Introduction
What Does “Migrating a WordPress Website” Mean?
Migrating a WordPress website means moving your entire site from one hosting space to another. This includes your layout, files, images, plugins, themes, and all database information. It works like shifting your whole home to a new location while keeping everything exactly the same. After the move, your website should look and work the same, just on a better and faster hosting server. For more info: Migrate or move WordPress website to a new host in 2025.
Why People Move Their WordPress Sites to a New Host
People move their websites when their current host becomes slow, unstable, or unreliable. Some hosts crash often, some take too long to respond, and some cannot handle growing traffic. Many website owners also switch to get better speed, stronger security, free SSL, improved backups, or more helpful customer service. In the modern internet world, speed and stability matter, so moving to a better host is very common.
Common Signs You Need to Change Hosting in the Modern Web
You may need new hosting if your site loads slowly, freezes during busy hours, or keeps showing errors. Long support delays, frequent downtime, and outdated technology are also strong warnings. If your business grows and the old host cannot handle new visitors or store more content, moving becomes the best choice. Security risks, malware issues, and limited resources also push many owners to find better hosting.
What This Guide Covers
This guide explains how to move a WordPress website safely in a simple, beginner-friendly way. It includes easy steps, helpful tools, and important tips to avoid mistakes. You will learn about backups, hosting setup, migration methods, database transfers, and post-migration checks. Even if you have never moved a website before, this guide will help you complete the process with confidence and clarity.
Before You Start: Important Things to Know
Risks Involved in Migration
Moving a website can be risky when done without care. You may lose data, break some pages, or cause temporary downtime. Missing images, broken links, or plugin errors can also appear if steps are skipped. These problems happen when people rush or use unreliable tools. Knowing the risks helps you avoid them and ensures a smooth move to your new host.
Estimated Time Required
A small website can be moved fairly quickly, while larger websites take more time. Sites with many images, videos, or heavy databases usually need extra time to transfer. The migration time also depends on internet speed, server performance, and the method you choose. Planning ahead always makes the process easier and faster.
What Files and Data Will Be Moved
Every part of your WordPress website will be moved. This includes your themes, plugins, uploaded media, and all database content. The database contains your posts, pages, settings, user accounts, and internal website information. Think of it as moving both the outside look of the site and the inner engine that powers everything.
Choosing the Right Hosting Provider for Modern Needs
Good hosting is extremely important for a healthy website. Reliable hosting offers strong security, fast servers, free SSL, automatic backups, and responsive support. Modern hosting should handle high traffic, avoid downtime, and provide tools that make migration easier. When choosing a provider, look for long-term stability, good reputation, and features that match your website’s growth.
Checklist of Everything You Need Before Migration
Before you begin, make sure you have access to your WordPress dashboard, the old hosting panel, and the new hosting account. You should also have your domain access, database details, and FTP or file manager login. A fresh backup is important because it protects your website if something goes wrong. When everything is ready, the whole migration becomes much smoother and safer.
Methods to Migrate a WordPress Website
Using a Migration Plugin (Fastest and Easiest for Beginners)
Migration plugins are the simplest way to move a WordPress site. They automate most tasks, including exporting files, databases, and settings, and importing them to a new host. These plugins reduce human error and save time, making them perfect for beginners or small to medium websites.
Best Migration Plugins in Modern Use
Several plugins stand out for their reliability and speed. Popular choices include All-in-One WP Migration, Duplicator, and UpdraftPlus. These tools support both small and large websites and offer easy interfaces to manage the transfer.
Pros and Cons of Plugin Migration
Plugin migration is fast, user-friendly, and requires little technical knowledge. It minimizes downtime and automatically handles most data transfers. However, very large websites can face upload limits, timeouts, or plugin restrictions. Some plugins may require premium versions for big sites or cloud storage.
When to Use This Method
This method is ideal for beginners, small businesses, and websites with standard setups. It works well when you want a quick transfer without manually handling files or databases. If your site is very large or highly customized, you may still need other methods.
