How to Move Your WordPress Site to a New Host

Switching web hosts is a common task — performance improvements, cost savings, better support, or a move to managed WordPress hosting are all valid reasons to migrate. The good news is that WordPress migrations, while requiring care, are well-understood processes with reliable tools and a clear step-by-step approach.

The key to a successful migration is patience. Rushing the DNS changeover before the new site is fully configured and tested is the most common cause of migration problems. Take your time with each step and you will complete the move with minimal disruption.

Backing Up and Copying Your WordPress Files

Before touching anything on your current host, take a full backup. This means all WordPress files (everything in your wp-content folder, plus wp-config.php and your .htaccess file) and a complete database export. Your current host's control panel usually offers a full backup tool; alternatively, plugins like UpdraftPlus or All-in-One WP Migration can create a complete backup you can download and restore elsewhere.

Copy all your WordPress files to the new host via FTP or your new host's file manager. If you are using a plugin-based migration tool, the plugin handles this step for you. For manual migrations, use an FTP client like FileZilla to connect to both your old and new hosts and transfer the files directly.

Migrating the Database and Updating Configuration

Export your WordPress database from your current host using phpMyAdmin — this creates a .sql file containing all your posts, pages, settings, and user accounts. Import this file into a newly created database on your new host using phpMyAdmin there. Note the new database name, username, and password, as you will need to update wp-config.php with these details.

Open wp-config.php on your new host and update the DB_NAME, DB_USER, DB_PASSWORD, and DB_HOST values to match your new database credentials. If your new host uses a different database host address (not "localhost"), check your new hosting control panel for the correct value. Test the site on your new host using its temporary URL before changing DNS.

Testing and Changing Your DNS

Most new hosts provide a temporary URL or a way to preview the site before DNS changes. Use this to check that your site loads correctly, all pages render as expected, images display, and forms submit properly. Check your wp-config.php to ensure WP_HOME and WP_SITEURL point to the correct domain.

Once you are satisfied the new host is working perfectly, update your domain's DNS nameservers or A record to point to the new host's IP address. DNS propagation typically takes a few hours but can take up to 48 hours worldwide. During this window, keep your old hosting active so visitors whose DNS has not yet propagated continue to see the live site. Only cancel your old hosting after confirming the migration is complete and stable.