In this article, we\u2019ll teach you the best way to migrate a WordPress website, step by step. Then we\u2019ll introduce you to some WordPress migration tools you can use to simplify the process. Let\u2019s get moving!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
Should I Migrate My WordPress Site Manually or Automatically?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Migrating a WordPress website isn\u2019t hard. However, if you want to do so manually, you\u2019ll need to be comfortable using File Transfer Protocol (FTP)<\/a>, accessing databases, and modifying files on your old site\u2019s back end.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Those processes sound complex, but they\u2019re simple enough if you follow a clear tutorial. However, if you\u2019d rather try a simpler approach, you can always use a WordPress migration tool or plugin. There are several options, and we\u2019ll introduce you to some of our top picks later on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Keep in mind that large websites can be more prone to errors when using migration plugins. In those cases, manual migration is the better approach. If you follow the instructions carefully, you shouldn\u2019t encounter any problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Finally, it\u2019s worth noting that some web hosts offer free migration services<\/a> to new subscribers. You can also hire a third-party service to help you move your site, although that can be a pricey solution (and you\u2019d need to make sure you choose a company with a sterling reputation).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Deciding to\u00a0migrate your WordPress site to a new host\u00a0is a significant step, often triggered by a variety of technical and business-related factors. Recognizing these signs early can help you plan a smoother WordPress migration and avoid potential headaches. One of the most common reasons is\u00a0recurring downtime. If your website frequently becomes unavailable, it frustrates users and can negatively impact your search engine rankings. Similarly,\u00a0slow page speed\u00a0is a major concern; if your site takes too long to load despite optimization efforts, your hosting provider might be the bottleneck. As your website traffic grows, your current hosting plan might struggle to keep up, signaling that you need a more robust solution. Security incidents, such as malware attacks or data breaches, are critical indicators that your current host’s security measures are insufficient, making a\u00a0migrate wordpress to new server\u00a0a priority.<\/p>\n\n\n\n An outdated technical environment, like old versions of PHP or MySQL, can lead to compatibility issues with modern themes and plugins, and pose security risks. Lack of scalability features can also hinder your site’s growth, prompting a move to a host offering more flexible resources. Business-driven scenarios also necessitate a WordPress site transfer. For example, a significant\u00a0rebranding or domain name change\u00a0often involves moving the website to align with the new brand identity. Ownership transfers, where a website is sold or acquired, naturally require migrating the site to the new owner’s preferred hosting environment. Understanding these triggers for a\u00a0WordPress migration\u00a0will help you determine if it’s time to\u00a0move WordPress site to new host\u00a0and ensure your online presence remains strong and reliable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Even if you\u2019re not afraid to roll up your sleeves and migrate your site by hand, you\u2019ll probably want a little help getting started. Let\u2019s walk through the process, one step at a time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you’re researching how to migrate your website, there’s likely a reason you’re leaving your current host and exploring a new host. You’ll want to keep any problems you’ve experienced in mind as you shop for a new home for your WordPress website.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, if your site suffered a breach, you\u2019ll want to look for a new provider that offers top-notch security features. It\u2019s also important to understand the different kinds of hosting<\/a> that are available to choose from. These include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n In order to choose the best option for your website, you\u2019ll want to assess what your main priorities are. Key considerations include security, data storage, speed, and customer support. For example, if you have a large eCommerce operation, security may be higher on the list than other items. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The first thing you need to do is make a copy of all your website\u2019s files. To do this, you\u2019ll want to use an FTP tool. If you don\u2019t already have one, FileZilla is an excellent<\/a> (and free) option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After you connect to your site\u2019s server via FTP, you\u2019ll need to navigate to your WordPress root<\/em> folder, which contains all the files on your site. It\u2019s usually called either public_html<\/em> or www<\/em>, or is named after your site:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Now, right click on your root<\/em> folder and choose the Download<\/em> option:<\/p>\n\n\n\n This will download a copy of your entire root<\/em> directory to your computer. The process can take a while, but when it\u2019s done you\u2019ll be ready to move on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At this point, you already have a copy of your website\u2019s files. Now you need to back up its database. This is where all the information about your site\u2019s content, users, and lots more is contained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To do this, you\u2019ll need to access your database. Most web hosts enable you to do this through your control panel. For example, if you\u2019re using cPanel<\/a>, you\u2019ll find a section called Databases<\/em>. In that section, you\u2019ll want to click on the phpMyAdmin<\/em> option:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you\u2019re in, choose your site\u2019s database from the list on the left, and navigate to the Export<\/em> tab using the top menu. Select the Quick<\/em> option under Export Method<\/em>, and hit Go<\/em>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n This will download a copy of your site\u2019s database in .sql<\/em> format.