Manual Migration (For Full Control)
Manual migration gives full control over every aspect of the transfer. It involves moving files via FTP, exporting the database, and updating configuration settings on the new host. This method is best for developers or advanced users who want precise control and have experience with databases and WordPress structure.
When You Should Do Manual Migration
Use manual migration when the website is very large, complex, or has custom code that might not be supported by plugins. It is also useful when troubleshooting failed plugin migrations or when migrating sensitive eCommerce websites.
Pros and Cons of Manual Method
Manual migration allows complete control and avoids plugin restrictions. You can move everything exactly as needed. The downside is that it is technical, time-consuming, and mistakes can break the site if not done correctly. It is not recommended for beginners.
Host-to-Host Automated Transfer (Most Hosting Providers Offer This)
Many modern hosting providers offer automated migration services. They can transfer your website from your old hosting to the new one, usually for free or at a small cost. The process is handled entirely by the hosting company, making it convenient for non-technical users.
Free Migration Services
Some hosts provide free migration as part of their hosting plans. They often take care of the entire process, including files, database, and DNS updates. This is useful for people who do not want to touch technical details.
Limitations of Host-Based Transfers
Host-to-host migration is convenient but can have limits. Some hosts only support standard WordPress installations, exclude certain plugins, or limit the number of websites they will migrate. It may also take longer for large sites or sites with custom setups.
Step-by-Step: Migrate Using Plugins
All-in-One WP Migration Method
This plugin allows a simple export and import of your website without touching the database manually. First, install the plugin and export your website from the old host. Then, upload the exported file to your new hosting account. Some common issues include upload limits or timeout errors, which can usually be fixed by adjusting PHP settings or using a premium plugin version.
Duplicator Plugin Method
Duplicator creates a full package of your website, including files and database. You upload the installer.php file to your new host along with the package. Running the installer will transfer everything and allow you to update database credentials. Finally, testing the site ensures that all pages, images, and links work correctly after the move.
UpdraftPlus Method (Backup and Restore)
UpdraftPlus is mainly a backup plugin but can be used for migration. You first create a backup of your site on the old host. Then, upload the backup to the new host and use UpdraftPlus to restore the website. After restoring, reconnect the database and verify that all content and plugins function as expected.
Step-by-Step Manual Migration (Advanced but Reliable)
Download WordPress Files via FTP
The first step in manual migration is downloading all WordPress files from your old host. You can use FTP clients like FileZilla, Cyberduck, or WinSCP. These programs connect to your server and allow you to transfer files securely to your computer. It is important to understand the folder structure of WordPress. The root folder contains core files, themes, plugins, and uploads. Ensuring you download everything prevents missing pages or broken features on your new host.
Export Your Database
Next, export your WordPress database using tools like phpMyAdmin. The database contains all your posts, pages, users, and settings. When exporting, make sure to include all tables and data. Large databases may require splitting into smaller chunks or using a compressed export to avoid timeout errors. Handling the database carefully is essential to preserve all content and website functionality.
Upload Files to New Hosting
Once files are downloaded, upload them to your new hosting account using FTP. Place them in the correct folder, usually the public_html or www directory. After uploading, set proper permissions for files and folders to ensure WordPress can read and write data safely. Incorrect permissions may prevent the site from working or allow security issues.
Import Database to New Host
After uploading files, create a new database on your new hosting server. Then import the SQL file from the old database using phpMyAdmin or the hosting panel’s tools. Some databases may show collation or encoding issues during import. Fixing these ensures all characters display correctly and prevents errors in posts, pages, or plugins.
Update wp-config.php Settings
The wp-config.php file connects WordPress to the database. Open the file and update the database name, username, password, and host details according to your new hosting settings. Accurate configuration is necessary for WordPress to function properly after migration.
