Migrating a WordPress site is often necessary when changing hosting providers, rebranding with a new domain, or moving a local site to a live server. However, improper migration can lead to downtime, broken links, or lost data.
In this guide, we will walk you through the safest methods to migrate a WordPress site, including plugin-based migration, manual migration, and cPanel migration. Follow these steps carefully to ensure a smooth, error-free transition without affecting your site’s SEO and performance.
Why Migrate a WordPress Site?
Website migration is essential for various reasons, including:
✅ Switching to a new hosting provider for better speed and uptime.
✅ Changing your domain name due to rebranding or business expansion.
✅ Moving from a local development environment to a live website.
✅ Cloning a website for staging and testing purposes.
✅ Recovering from a security breach or technical failure.
Regardless of the reason, following the correct migration steps ensures that your WordPress site remains intact without performance or security issues.
Pre-Migration Checklist
Before beginning the migration, follow this pre-migration checklist to minimize risks and ensure a smooth process.
Backup Your Website
Creating a full backup of your WordPress site is the most crucial step before migration. This prevents data loss if something goes wrong during the transfer.
You can back up your website manually or use a plugin like:
- UpdraftPlus (Best for automatic backups)
- BackupBuddy (Comprehensive backup solution)
- VaultPress (Jetpack Backup) (Ideal for real-time backups)
Ensure you back up:
✅ WordPress files (Themes, plugins, media uploads, core files)
✅ Database (All content, settings, and user data)
Choose the Right Migration Method
There are three primary methods to migrate a WordPress site:
1️⃣ Using a Migration Plugin (Best for beginners, fast & automated)
2️⃣ Manual Migration (Best for advanced users, full control over files)
3️⃣ cPanel Migration (Useful if your hosting provider supports cPanel)
Once you have decided on the migration method, proceed with the appropriate steps below.
How to Migrate a WordPress Site Using a Plugin
Using a migration plugin is the simplest and fastest way to migrate a WordPress website.
Top WordPress Migration Plugins
Some of the best migration plugins include:
✔ Duplicator – Creates a package of your site for easy migration.
✔ All-in-One WP Migration – Offers simple drag-and-drop migration.
✔ WP Migrate DB – Best for migrating databases specifically.
Steps to Migrate with a Plugin
- Install and activate your chosen migration plugin.
- Generate a backup package using the plugin’s interface.
- Download the backup file and store it securely.
- Upload the backup file to the new host.
- Run the installer script provided by the plugin.
- Update URLs and permalinks to match the new domain.
- Test your site to ensure everything works perfectly.
Manual WordPress Migration
If you prefer more control over your migration process, follow these steps for manual migration.
Step 1: Export Your WordPress Database
- Log into phpMyAdmin via your hosting control panel.
- Select your WordPress database from the list.
- Click Export, choose SQL format, and download the file.
Step 2: Transfer WordPress Files
- Connect to your old server using FTP (FileZilla or Cyberduck).
- Download all WordPress files, especially the wp-content folder.
- Upload the files to the new hosting server via FTP.
Step 3: Create a New Database & Import Data
- Access phpMyAdmin on the new host.
- Create a new database and user and assign full privileges.
- Import the SQL file into the new database.
Step 4: Update wp-config.php
- Edit wp-config.php to reflect new database credentials.
- Save and upload the updated file.
Migrating WordPress via cPanel
For those with cPanel access, follow these steps:
1️⃣ Use cPanel File Manager to compress and download the WordPress folder.
2️⃣ Export and download the database using phpMyAdmin.
3️⃣ Upload the files to the new server via cPanel File Manager or FTP.
4️⃣ Import the database into phpMyAdmin on the new server.
5️⃣ Update wp-config.php with new database details.
Updating Domain and URLs
After migration, update URLs to ensure proper functionality.
✔ Go to WordPress Dashboard → Settings → General
✔ Update WordPress Address (URL) and Site Address (URL)
✔ Use a plugin like Better Search Replace to update old links.
Testing and Troubleshooting
After migration, test your website for errors:
✅ Check for Broken Links – Use Google Search Console or Broken Link Checker.
✅ Fix Common Errors – Regenerate permalinks and verify database settings.
✅ Test Website Speed – Use GTmetrix or Google PageSpeed Insights.
Final Steps and Best Practices
📌 Submit new site URL in Google Search Console.
📌 Monitor website traffic using Google Analytics.
📌 Enable security measures like SSL, firewalls, and regular backups.
FAQs
Will my site experience downtime during migration?
Minimal downtime if done correctly. A staging environment helps avoid interruptions.
Do I need to update DNS records?
Yes, if switching hosts. DNS changes may take up to 48 hours.
What if my site breaks after migration?
Check error logs, verify database credentials, and reinstall missing files.
Conclusion
Migrating a WordPress site doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether using a plugin, manual migration, or cPanel, following a structured process ensures a smooth transition. Always back up your site, test after migration, and keep your site secure for the best results.
🚀 Happy migrating!
