choose the best fit for your needs.
Shared hosting is the most affordable option, where your website shares server resources like CPU and memory with other sites. While this keeps costs low, shared hosting can lead to slower speeds and less reliability if other sites consume too many resources. For small blogs or simple websites with low traffic, shared hosting may be enough. However, if your site grows or needs better performance, you might consider upgrading.
Virtual Private Server (VPS) hosting gives you a dedicated portion of a server’s resources. It offers more power, flexibility, and control than shared hosting because your site won’t be affected as much by other users. VPS is a popular choice for medium-sized websites and growing businesses that need faster load times and more stability.
Dedicated hosting is the highest level, where you rent an entire server just for your site. This gives you full control, maximum performance, and top security. Dedicated servers are usually used by large websites or enterprises that require heavy resource usage and customization.
For WordPress users, managed WordPress hosting has become very popular in 2025. Managed hosting providers take care of all technical aspects like automatic updates, security patches, backups, and caching. This lets you focus on your content and business while ensuring your site runs fast and stays secure. Managed hosting often includes specialized support teams who know WordPress inside and out.
When choosing your hosting provider, consider several key factors. Speed is crucial — faster servers improve user experience and SEO rankings. Reliable customer support can save you from many headaches, especially if you’re not technical. Look for providers with good uptime guarantees (usually 99.9% or higher) to ensure your website stays live almost all the time. Also, check if the provider offers easy migration support to help you move your site smoothly.
Preparing Your Website for Migration
Before you start migrating your WordPress site, it’s important to prepare it properly to avoid issues during the move. One of the first steps is to clean up your website by removing any unused plugins and themes. Extra plugins and themes can add unnecessary bulk and sometimes cause conflicts during migration. Keeping only the essential ones helps the process go smoother.
Next, make sure your WordPress core, plugins, and themes are all updated to their latest versions. Updates often include important bug fixes and security patches, so running the latest versions reduces the chance of running into compatibility problems on the new host. It also helps ensure your website remains secure throughout the migration.
It’s also a good idea to temporarily disable caching and security plugins before the migration begins. Caching plugins can interfere with the migration by serving stored versions of pages rather than fresh content. Security plugins might block certain processes needed to transfer files or databases. Disabling these temporarily prevents errors during the transfer and can be turned back on once the migration is complete.
Taking these preparation steps helps ensure a smoother migration with less downtime or unexpected problems. Once your site is ready, you can move on to exporting your files and database safely.
Creating a Full Backup of Website Files and Database
Before migrating your WordPress site, creating a complete backup is absolutely essential. A full backup ensures that, even if something goes wrong during the move, you won’t lose any important content, settings, or user data. There are a few different ways you can back up your site, depending on your comfort level and the tools available.
One of the easiest ways is through your hosting control panel. Most hosting providers offer built-in backup options in platforms like cPanel or DirectAdmin. From there, you can usually create a full backup that includes both your website files and your database. Once the backup is complete, you can download it to your local computer or cloud storage for safekeeping.
Another user-friendly option is to use a WordPress backup plugin. Plugins like UpdraftPlus, All-in-One WP Migration, or Duplicator allow you to create and download backups directly from your WordPress dashboard. These tools often let you schedule backups, choose what to include, and even store your backups on services like Google Drive or Dropbox.
For those who prefer a manual method, you can back up your website using FTP and phpMyAdmin. First, use an FTP client like FileZilla to connect to your server and download all your WordPress files, including the wp-content folder, themes, plugins, and media uploads. Then, go to phpMyAdmin in your hosting panel, select your WordPress database, and export it as a SQL file. This gives you complete control over your backup, but it requires more attention to detail.
No matter which method you choose, make sure you test the backup or verify it saved correctly. Keeping a clean, recent copy of your site will give you peace of mind and a safe starting point for your migration.
Exporting the WordPress Database Safely
Once your website is backed up, the next step in the migration process is exporting your WordPress database. The database holds all your website’s core content — posts, pages, user accounts, comments, settings, and more. Exporting it properly ensures your new server can read and import the data without errors.
