How to Migrate or Move a WordPress Website to a New Host in 2025 (Step-by-Step Guide)

Introduction

Website migration involves transferring your WordPress site's files, databases, and configurations to a new environment. This process is essential for various reasons, including performance improvements, security enhancements, and scalability. For more info Migrate your website.

Why You Might Need to Migrate Your WordPress Website

Performance Enhancements: Upgrading to a host with better resources can significantly improve site speed and user experience.
Security Improvements: Moving to a host that offers advanced security features can protect your site from potential threats.
Scalability: As your website grows, you may need a hosting environment that can handle increased traffic and data.
Cost Efficiency: Switching to a more cost-effective hosting solution can reduce operational expenses.
Technical Support: Opting for a host with superior customer support can provide peace of mind and prompt issue resolution.

Common Scenarios for Website Migration

Changing Hosting Providers: To leverage better services or pricing.
Domain Name Changes: Rebranding or acquiring a more suitable domain.
Developing Locally: Moving a site from a local development environment to a live server.
Site Cloning: Creating a duplicate of your site for testing or development purposes.

Pre-Migration Checklist

Before initiating the migration, ensure the following:

Backup Your Website: Create a complete backup of your site's files and database.
Choose the Right Hosting Provider: Select a host that meets your site's requirements.
Verify Domain Ownership and Access: Ensure you have control over your domain settings.HighLevel Support Portal
Update DNS Records: Prepare to update your domain's DNS settings to point to the new host.
Check PHP and MySQL Versions: Ensure compatibility between your site and the new hosting environment.

Backing Up Your Website (Files + Database)

Creating a backup is crucial to prevent data loss:

Files: Use an FTP client or your hosting control panel to download all website files.
Database: Export your database using tools like phpMyAdmin or a WordPress plugin.

Choosing the Right Hosting Provider in 2025

Consider the following when selecting a new host:

Performance: Look for hosts with high uptime guarantees and fast load times.
Security: Ensure the host provides robust security measures, including SSL certificates and regular backups.
Support: Opt for providers with 24/7 customer support.
Scalability: Choose a host that can accommodate your site's growth.
Pricing: Compare pricing plans to find a solution that fits your budget.

Verifying Domain Ownership and Access

Ensure you have:

Domain Registrar Access: Ability to update DNS settings.Elementor
Email Account Access: Access to email accounts associated with your domain.
Administrative Rights: Full control over your domain and hosting accounts.

Option 1: Manual WordPress Migration

Exporting Files via cPanel or FTP

cPanel: Use the File Manager to compress and download your website files.
FTP: Connect using an FTP client to download all files from your site's root directory.

Exporting the WordPress Database via phpMyAdmin

Access phpMyAdmin through your hosting control panel.
Select your database and use the "Export" function to download a SQL file.

Editing the wp-config.php File

Update database credentials to match the new hosting environment.
Modify any other necessary configurations to ensure compatibility.

Importing Files and Database to the New Host

Files: Upload your website files to the new host using cPanel or FTP.
Database: Create a new database and import the SQL file using phpMyAdmin.

Updating Site URL and Permalinks

Use the WordPress dashboard to update your site's URL settings.
Navigate to Settings > Permalinks and save changes to refresh permalink structures.

Option 2: Using a WordPress Migration Plugin

Top WordPress Migration Plugins in 2025

All-in-One WP Migration: Offers a user-friendly interface for exporting and importing your site.
Duplicator: Allows you to create a package of your site for easy migration.
UpdraftPlus: Provides backup and restoration functionalities, including migration options.

Step-by-Step: Migrating with All-in-One WP Migration

Install and activate the plugin on your current site.WordPress.org+1HighLevel Support Portal+1
Navigate to All-in-One WP Migration > Export and choose "Export to File."WordPress.org
Download the generated .wpress file.WordPress.org+1HighLevel Support Portal+1
Install WordPress on your new host and set up the plugin.
Navigate to All-in-One WP Migration > Import and upload the .wpress file.
Follow the prompts to complete the import process.

Common Plugin Errors and Fixes

Upload Size Limitations: Increase the maximum upload size in your php.ini file or use the plugin's extension for larger files.
Timeout Errors: Ensure your server's execution time is sufficient; consider increasing it in your server settings.

DNS and Domain Setup

Pointing Your Domain to the New Host

Log in to your domain registrar's dashboard.WPZOOM
Update the nameservers to those provided by your new hosting provider.WPZOOM
Save changes and allow up to 48 hours for DNS propagation.WPZOOM+1Hostinger+1

DNS Propagation: What to Expect

During propagation, some users may see the old site while others see the new one.
Avoid making significant changes during this period to prevent data inconsistencies.

Temporary URL Testing Before Going Live

Use the temporary URL provided by your new host to test the site's functionality.
Ensure all features work correctly before updating DNS settings.GoDaddy

Post-Migration Checklist

Testing Website Functionality

Navigate through your site to check for broken links or missing images.
Test forms, search functions, and other interactive elements.

Fixing Broken Links and Media

Use plugins like "Better Search Replace" to update old URLs in your database.
Manually check and update any hardcoded links in your theme files.

