Migrate WordPress to a New Host

Moving a WordPress site to a new host is one of the most common migrations — and one of the most delicate, because WordPress depends on both files and a database. Here's how to do it safely.

Always back up first. Before touching anything, create a full backup of your files and database. See Backups.

The two things WordPress needs

WordPress is made of two parts that must stay in sync:

1. Files — the WordPress core, themes, plugins, and uploaded media.
2. Database — your posts, pages, users, and settings.

A WordPress migration is essentially: move the files, move the database, then update the configuration so they point at each other.

Step 1: Back up

Create a backup of your files (the whole site folder) and database. See Backups.

Step 2: Export the database

Export your database (a .sql file) from your old host.

Step 3: Upload your files to the new host

Upload the site files to your new hosting. See Upload files and Add a website.

Step 4: Create and import the database on the new host

Create a new database, then import your .sql file. See Create a database.

Step 5: Update the configuration

WordPress stores its database connection details in a file called wp-config.php. Update the database name, username, and password to match the new database.

Step 6: Point your domain

Once everything is in place, point your domain at the new host. See Point your domain.

Step 7: Test

• Check your site loads and images appear.
• Log in to your WordPress dashboard.
• Test forms and pages.
• Make sure your email still works. See Email deliverability.

A few common gotchas

• Permalinks — after a move, your links might break. Re-save your permalink settings in WordPress.
• Hardcoded URLs — if your site has the old domain hardcoded, it may need updating.
• Don't cancel the old host yet — wait until the new site is fully working.

Want us to handle it? We can migrate your WordPress site for you. See Move your site from another host, or contact support.