To begin, you’ll need access to phpMyAdmin or any other database management tool provided by your hosting provider. Most hosts include phpMyAdmin in the control panel, and it’s commonly used for handling MySQL databases. Once inside phpMyAdmin, select your WordPress database from the sidebar. If you’re unsure which one it is, you can check your site’s wp-config.php
file for the database name.
After selecting the database, click on the Export tab at the top. You’ll usually be given two options: Quick and Custom. For most cases, the Quick export method in SQL format is sufficient and compatible with all major hosts. It includes the full structure and data of your WordPress site, making it easy to import later.
However, if you want more control or your site is large and complex, choose the Custom export option. This lets you fine-tune what tables to include, set character encoding (like UTF-8), and enable compatibility settings for older MySQL versions. Be sure to keep the output format as SQL unless your target server requires something different.
Once the export is complete, your browser will download a .sql
file — this is your entire WordPress database. Store it safely, and make sure not to edit it unless you’re familiar with SQL syntax. This file will be used later to import your site’s content into the new server.
Downloading Your Website Files via FTP or File Manager
Along with your database, you also need to download all your website files. These include your theme, plugins, media uploads, and important configuration files — everything that powers the visual and functional parts of your WordPress site. If you skip this step, your new site may load incorrectly or lose key features.
One of the most reliable ways to download your files is by using an FTP client like FileZilla or Cyberduck. These tools let you connect directly to your website’s server and access all files stored there. To connect, you’ll need your FTP credentials — usually the hostname (like ftp.yourwebsite.com), username, password, and port number. These are typically available in your hosting control panel.
Once connected, you’ll see a folder structure on your server. Navigate to the folder where WordPress is installed. In most cases, it’s in the public_html
or www
directory. From there, select and download all WordPress core files and folders to your local computer. This includes important directories like:
-
wp-content
, which contains all your themes, plugins, and uploaded images. -
The
wp-config.php
file, which stores your database connection details. -
.htaccess
and other hidden configuration files, if visible.
Be careful not to skip these critical parts. The wp-content
folder holds everything unique to your site, while wp-config.php
ensures your site connects properly to its database when restored. Once all files are safely downloaded, you’re ready to upload them to your new host during the migration process.
If you’re not comfortable with FTP, many hosting control panels also include a File Manager feature. This lets you browse your files through a web interface and download them as a zipped folder. It's a helpful alternative for beginners or those without an FTP client installed.
Uploading Website Files to the New Hosting Server
Now that you’ve downloaded all your WordPress files, it's time to upload them to your new hosting server. This step is very important because your site won’t work without these files in the right place.
There are two common ways to upload your files: using an FTP client like FileZilla or Cyberduck, or through your hosting provider’s File Manager (usually found in the control panel like cPanel or hPanel). Either method works fine, so choose the one you’re most comfortable with.
If you're using FTP, open your FTP client and enter the new hosting server’s login details (hostname, username, password, and port). After you connect, go to the root directory of your new server — this is usually called public_html
or www
.
Now upload all the files and folders you downloaded earlier — including wp-content
, wp-admin
, and wp-includes
, as well as important files like wp-config.php
and .htaccess
(if it exists). Make sure you maintain the original folder structure — don’t move files around or place them in different folders. WordPress needs all the files to be in the correct order to work properly.
If you prefer the File Manager method, log into your hosting control panel and open File Manager. Go to the main website directory (again, often called public_html
) and use the "Upload" feature. You can either upload files one by one or zip everything into one file on your computer, upload it, and then extract it on the server.
Creating a New Database on the New Host
Before your website can run on the new hosting server, it needs a new home for its database. This means you have to create a new database and connect it to WordPress.
Start by logging in to your hosting control panel — this might be cPanel, hPanel, or whatever your provider uses. Look for the section called MySQL Databases or Database Management.
