You can migrate your WordPress website using a plugin or manually through the cPanel’s file manager. Some hosting services also do this for free without requiring additional steps from the user.
Migrating your WordPress site to a new host can be necessary when changing or upgrading hosting plans. It may sound challenging, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right knowledge, you can easily move your WordPress site quickly.
Here’s a detailed guide on moving your WordPress website to a new host using various methods. Let’s get started!
Method 1: Host-Assisted Migration
Host-assisted migration is a simple way to move your website to a new host. Your new host handles the entire process, making it stress-free. It’s perfect for anyone lacking technical skills or wanting to avoid the complications of WordPress migration.
The process is simple: choose a host that offers host-assisted migration and follow the instructions. You’ll need to provide your website URL, FTP credentials, and some related information. The host team will handle the rest.
Sometimes, you can add your new host as a user on your current host account. They may then handle everything for you.
Here are some reputable hosts offering free migration:
Method 2: Using a WordPress Migration Plugin
Using a WordPress migration plugin is the easiest and quickest way to move your site to a new host. They handle everything, from backing up your site to importing it to the new host. For small websites with a few pages, these plugins are likely the best option.
Use various plugins to migrate your website. Some of the most reliable options include:
- All-in-One WP Migration
- Prime Mover
- WP Migrate
- Duplicator
- UpdraftPlus
Check plugin compatibility with your hosting solution before committing. Usage may vary, but they are typically straightforward and simple.
I’ll show you how to move your site using the All-in-One WP Migration plugin:
First, log in to your website and install the All-in-One WP Migration plugin.
2. After installation, activate the plugin, click All-in-One WP Migration from the left menu, and choose “Export”.
3. Under Export, select “File”. It may take a few minutes. Now, download the .wpress file to your computer.
4. Log in to the new website. Delete all files, pages, media, plugins, themes, and files in the trash. This ensures a clean installation.
Install and activate All-in-One WP Migration on the new website. Click on the plugin name in the left menu, then select “Import”.
6. Click on “Import from” and upload the .wpress file downloaded earlier from the old site. Done!
If you need visual aids, here’s a simple video showing the steps:
Note that the free version of the plugin is suitable for small websites (300 MB or less). For larger websites, you need to buy the premium version.
Method 3: Migrating WordPress Website Manually
If you have a large and complicated website, using a plugin for migration may not be the best idea because things could go wrong. In these situations, it’s best to migrate the site manually.
The manual migration process can be challenging and time-consuming, but it gives you full control, ensuring nothing goes wrong during the transfer.
Here’s how to do it:
First, get the root folder of the site you want to move (usually the public_html folder). Log in to the Cpanel of the old hosting server, locate the root folder, and download it as a zip file to your computer.
2. Export the database from the old hosting. Open Cpanel, locate phpMyAdmin, and access it. Select your WordPress database and export it as a .sql file.
Log in to the new hosting’s Cpanel. Create a database for your WordPress site. Make a MySQL user with a secure password and link it to the database. Note the database name, MySQL username, and password for later use.
3. Open the file you downloaded on your PC earlier. Locate the wp-config.php file. Edit the database name, username, and password. Replace the old information with the new one and save it.
4. Import the updated database file to the new host. Open phpMyAdmin on the new host and upload the .sql file you previously downloaded and updated in the database you created.
5. Now, log in to the Cpanel of your new hosting. Upload the root folder (the public_html file) to the file manager of the new installation.
6. After all files are uploaded, log in to the WordPress admin panel of your new hosting. Go to Settings->General. Ensure the WordPress address and site address are correct.
7. Finally, connect your domain name to the new hosting. Log in to your domain provider and point it to the new hosting.
And that’s it! You’ve successfully migrated your WordPress site manually. Though the process can be tricky, simply take your time with each step. For more detailed instructions, check out this guide from WP Engine.