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Next, you must create a new database on the web host you\u2019re moving to. Then you\u2019ll import the file from your old database, which will override the contents of the new one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your new WordPress host also uses cPanel, here\u2019s what you\u2019ll need to do:<\/p>\n\n\n\n That\u2019s it! Now your old database is located on your new web host. However, you still need to re-upload the rest of your old site\u2019s files.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, if you\u2019ve chosen a host that does not use cPanel, you\u2019ll need to consider a different set of instructions. For example, if you\u2019re migrating to one of our WP Engine hosting plans<\/a>, you can use our helpful and interactive migration checklist<\/a> tool: <\/p>\n\n\n\n You\u2019ll find this in your User Portal<\/a>. It can be used to guide you through a migration to a production environment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For this step, you\u2019ll need to first log into your new server via FTP. Then, navigate to its root<\/em> folder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Right-click anywhere within that folder, and select the Upload<\/em> option. Locate the folder you downloaded during the first step, open it, and select all the files and directories within.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The upload process can take a while, since we\u2019re talking about hundreds of files. If you\u2019re patient, however, you\u2019ll soon find yourself almost at the end of the journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once all your files are up on the new server, you\u2019ll need to access your WordPress root<\/em> folder one more time. If you try to actually visit your website now, it won\u2019t work, because you need to update WordPress\u2019 wp-config.php<\/em> file<\/a> so that it points towards your new database.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To do this, locate the wp-config.php<\/em> file within your new root<\/em> folder, right-click on it, and select the View\/Edit<\/em> option:<\/p>\n\n\n\n This will open the file using your local text editor, enabling you to make changes. Here are the three lines you\u2019ll need to update:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Currently, all three lines will include values that point towards your old database. Go ahead and replace the lowercase variables with the credentials for your new database, which you created during Step 3.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Then, save the changes to the file and close it. You should now be able to access your WordPress website, which will look just as it did before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Finally, you’ll need to make sure your Domain Name Server (DNS) is pointed toward the correct host. For example, if you migrate to one of our hosting plans, you’ll need to point your DNS to your new WP Engine server.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To do this, you\u2019ll need two things: <\/p>\n\n\n\n You can find the details you need by going to your WP Engine User Portal again and clicking on Domains<\/em>: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Near the bottom of the Domains<\/em> screen, you\u2019ll find a section called DNS Details<\/em>. <\/em>There you\u2019ll find both a CNAME Record<\/em> and an A NAME<\/em> for your website: <\/p>\n\n\n\n This is the information you\u2019ll need to enter into your domain name account. Depending on where you purchased the domain, the process for doing so can vary. In order to help you complete the DNS configuration process, we\u2019ve put together a list of the most common registrars<\/a>, along with detailed instructions for each one. <\/p>\n\n\n\n When moving a WordPress site, it’s not unusual to have some anxiety about the process. After all, you’ve worked hard to build what you have, and you don’t want to lose any of it along the way. Fortunately, there are several excellent migration plugins available that can help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Using a WordPress plugin often provides you with an insurance policy. That’s because many of these tools can create complete site backups for you, as well as provide recovery services. Additionally, if you only need to migrate part of your site, some plugins can customize the process to meet your needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Knowing how to migrate a WordPress website manually is useful. As we mentioned earlier, however, there are also some tools you can use to simplify WordPress site migration. Here are some of our favorites!<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you’re moving your site to WP Engine, WP Engine Automated Migration<\/a> can make the entire process a lot simpler. It takes care of everything, from copying your files and database to moving them to the new server. All you have to do is enter some credentials<\/a>, and the WordPress plugin will take care of the rest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n WP Migrate Lite<\/a> exports all the files required to recreate your site in another environment. The intuitive interface allows you to fully configure your export with what you want to include. With just a few clicks, you\u2019ll have a downloadable ZIP file of your complete site, ready to migrate. You can even import the ZIP file to Local<\/a> and <\/a>have a complete copy of your site up and running in minutes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In addition, the plugin can find and replace content anywhere in your WordPress database with full support for serialized data, making it easier to migrate your database without risk of corruption.