First, create a new database name. It can be anything, like mywebsite_db
. Then create a new database user — this is like a login for your website to talk to the database. Set a strong password for the user. Some control panels will also let you auto-generate a strong password — that’s a good idea if you don’t want to make your own.
After you make the database and the user, the next step is to connect them together. There’s usually an option to “Add User to Database.” Choose the user you just made, select the new database, and click to assign.
You’ll also be asked what kind of permissions the user should have. Make sure to give “All Privileges.” This gives the user full control to read, write, and manage the database, which WordPress needs to run properly.
That’s it! You now have a fresh database ready to be filled with your website’s content.
Importing Your WordPress Database to the New Host
Now that you have a new database, it’s time to move your old website data into it.
Go to your new hosting control panel and open phpMyAdmin. On the left side, click on the new database you created earlier. Then click the Import tab at the top.
Click Choose File and select the .sql
file you exported earlier from your old site. This file holds all your website’s posts, pages, settings, and more.
Keep the import settings as they are. Make sure the file format is set to SQL, then click Go to begin the import.
It might take a few seconds to a few minutes depending on the size of your site. When it’s done, you should see a success message.
If you see an error like “max upload size” or “timeout,” try one of these:
-
Split the file into smaller parts using a tool like SQLDumpSplitter.
-
Ask your host to increase the upload limit.
-
Or use a command-line tool (like MySQL CLI) if you’re on VPS or dedicated hosting.
Once the import is successful, your database is now ready and filled with your website’s content.
Updating the wp-config.php
File with New Database Details
Your website files are now on the new host, and the database has been imported. Next, you need to tell WordPress how to connect to that new database.
Open your website folder and find a file called wp-config.php
. This file controls how WordPress talks to your database.
Use a text editor like Notepad (Windows) or VS Code to open it.
Look for these lines:
Now change the values to match your new hosting details:
-
Replace
'your_old_database_name'
with your new database name. -
Replace
'your_old_database_user'
with the new user you created. -
Replace
'your_old_database_password'
with the new password. -
In most cases,
'localhost'
stays the same — but some hosts use different names like127.0.0.1
or a custom server name (check with your host).
Enabling Debug Mode (Optional)
If you want to see error messages while testing, you can turn on debug mode. Look for this line:
Change it to:
This helps you find problems if anything breaks during the move. Once your site is working fine, you can change it back to false
.
After saving the file, upload it to your new server (if you edited it locally), and you’re ready for the next step.
Configuring DNS Settings and Domain Name Changes
After moving your WordPress site to the new host, you need to point your domain name (like yourwebsite.com
) to your new hosting server. This is done by updating DNS settings.
???? Updating Nameservers at Your Domain Registrar
Your domain is managed by a company like GoDaddy, Namecheap, or Google Domains. This company is called your domain registrar.
To point your domain to your new host:
-
Log into your domain registrar account.
-
Go to your domain's DNS or Nameserver settings.
-
Replace the old nameservers with the ones your new hosting company gave you.
Example: -
Save the changes.
These nameservers tell the internet where your website lives now.
⏳ Understanding DNS Propagation Times
After changing the nameservers, it can take up to 24–48 hours for the changes to reach everyone worldwide. This time is called DNS propagation.
During this period:
-
Some people may see your old website.
-
Others may see your new one.
-
This is normal. Just be patient.
Tip: Don't make new changes to your website until the switch is complete.
???? Using Temporary URLs During Propagation
While waiting, you can use a temporary URL or a host file trick to view your new site before the domain points to it.
Ask your hosting company if they provide a temporary preview link like:
This way, you can test if the new site works fine before going live.
Propagation Time and What to Expect
After you change your domain’s DNS settings, your website needs some time to switch fully to the new hosting. This is called DNS propagation. It means the internet is updating its records to point your domain to the new server. This process usually takes between 1 to 48 hours. Some people might still see your old website during this time, while others will see the new one. This is normal, and there’s no need to worry.
To check if your website has moved properly, you can use online tools like whatsmydns.net or dnschecker.org. These tools let you type in your domain name and see if the new server address is showing up around the world. It’s also helpful to ask someone in another location to visit your website and see what version they get.
