Moving your WordPress site, whether to a new host or a new domain, often turns out to be a sensitive task. There’s data to back up, URLs to update, and SEO to protect. But here’s the thing if you follow a proper checklist and take it one step at a time, it’s not that tough.
Migrating WordPress site is like shifting your house, everything needs to packed, labeled and re-assembled at a new location. If done with planning and precision, things can be transported perfectly but one single mistake and you may end up with major issues.
Want to migrate your WordPress, but feeling afraid that it might take a wrong turn on your site? Here is a detailed guide on common migration issues, migration checklist to follow and right steps to follow leading to a secure way of WordPress site migration.
Why Moving a WordPress Site Can Go Wrong
Let’s be honest. Things “break” during a migration not because WordPress is a fragile CMS platform but because we miss small details and land on common migration issues. Here are some reasons that generally causes chaos while you are trying to migrate WordPress manually:
- Files or databases don’t transfer completely.
- Internal links still point to the old domain.
- Plugins clash after migration.
- SEO takes a hit because redirects weren’t set up.
Sound familiar? The good part is that every single one of these is preventable. Before we start moving things on the site, let us prepare in the right manner.
Not To Skip Pre-Migration Checklist
If there’s one part in the process, you can’t afford to rush, it’s this one. Before hitting exports, make sure you have done the following.
- Back up everything such as your files and database by using plugins.
- Make sure you keep all your login details handy.
- Update plugins and themes because outdated versions can also create some differences.
- Temporarily disable caching and security plugins.
- Activate maintenance mode, so users don’t see half-moving pages.
- Check your PHP and WordPress versions on both old and new servers.
Optional but a smart move tests your backup locally before the actual move.
Take screenshots of your menus and homepage layout because if something loses its position after migration, it’s easy to fix.
Alright, if you are done with these points, you’re prepped. Now let’s talk about how you’re going to move the site itself.
Choosing Your WordPress Site Migration Method
When you are finally ready to move your WordPress site without breaking it, you have two ways.
- Migrate WordPress Manually
- Use a Plugin to Migrate
Let us have a quick view comparing both these methods:
| Method | Best For | Pros | Cons |
| Plugin-based Migration | Beginners or users who prefer simplicity and automation | Extremely user-friendly, with step-by-step wizards. Saves time by automating backup, file transfer, and database replacement. Ideal for smaller websites or when switching hosts quickly. No need for coding or technical knowledge. | Free versions often have file size limits or restricted features. Some web hosts may block migration plugins due to server resource usage. Can fail on large or complex sites if the hosting environment is limited. |
| Manual Migration | Developers or tech-savvy users who want full control | Provides complete control over every step Works even when plugins fail or are not supported by the host. More secure and reliable for large or custom WordPress setups. Helps in understanding WordPress file structure and database connections. | Requires technical knowledge. More time-consuming than plugin-based methods. A single misstep, like an incorrect database of URL changes, can break the site temporarily. |
Understanding How to Move a WordPress Site Safely
Now that you know what not to do and which path to avoid let us have an eye at what will lead you to the right results, without any rush one step at a time.
Step 1: Back Up Your Files and Database
This is the first and most crucial stop to avoid any failures, as it turns out to be your safety net.
Manual way: Download your wp-content folder using FileZilla and export your database from phpMyAdmin.
Plugin Way: Start with reading and understanding things from a migration plugin guide to use Duplicator or UpdraftPlus to package everything together.
Questioning yourself about what migration plugins are and how to use them? Rather get in touch with a professional WordPress development company, the experts where you have the right knowledge and expertise to move your website in the right manner without any further issues.
Make sure your backup includes the hidden .htaccess file many people often miss this one.
Step 2: Set Up Your New Hosting Environment
Now go to your new host and set up a blank WordPress environment. Create a new database, a database user, and note down those credentials.
Then, upload your files from the backup to the root folder, usually public_html or www.
This is also the stage where you can take small steps toward downtime prevention, like using a temporary domain or staging environment, so your live site stays uninterrupted during migration.
Step 3: Update the wp-config.php File
Further in the process inside your site folder, open wp-config.php and update these lines with your new database info:
Step 4: Upload Your Database
Database migration is one of the most crucial steps in the process requiring your utmost attention. Upload your database by following the steps carefully. After uploading, refresh your site to see if it loads.
- Go to phpMyAdmin on your new host
- Click your new database
- Go to Import
- Upload the SQL file you backed up before.
Step 5: Change URLs and File Paths
If you switched your domain name, then this step matters a lot. Install the Better Search Replace plugin. Then, swap out your old domain with your new one. This is important as it fixes images, internal links, and scripts that are linked to the old site.
Post this make sure you reinstall SSL reconfiguration or update your SSL certificate on the new domain for a secure connection.
Step 6: Fix Permalinks and Internal Links
This step updates your .htaccess file and makes sure all links are working.
- Open new WordPress dashboard
- Open Settings
- Go to Permalinks
- Click Save Changes
Make sure you do redirect setup so that you lose zero traffic of your old site, and your viewers know where to land when the old site is shifted.
Step 7: Point Your Domain at the New Server
If you move WordPress to new host, update your DNS A record where you registered your domain. This process can take a few hours so do not worry if the changes are not affected shortly. Looking for some domain migration tips? Connect with experts at WordPress India, who’ll not only lead you in right direction but can also be an expert partner for various WordPress services.
Step8: Test Everything Post Migration
Many people think the migration journey is done after the DNS changes. This turns out to be a big mistake. You need to check how your site is behaving. But how do you know everything is in place? Use this audit checklist!
- Pages open without errors
- No broken links (use a Broken Link Checker plugin)
- Images load correctly
- Forms and checkout pages work
- Plugins/themes behave normally
- Test speed on Google PageSpeed Insight
Now if anything looks off, do not jump fixing things blindly. Remember the screenshot you took at step one, compare your changes with those images, and then move on to fixes for a perfect fit.
The Bottom Line
Many users feel moving a WordPress site means having broken links, lost images and several sleepless nights spent over fixing issues. But at its core, it’s all about preparing right, having patience for changes to show up correctly and following the steps in right order.
Choose which type of migration fits with your site vision and follow every step with precision. The secret to perfect migration in one shot lies in how much attention and care is given to every step.
Still not sure if you can do this perfectly? Hire WordPress developers, who not only fix migration perfectly but also help you with a wide range of WordPress tasks such as WooCommerce development services, WordPress SEO services and much more, all under a single roof!