Replace Old Domain Links if Needed
If your site domain changes during migration, internal links and image URLs need updating. You can use search-and-replace tools or plugins to replace old URLs with the new ones. This step fixes broken links and ensures that images, menus, and buttons work correctly. Double-checking these changes prevents navigation issues and improves user experience.
Switch DNS to the New Host
What DNS Means
DNS stands for Domain Name System. It is like the internet’s address book that tells browsers where to find your website. When you move to a new host, your DNS settings must point to the new server so visitors can reach your site without issues. Understanding DNS is important to ensure a smooth transition and avoid broken access.
Update Nameservers
To point your domain to the new host, update the nameservers at your domain registrar. Your new hosting provider will give you the correct nameserver addresses. Once updated, save the changes. This directs all traffic from your domain to the new hosting server, allowing visitors to see your site on the new platform.
How Long Propagation Takes
DNS changes are not instant. Propagation is the time it takes for the update to spread across the internet. In modern web hosting, propagation usually completes within a few hours, but in some cases, it may take up to a full day. During this time, some visitors may see the old site while others see the new site.
Temporary Downtime Expectations
Minor downtime is normal while DNS propagates. Most websites remain accessible, but some pages or services may not load immediately. It is important to plan the migration during off-peak hours to minimize the impact on visitors. Communication with clients or users about potential short interruptions can help manage expectations.
How to Avoid Downtime Completely
You can avoid downtime by using temporary URLs or updating hosts file settings before changing DNS. Some hosting providers offer staging environments or proxy setups that let you test the site on the new server while the old site remains live. Once everything works correctly, you can update the DNS and have the new site live without any downtime.
Test Everything After Migration
Check Frontend Pages
After migration, open your website and visit all pages to make sure they display correctly. Look for missing images, broken layouts, or formatting issues. Ensuring the frontend is fully functional is the first step in confirming a successful migration.
Test All Forms and Checkout
If your site has contact forms, registration forms, or an eCommerce checkout, test them thoroughly. Forms should submit correctly, emails should send, and payment systems must work without errors. Any broken forms can lead to lost leads or sales.
Check Permalinks
WordPress permalinks control URLs for posts, pages, and products. After migration, verify that all links work properly. Fix any broken links or 404 errors using the WordPress permalink settings or search-and-replace tools if needed.
Verify SSL Is Active
Check that SSL certificates are installed and active on the new host. A working SSL ensures secure connections and prevents browser warnings. If SSL is missing, configure it through your hosting control panel or use free options like Let’s Encrypt.
Test Plugin Functionality
Plugins are essential for site features. Make sure all plugins are activated and functioning correctly after migration. Some plugins may require reconfiguration or updates to work properly on the new host.
Check Admin Login
Ensure you can access the WordPress dashboard. Verify that usernames, passwords, and user roles are intact. This step is critical for managing content, updates, and settings on the new server.
Speed Test After Migration
Finally, check your website speed on the new host using tools like GTmetrix, Pingdom, or Google PageSpeed Insights. Migration should not slow down your site. If the site is slower, review caching, server resources, and plugin performance to optimize loading times.
Fix Common Migration Problems (2025 Edition)
Website Not Loading
Sometimes after migration, a website may not load at all. This can happen if files were uploaded incorrectly, the database connection is wrong, or DNS settings are not fully propagated. Double-check that all files are in the correct folder, the database credentials in the configuration file are accurate, and the DNS points to the new host.
Internal Server Error
A 500 Internal Server Error usually occurs when server settings or plugin conflicts interfere with WordPress. To fix this, check the .htaccess file, deactivate all plugins temporarily, and ensure the PHP version on the new host is compatible with your website. Restoring a backup can also resolve this issue.
Error Establishing Database Connection
This happens when WordPress cannot connect to the database. Ensure the database name, username, password, and host details in the configuration file are correct. Make sure the new database exists and is accessible, and confirm that the database user has proper permissions.