Once you think your website has moved to the new server, it’s time to test everything carefully. Start by clicking through every page on your site. Make sure your homepage, blog posts, service pages, and other sections open quickly and correctly. Look for any missing text or images.
Next, test all contact forms and features. If your site has a contact form, try sending a message. If it has a shopping cart, try adding a product and beginning the checkout process. If there’s a login area for members or users, try logging in and out to make sure it works.
Lastly, check all media files and links. Open images, videos, and downloads to confirm they work. Make sure internal and external links go to the right pages. If you find broken images or missing files, reupload them using your backup.
Testing everything helps you find and fix small issues before your visitors do. Once everything is working smoothly, your site is ready for the world on its new host.
Fixing Common Migration Issues and Errors
After moving your WordPress site, some problems might show up. Knowing how to fix these issues quickly will help your site run smoothly.
One common problem is a database connection error. This usually happens if the details in your wp-config.php
file—like the database name, username, or password—are wrong. Double-check those values and make sure they match what your new hosting provider gave you. Also, confirm that the database server (usually ‘localhost’) is correct.
Sometimes, you may notice broken links or missing media like images and videos. This can happen if files were not uploaded properly or if links still point to the old website address. To fix broken links, use a plugin like “Better Search Replace” to update URLs across your database. For missing images, try re-uploading them through the WordPress media library or check that the wp-content/uploads
folder was fully copied.
Permalink and .htaccess
issues can cause your pages to show “404 Not Found” errors. After migration, it’s a good idea to go to your WordPress dashboard, then to Settings > Permalinks, and click “Save Changes” without changing anything. This refreshes the permalink structure and rewrites the .htaccess
file. If .htaccess
is missing or not writable, create it manually or contact your host for help.
Lastly, plugin conflicts may cause errors or prevent parts of your site from working. Sometimes plugins don’t work well after migration due to version mismatches or server differences. To fix this, try disabling all plugins and then reactivate them one by one to find the troublemaker. Make sure all plugins are updated to the latest versions. If a plugin still causes problems, consider replacing it with an alternative.
By carefully checking and fixing these common issues, you can make sure your migrated WordPress site runs just as well—if not better—than before.
Handling SSL Certificates and HTTPS Setup
After migrating your WordPress site, it’s important to make sure your website uses SSL certificates to enable secure connections. SSL certificates protect your visitors by encrypting data between their browser and your website. Without SSL, your site will show as “Not Secure,” which can scare visitors away and hurt your search rankings.
If your new host offers free SSL certificates, like Let’s Encrypt, you can usually install them easily from your hosting control panel. Some hosts even enable SSL automatically for new sites. If you already have an SSL certificate on your old host, you may need to migrate it to the new server. This usually involves downloading the certificate files from the old host and uploading them to the new one or asking your host’s support team for help.
Once the SSL certificate is installed, you should set up your website to force HTTPS redirects. This means visitors will always be sent to the secure version of your site, even if they type the address with “http://” instead of “https://.” You can do this by adding a few lines of code to your .htaccess
file or by using a WordPress plugin like “Really Simple SSL,” which handles the redirect automatically.
Finally, test your secure connection by visiting your site in a browser. Look for the padlock icon in the address bar, which shows your site is secure. You can also use online tools like SSL Labs’ SSL Test to check your certificate’s status and configuration.
Ensuring your SSL certificate is properly installed and HTTPS is enforced protects your visitors and keeps your website trustworthy.
Updating Permalinks and Clearing Cache
After migrating your WordPress site, it’s important to reset your permalink structure. Permalinks are the URLs of your pages and posts, and sometimes they can break during migration. To fix this, log into your WordPress dashboard, go to Settings and then Permalinks. Without changing anything, just click the Save Changes button. This refreshes your permalink settings and often solves issues like “404 Not Found” errors on your pages.
Next, clearing your cache helps your visitors see the latest version of your website. Start by clearing your browser cache to remove old versions of your pages stored on your computer. You can do this in your browser’s settings or by using a private/incognito window.
