How to Migrate WordPress Site to Another Host: Step-by-Step Guide

Migrating your WordPress website to a new host may sound intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right guidance, you can move your site safely, whether you’re switching providers to improve performance, reduce costs, or expand your hosting capabilities. In this article, we’ll show you how to migrate WordPress site to another host using two methods: the manual method and a faster option using the Duplicator plugin. Both are effective, but differ in complexity and speed.

Why Migrate a WordPress Site?

There are several reasons you might want to migrate your WordPress site:

• Switching to a faster or more reliable hosting provider

• Lowering costs

• Upgrading server specs

• Improving site security

• Rebranding or changing domain names

Regardless of the reason, what matters most is doing it without data loss or significant downtime.

Method 1: How to Migrate WordPress Site to Another Host Manually

This approach gives you full control over the process. It’s ideal for developers or those who prefer not to use plugins.

Step 1: Download Your Site Files

Use an FTP client like FileZilla or your hosting control panel to download all files in your website’s root directory—typically /public_html or /www.

Step 2: Export Your Database

Log into phpMyAdmin via your current host. Select your site’s database and click Export. Use the Quick method and SQL format.

Step 3: Upload Files to the New Host

Connect to your new hosting account via FTP and upload the files to your new server’s root directory.

Step 4: Create a New Database

In your new hosting control panel, create a new MySQL database and user, then assign the user to the database.

Step 5: Import the Database

Open phpMyAdmin on the new host, choose the database you created, and import the .sql file.

Step 6: Update wp-config.php

Modify the wp-config.php file on your new server with the new database details:

Step 7: Update URLs (if your domain has changed)

To replace old URLs with the new domain, use a tool like Search Replace DB or perform a manual SQL query via phpMyAdmin.

Method 2: How to Migrate WordPress Site to Another Host Using Duplicator

If you’re looking for an easier, faster way, Duplicator is a free plugin that makes migrating a WordPress site quick and seamless—even for beginners.

Step 1: Install Duplicator

Go to your WordPress dashboard, navigate to “Plugins” > “Add New,” search for Duplicator, then install and activate it.

Step 2: Create a Migration Package

Under “Duplicator” > “Packages,” create a new package. The plugin will generate two files: an installer (installer.php) and an archive file containing your entire site.

Step 3: Upload to New Host

Use FTP to upload both files to the root directory of your new server.

Step 4: Launch the Installer

In your browser, visit yournewdomain.com/installer.php and follow the steps to complete the migration. Duplicator will handle database import, path corrections, and URL updates automatically.

Manual vs Duplicator: Which Is Better?

Pro Tips for a Successful Migration

• Always back up your site before migrating. Tools like UpdraftPlus are great for this.

• Make sure your new hosting environment meets WordPress minimum requirements.

• After migration, test your site’s speed and performance using tools like GTmetrix or PageSpeed Insights.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to migrate WordPress site to another host is a valuable skill for any website owner. If you’re comfortable with technical tasks and want total control, go with the manual method. If you prefer simplicity and speed, the Duplicator plugin is an excellent solution.

Whichever method you choose, this guide will help you perform a smooth migration with minimal downtime and no lost data.

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