White Screen of Death
A blank white screen appears when there is a PHP error or memory limit issue. To fix it, enable debug mode in WordPress, increase PHP memory limit, and check for problematic plugins or themes. Sometimes reinstalling the theme or core WordPress files resolves the problem.
Images Not Showing
Missing images usually happen if the uploads folder was not fully transferred or file paths still point to the old server. Verify the wp-content/uploads folder is complete and update image URLs using search-and-replace tools if necessary.
Broken Links
Internal links may break if URLs have changed during migration. Using a plugin to replace old URLs with the new domain ensures that links point to the correct pages. Check both menus and in-page links for proper functionality.
Plugin Conflicts After Migration
Some plugins may not work correctly after moving to a new host. Update all plugins, check for compatibility with the PHP version, and reactivate them one by one to identify conflicts. Contact plugin support if needed for issues that persist.
SSL Insecure Mixed Content Warnings
Mixed content warnings appear when some resources are loaded over HTTP instead of HTTPS. Ensure the SSL certificate is active, and use plugins or search-and-replace tools to update all resource URLs to HTTPS. This secures your site and prevents browser warnings.
Best Tools & Plugins for WordPress Migration (2025 List)
All-in-One WP Migration
This plugin is beginner-friendly and supports exporting and importing the entire website, including the database and files. It handles most migrations automatically and works well for small to medium websites.
Duplicator
Duplicator creates a full package of your site with an installer script. It gives more control than All-in-One WP Migration and works well for large or complex sites. It also allows moving the site to a different domain.
UpdraftPlus
Known primarily as a backup plugin, UpdraftPlus can also handle migration. You can back up your site on the old host, upload the backup to the new host, and restore it with minimal technical steps.
Migrate Guru
Migrate Guru is designed for large websites and eCommerce stores. It handles migrations directly between hosts and uses its own servers to process the transfer, reducing the load on your website during migration.
WPVivid Backup Plugin
WPVivid allows backup and migration in one tool. It supports cloud storage, scheduled backups, and smooth transfer to a new host. It is beginner-friendly and reliable for routine migrations.
BlogVault Migration Tool
BlogVault specializes in secure, automatic migrations and backups. It works well for agencies and developers who manage multiple sites and need a hassle-free transfer method.
Hosting Provider Migration Tools
Many hosting companies offer built-in migration tools. These often allow one-click transfers of your website from an old host to their servers. They are convenient, usually free, and reduce technical complexity, but may have limits for large or complex sites.
Best Hosting Providers for Smooth Migration in 2025
Some hosting providers are known for making WordPress migration simple, fast, and reliable. SiteGround is popular for its easy migration tools, strong speed, and security features. It is beginner-friendly and offers excellent support. Hostinger provides affordable hosting with simple migration options, making it a great choice for small websites or startups. Cloudways is a cloud-based platform with automated migration tools and scalable resources, perfect for growing websites that need more power. Bluehost remains a trusted option, especially for beginners, with one-click migration and reliable support. WPX Hosting focuses on high-speed WordPress hosting with free site migration and strong security. Kinsta is designed for high-performance websites and enterprise-level projects, offering managed hosting with easy migration and powerful servers. Rocket.net combines global CDN, fast servers, and automated migration tools, making it ideal for websites that need both speed and reliability. Choosing a host that provides easy migration tools reduces stress and downtime during the transfer.
How to Make Sure You Don’t Lose SEO During Migration
Maintaining SEO during migration is crucial to avoid losing search engine rankings. Keeping your URL structure the same ensures that search engines continue to recognize your pages. Any changes in URLs can cause errors unless proper redirects are added. Fixing 404 errors immediately prevents broken pages from harming your SEO. Updating Google Search Console informs Google about the new hosting setup and helps monitor for issues. Resubmitting your XML sitemap ensures that search engines index all pages correctly after migration. Checking redirects from old URLs to new URLs keeps traffic and link value intact. Finally, maintaining or improving page speed is essential, as slow-loading websites can negatively impact rankings. Following these steps carefully ensures a smooth SEO transition when moving to a new host.