If your hosting provider uses server-side caching, such as caching plugins or built-in cache, clear that as well. Many caching plugins have a button to purge the cache from your WordPress dashboard.
If you use a Content Delivery Network (CDN) like Cloudflare, make sure to purge the CDN cache too. CDNs store copies of your website on servers worldwide to speed up delivery, but old cached files might cause visitors to see outdated content. Logging into your CDN account and using the “Purge Cache” option will refresh the files across all servers.
By resetting permalinks and clearing all caches, you make sure visitors always see the updated, working version of your site after migration.
Migrating Email Accounts and Other Services
When you move your website to a new host, you also need to think about your email accounts and other services connected to your domain. This is important because your email might stop working if you don’t move or update everything properly.
There are different ways to migrate your email. If your old and new hosting providers both offer email hosting, you can recreate your email accounts on the new server. Then, you can transfer your emails using tools like IMAP sync or by downloading and uploading messages with an email client. Some hosts provide special migration services to help with this process.
If you use a third-party email service like Google Workspace (Gmail), Microsoft 365, or Zoho Mail, your email is not tied directly to your web host. In this case, you just need to update your domain’s DNS MX records to point to the email provider’s servers. MX records control where your emails are delivered, so it’s important to make sure these stay correct after migration. You can find the correct MX records in your email provider’s setup instructions.
To update MX records, log in to your domain registrar or DNS management panel. Look for the DNS settings section and find the MX records. Replace any old entries with the new provider’s details, then save the changes. Like other DNS changes, it can take some time to propagate.
Remember to double-check other services linked to your domain, like subdomains, FTP accounts, or databases. Moving these properly helps avoid disruptions.
Using WordPress Migration Plugins: Pros and Cons
WordPress migration plugins can make moving your website much easier, especially if you’re not comfortable with technical steps like FTP or database export. Some popular plugins like All-in-One WP Migration and Duplicator offer simple, guided processes that help you create a full backup and then restore it on the new host.
The biggest advantage of these plugins is convenience. They save time by bundling your website files and database together, handling serialization (how data is stored) automatically, and giving you easy-to-follow steps. Many plugins also support importing large sites, cloud storage, and offer migration options without needing technical knowledge.
However, there are some downsides. Some plugins have limits on the size of the website you can export for free, so bigger sites might require a paid version. Also, plugins may occasionally fail with complex sites or when your hosting environment has restrictions. Sometimes, manual migration gives you more control and flexibility, especially for custom setups or large, high-traffic sites.
Popular Plugins Overview
-
All-in-One WP Migration: Very user-friendly and popular for small to medium sites. It supports drag-and-drop import and can export your whole site, including themes, plugins, and media. It has size limits on the free version.
-
Duplicator: Offers powerful features including site cloning, backups, and migration. It’s a good choice for more advanced users who want control over the process. It handles serialized data well and can migrate large sites but may require some technical know-how.
When to Use Plugins vs Manual Migration
Use plugins when you want a quick, easy migration without dealing with FTP or databases. They’re best for small to medium websites with standard setups.
Choose manual migration if you have a large website, custom server configurations, or want to carefully control each step. Manual migration can be more reliable for complex sites or when troubleshooting issues.
Both methods work well when done properly, so pick the one that fits your comfort level and website needs.
Tips for Minimizing Downtime During Migration
When moving your WordPress site to a new host, it’s important to keep your website available as much as possible. Downtime means visitors see a broken or unavailable site, which can hurt your reputation and business. Here are some easy tips to reduce downtime during migration.
First, try to schedule the migration during times when your website has low traffic. This could be late at night or early in the morning. Moving the site when fewer people visit means fewer users will notice if the site is offline for a short time.
Next, use a maintenance mode plugin on your WordPress site before starting the migration. These plugins show a simple message to visitors saying the site is temporarily offline for updates. This helps keep your visitors informed and avoids confusion if pages don’t load properly during the move.