Reinstalling SSL Certificate

Obtain and install an SSL certificate through your new host.
Ensure all site URLs use HTTPS to maintain security and SEO benefits.

Checking SEO and Google Indexing

Verify your site's presence in Google Search Console.techradar.com
Submit a new sitemap to facilitate indexing of your migrated site.

Updating Plugins, Themes, and Core

Ensure all plugins and themes are up to date.
Update WordPress core to the latest version to benefit from security patches and new features.

Troubleshooting Migration Issues

Even when you follow all the steps carefully, things can go wrong. Don’t worry! Here’s how to fix the most common problems after migration:

White Screen of Death (WSOD)

This scary blank screen means something broke. It usually happens because of a theme, plugin, or PHP error.

How to Fix It:

Turn on debug mode. Add this to your wp-config.php:
define( 'WP_DEBUG', true );
Deactivate all plugins using FTP or cPanel.
Switch to a default theme like Twenty Twenty-Four.
Check the error log for the exact issue.

Tip: Always update plugins and themes before migration.

Database Connection Errors

If you see "Error establishing a database connection," your site can't talk to its database.

How to Fix It:

Open your wp-config.php file.
Double-check these details:
- DB_NAME
- DB_USER
- DB_PASSWORD
- DB_HOST
Make sure your new database actually exists.
Ask your host for the correct database server name (often it's not just "localhost").

404 Errors and Missing Pages

Pages not showing? You probably need to reset your permalinks.

How to Fix It:

Log in to WordPress dashboard.
Go to Settings > Permalinks.
Click Save Changes without editing anything.
That refreshes all your URLs.

File Permission Problems

If images don’t load or you can’t update, your files may have the wrong permissions.

How to Fix It:

Use your host's file manager or an FTP tool.
Set folders to permission 755.
Set files to permission 644.
Don’t set anything to 777 — it’s not safe.

Migrating Email Accounts (If Needed)

If your old host handled your email (like [email protected]), you’ll need to move that too.

Exporting and Importing Email Accounts

Ask your old host for help downloading email data (usually via IMAP backup).

Then, ask your new host how to:

Create new email accounts.
Import saved emails.

You can also forward old emails to the new inbox.

Using a Third-Party Email Provider

A better way? Use trusted email services like:

Google Workspace (Gmail)
Zoho Mail
ProtonMail (for privacy)

You’ll get better deliverability and easier setup.

Tip: Update MX records in your DNS settings to connect your domain to the new email provider.

Speed Optimization on New Host

Now that your site is live, let’s make it faster!

Enabling Caching and CDN

Caching stores static versions of your site. CDNs (Content Delivery Networks) load your site from nearby servers.

Do this:

Install a caching plugin like WP Rocket or LiteSpeed Cache.
Use a CDN like Cloudflare or Bunny.net.
Enable GZIP compression from your host settings or plugin.

Image Optimization and Lazy Loading

Big images slow down your site.

Fix it like this:

Use a plugin like Smush or ShortPixel to compress images.
Turn on lazy loading. It loads images only when needed.
Consider storing images on external storage (like Amazon S3) if your media library is huge.

Database Cleanup and Security Tips

Old junk in your database can slow things down.

Clean it up:

Use WP-Optimize or Advanced Database Cleaner.
Remove spam comments, post revisions, and trash.
Schedule weekly cleanups.

Security Tips:

Install a firewall plugin like Wordfence.
Use strong passwords and two-factor login.
Keep everything updated.

Best Practices for Safe Migration

Follow these tips to avoid future problems.

Downtime Prevention Tips

Do the migration during low-traffic hours.
Keep your old hosting active for at least 48 hours.
Use a temporary domain or subdomain for testing.

Using Staging Environments

A staging site is a test version of your site.

Many hosts offer one-click staging.
Test all changes there first.
Push updates to the live site only when ready.

Keeping a Full Backup for Rollback

Always keep a complete backup of your old site and database.

Store backups in the cloud (like Dropbox or Google Drive).
Use tools like UpdraftPlus or BlogVault.

If anything breaks, you can go back safely.

Conclusion

Migrating a WordPress site might sound scary, but it’s totally doable — especially with this step-by-step guide. By taking small steps, checking your files, and preparing backups, you can move your site smoothly and safely.

Key Takeaways

Always back up your site before anything else.
Choose the right migration method (manual or plugin).
Use staging and CDN to boost speed and safety.
Fix errors quickly with simple checks.
Move your emails if needed.
Keep your database and images optimized.

When to Hire a Professional

If your website:

Has custom plugins or code
Gets lots of traffic
Can’t afford any downtime
Feels too complex

Then it’s smart to hire a pro.

You can talk to us at Creation Wave — we’ve migrated dozens of complex WordPress websites without a hiccup.

FAQs

Q1: How long does migration take?
Usually 1 to 2 hours. Big sites may take longer.

Q2: Will I lose SEO rankings?
Not if you do it right. Keep URLs the same and use 301 redirects if you change domains.

Q3: Can I do this myself?
Yes! Use a plugin if you're not tech-savvy. Follow our steps carefully.

Q4: What if my site breaks?
Don’t panic. Restore your backup. Or contact us to fix it fast.

Q5: Is there downtime?
Minimal to none, if you prepare DNS and test properly before switching.