Important Post-Migration Tasks
After moving your WordPress website to a new host, several tasks are essential to ensure smooth operation and optimal performance. Enable caching to speed up page loading times and reduce server load. This can be done through caching plugins or server-side caching provided by the host. Configure a Content Delivery Network (CDN) to serve website content from multiple global locations, improving load speed for visitors from different regions.
Reinstall your security plugins to maintain protection against malware, hacks, and vulnerabilities. Make sure they are properly configured for the new hosting environment. Updating the PHP version to the latest stable release enhances performance, security, and compatibility with modern plugins and themes. Test scheduled tasks, or CRON jobs, to ensure automated processes like backups, email notifications, and plugin actions are running correctly. Finally, take a fresh backup after migration to create a restore point. This ensures that your new site setup is fully secure and can be recovered if any issues arise in the future.
Should You Hire a Professional?
For many website owners, migrating WordPress can feel overwhelming. DIY migration can work for small sites, but it carries risks, especially if you are not familiar with databases, FTP, or DNS changes. Mistakes during migration can break the site, lead to lost data, or cause downtime, which can affect your business or user experience.
Hiring a professional is recommended when your website is large, complex, or critical to your business. Agencies like CreationWave have experience with WordPress migration, secure backups, and troubleshooting. They can ensure a smooth transition, maintain SEO, and prevent common migration issues. Professional help can save time, reduce stress, and make sure the site functions perfectly on the new host.
Conclusion
Migrating a WordPress website requires careful planning, the right tools, and post-migration optimization to ensure everything works correctly. Always verify that pages, forms, plugins, SSL, and speed are functioning after the move. If the site breaks, revert to your backup or seek professional help immediately to minimize downtime and data loss.
The safest migration plan combines thorough preparation, reliable plugins or manual methods, post-migration testing, and proper DNS updates. For beginners or high-value websites, professional assistance is highly recommended to avoid errors and ensure a smooth transition. Following these steps will keep your WordPress site secure, fast, and fully operational after moving to a new host in 2025.
FAQs
How long does WordPress migration take?
The time required to migrate a WordPress website depends on the size of your site, the number of files, the database size, and the method you use. Small websites with standard plugins and themes can often be moved in a few hours, while larger websites with lots of images, videos, or complex databases may take a full day. Using migration plugins or professional services can speed up the process and reduce errors.
Can I switch hosts without downtime?
Yes, it is possible to switch hosting providers without noticeable downtime by planning carefully. Using temporary URLs, updating the hosts file, or leveraging staging environments allows you to test the new site before updating DNS. Once everything is verified, changing the DNS can be done with minimal disruption to visitors.
Will I lose my SEO ranking after migration?
You do not have to lose SEO rankings if you follow best practices during migration. Keeping the URL structure the same, setting proper redirects, updating Google Search Console, resubmitting your XML sitemap, and maintaining page speed ensures that search engines continue to recognize your pages. Careful attention to SEO details during migration protects your rankings.
Can I migrate WooCommerce sites safely?
Yes, WooCommerce sites can be migrated safely, but they require special attention. Product databases, customer accounts, and payment gateways must be handled carefully to prevent data loss. Using plugins that support WooCommerce or hiring a professional agency helps ensure that orders, products, and customer data remain intact.
What if I change domain names during migration?
Changing your domain requires updating all internal links, images, and references to the old domain. Search-and-replace tools or migration plugins can handle this automatically. Setting up proper redirects from old URLs to the new domain ensures traffic and SEO value are preserved.
Do hosts provide free site migration?
Many hosting providers offer free site migration as part of their plans. They often transfer files, databases, and even DNS settings for you. However, free migrations may have limits on the number of websites or size of databases, so it is important to check the details with your hosting provider.