Before you change your DNS settings to point the domain to the new host, test your migrated website on the new server using a temporary URL or hosts file editing. This way, you can make sure everything is working perfectly without affecting your live site. Once you’re confident, update your DNS to switch visitors to the new site.
By planning carefully and using these tools, you can move your website with almost no downtime and keep your visitors happy.
Tips for Minimizing Downtime During Migration
When moving your WordPress site to a new host, it’s important to keep your website available as much as possible. Downtime means visitors see a broken or unavailable site, which can hurt your reputation and business. Here are some easy tips to reduce downtime during migration.
First, try to schedule the migration during times when your website has low traffic. This could be late at night or early in the morning. Moving the site when fewer people visit means fewer users will notice if the site is offline for a short time.
Next, use a maintenance mode plugin on your WordPress site before starting the migration. These plugins show a simple message to visitors saying the site is temporarily offline for updates. This helps keep your visitors informed and avoids confusion if pages don’t load properly during the move.
Before you change your DNS settings to point the domain to the new host, test your migrated website on the new server using a temporary URL or hosts file editing. This way, you can make sure everything is working perfectly without affecting your live site. Once you’re confident, update your DNS to switch visitors to the new site.
By planning carefully and using these tools, you can move your website with almost no downtime and keep your visitors happy.
Post-Migration SEO Checks and Monitoring
After moving your WordPress site, it’s important to check that your SEO (Search Engine Optimization) stays strong and your site performs well.
Start by verifying your website in Google Search Console if you haven’t already. This tool helps you see how Google views your site. Check for any errors, crawl issues, or security problems that might have appeared during migration. Make sure your sitemap is updated and submitted.
Next, test your site speed using tools like Google PageSpeed Insights or GTmetrix. Fast loading times improve user experience and help with search rankings. Also, check your site on mobile devices to ensure it looks good and works smoothly since mobile usability is a key ranking factor.
Monitor your website traffic and search rankings for a few weeks after migration. Look for any sudden drops or issues and fix them quickly. Keeping an eye on analytics helps you catch problems early before they affect your visitors or sales.
When to Hire a Professional for Migration Help
Sometimes migrating a website can get complicated. You might want to hire an expert if you notice signs like frequent downtime, data loss, broken features after moving, or if your site is large and complex.
A professional migration service can save you time and stress. They have experience handling tricky parts like database errors, SSL setups, and SEO preservation. They can also help plan the move to minimize downtime and keep everything running smoothly.
If you don’t have technical knowledge or if your website is critical to your business, getting help from a migration expert is a smart choice. They will handle backups, transfers, testing, and troubleshooting, so you can focus on your work.
Conclusion: Ensuring a Smooth Transition
Moving your WordPress website to a new host can seem challenging, but by following the right steps, you can make the process smooth and worry-free. Remember to prepare your site by cleaning up and updating everything first. Always create a full backup of your files and database before you start. Choose the right hosting provider and carefully transfer your files and database while keeping the correct folder structure. Update important settings like your wp-config.php
file and DNS records. Don’t forget to test your site thoroughly before and after the move.
Keep in mind to clear caches, update permalinks, and set up SSL for secure browsing. Monitor your website’s performance and SEO after migration to catch any issues early. If your site is large, complex, or you feel unsure about the process, consider hiring a professional to help.
Frequently Asked Questions About WordPress Migration
How long does migration take?
Migration time varies depending on your site’s size and complexity. Small sites can move in a few hours, while large sites may take a day or two, especially when waiting for DNS changes.
Can I migrate without downtime?
Yes, with careful planning and by using maintenance mode and temporary URLs, you can minimize downtime and keep your site available during most of the move.
What if my site breaks after migration?
If something breaks, check common issues like database connection details, broken links, plugin conflicts, or caching problems. You can fix many errors yourself or get help from your hosting provider or a migration expert.
Do I need to change domain names?
No, you don’t have to change your domain name when migrating. You only need to update your domain’s DNS to point to the new hosting server.