<\/p>\n\n\n\n WP Migrate Pro<\/a> offers even more capabilities, with the ability to push and pull files\u2013including media, themes, and plugins\u2013between two installs, multisite support, and integration with WP-CLI. <\/p>\n\n\n\n WPvivid Backup plugin<\/a> is perfect for site migration, as well as for keeping a copy of your WordPress site on hand. It supports both automated migration and manual migration<\/a> (uploading a backup to a destination site and then restoring it). What’s more, it’s completely free and has no restrictions on the website size you can migrate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Our main goal at WP Engine is to make your life easier. That’s why we provide you with a dedicated plugin you can use to take advantage of our industry-leading WordPress hosting<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re ready to migrate your WordPress site to WP Engine<\/a>, all you have to do is choose a web hosting plan<\/a> and follow our guide on how to use our WordPress migration plugin<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n How long does a WordPress migration take? <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Ideally, you\u2019ve chosen a hosting provider that\u2019s so good you won\u2019t ever need to move your website. However, not all hosting providers offer the same level or quality of service. If you choose the wrong one, you may have to move your WordPress site at some point. Fortunately, migrating your site isn’t as complex as…<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":145098,"template":"","resource-topic":[901],"resource-role":[895,896,906,897,1296,899],"resource-type":[916],"class_list":["post-67841","resource","type-resource","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"yoast_head":"\nRelated Articles: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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When Should You Migrate Your WordPress Site?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How to Migrate Your WordPress Site Manually<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Step 1: Choose a New WordPress Host<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Step 2: Back Up Your WordPress Site Files<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Step 3: Back Up Your WordPress Database<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Step 4: Export Your WordPress Database<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Step 5: Create a New SQL Database and Import the Contents of Your Old One<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Step 6: Upload Your WordPress Site Files to the New Web Host<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Step 7: Edit Your WordPress Site\u2019s wp-config.php<\/em> File<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
define('DB_NAME, 'db_name');
define('DB_USER, 'db_user');
define('DB_PASSWORD, 'db_pass');<\/code><\/p>\n\n\n\nStep 8: Configure and Change Your DNS<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Pre-Migration Checklist: Steps to Prepare Your Site<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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How to Migrate Your WordPress Site With a Plugin<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Tools for Migrating WordPress Sites Easily<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
WP Engine’s Automated WordPress Site Migration<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Migrate](\"https:\/\/wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/wp-migration-resource-9.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWP Migrate<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Efficient](\"https:\/\/wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/wp-migration-resource-6.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n WPvivid Backup Plugin<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Migrate](\"https:\/\/wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/Screen-Shot-2019-11-15-at-9.56.53-AM.png\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nMigrate Your WordPress Site to WP Engine<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
WordPress Migration FAQ<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The time it takes to\u00a0migrate a WordPress site\u00a0can vary. A straightforward migration might take 1 to 4 hours, but larger or more complex sites could take several hours or even a day or two. DNS propagation after changing your DNS settings can take up to 48-72 hours to fully complete worldwide.
Will migrating my WordPress site affect my SEO?<\/strong>
A WordPress migration can temporarily affect SEO, especially if you change your domain name or URL structures. However, if you\u00a0transfer WordPress site\u00a0to a new host while keeping the same domain and URL structure, the impact is usually minimal. Proper planning, using 301 redirects for any changed URLs, and informing Google about the move (if applicable) can help preserve your search rankings. Migrating to a faster host can even improve SEO in the long run.
Do I need to transfer my email accounts separately?<\/strong>
Yes, email hosting is often separate from website hosting. If your email accounts are tied to your old hosting provider, you’ll likely need to migrate them to your new host or a dedicated email provider. This process typically involves backing up your emails and configuring them on the new server. Check with both your old and new hosting providers for specific instructions on email migration, as this is not usually part of the standard\u00a0WordPress migration\u00a0process.
What are common WordPress migration errors and how to troubleshoot them?<\/strong>
Common issues include “Error Establishing a Database Connection” (check wp-config.php details and database credentials), 500 Internal Server Errors (often .htaccess issues or PHP memory limits), broken links or images (check file paths and run a search-replace for old URLs if necessary), and plugin conflicts. Ensure your new server meets PHP and MySQL requirements. If a migration plugin fails, check for connection errors or size limits. Thoroughly testing your site on the new server before going live is key to catching and fixing these problems.
What should I test after my WordPress migration is complete?<\/strong>
After you\u00a0migrate WordPress to new server, conduct thorough testing:
– Check all pages, posts, and links for proper loading and formatting.
– Test website functionality: forms, comments, user logins, shopping cart\/checkout (if applicable).
– Verify that images and media are displaying correctly.
– Ensure your SSL certificate is active on the new host.
– Check site speed and performance.
– Confirm that backend functionality (e.g., plugin settings, admin dashboard) is working.
– Ensure search engines can index your site (check robots.txt and Google Search Console).
– Monitor for 404 errors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n