Moving to a better host is easier than most people expect, as long as you plan it. This guide shows you how to migrate a WordPress site without losing content, breaking links or taking the site offline, and explains when it makes sense to let your new host handle the move for you.
A migration has three moving parts: your files (themes, plugins, uploads), your database (posts, pages, settings, users) and your DNS (the records that point your domain to a server). If you copy all three correctly and test before switching DNS, visitors never notice the move.
Should you migrate yourself or ask the host?
There are three common routes. Pick the one that matches your comfort level and how important the site is.
| Method | Best for | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Host does it for you | Beginners, business sites | No technical work, usually tested by the host | May be limited to certain plans or a set number of sites |
| Migration plugin | Small to medium sites | Mostly automatic, works across hosts | Large sites can time out; free versions may have size limits |
| Manual (files + database) | Large or custom sites | Full control, no size limits | Needs FTP/SSH and database tools; easy to make mistakes |
If you are unsure, ask the new host first. Many hosting companies offer assisted migration for new customers, but the details differ, so confirm what is included before you buy. Our guide on how to choose a web hosting provider lists the questions worth asking, and our Hosting.com review shows what one provider includes.
Before you migrate a WordPress site: preparation checklist
- Make a full backup of files and the database, and store a copy somewhere other than the old server (your computer or cloud storage).
- Write down your setup: PHP version, active plugins, any custom code in
wp-config.phpor.htaccess, and scheduled tasks. - Update first, not during. Update WordPress, themes and plugins on the old host so you are not debugging two problems at once.
- Lower your DNS TTL to something short, such as 300 seconds, a day before you switch. This helps the change spread faster.
- Do not publish or change content during the move, or you may lose edits made after the backup.
- Check your email setup. If your domain email is hosted with your old provider, plan how it will move or keep working.
Step-by-step: how to migrate a WordPress site
Step 1: Back up everything
Use your host’s backup tool or a plugin to export the full site. A complete backup contains the wp-content folder (themes, plugins, uploads), the WordPress core files if you edited them, and a database export (an .sql file). Download the backup to your own computer.
Step 2: Set up the new hosting account
Sign up with the new host, add your domain to the account, and install a blank copy of WordPress if you plan to use a plugin or restore manually. Do not point your domain yet. Most hosts give you a temporary URL or let you edit your computer’s hosts file so you can preview the new server before the switch.
Step 3: Copy the files and database
With a migration plugin, install it on both sites and follow its export and import steps. Doing it manually, upload the files by FTP or the file manager, create a new database and user in the control panel, import the .sql file with phpMyAdmin, then edit wp-config.php with the new database name, user and password.
Step 4: Fix URLs if the domain or path changed
If the domain stays the same, you usually do not need to change anything. If it changes, run a search-and-replace on the database for the old URL, using a well-known tool such as WP-CLI or a trusted search-replace plugin. Never edit a serialized database dump by hand, because it can corrupt settings.
Step 5: Test before you switch DNS
- Open the temporary URL and click through the homepage, several posts, and your main menu.
- Check images, forms, search, login and checkout (if you run a store).
- Save permalinks again under Settings, then Permalinks, to refresh rewrite rules.
- Look for mixed-content or SSL warnings, and confirm HTTPS works on the new server.
Step 6: Switch DNS
Change your nameservers or update the A record to the new server’s IP address, depending on how your domain is managed. If you are not sure how this works, read our guide on how to register a domain name. DNS changes can take from a few minutes to a day or more to reach everyone, so keep the old hosting account active during this time.
Step 7: Final checks after the move
- Confirm the live site loads from the new server and that SSL is active.
- Re-test forms and email notifications.
- Reconnect services that rely on the server IP, such as caching, CDN or security plugins.
- Submit your sitemap again in Google Search Console and watch for crawl errors.
- Keep the old account for at least a week, then cancel it once you are sure nothing is missing.
Common migration mistakes to avoid
- Cancelling the old host too soon. Keep it until DNS has fully switched and you have tested everything.
- Forgetting email. Moving DNS can break domain email if the mail records are not copied.
- Skipping the backup. Even a smooth migration can go wrong. A backup is your undo button.
- Ignoring PHP version differences. An older plugin may fail on a newer PHP version. Test first.
- Not testing on the new server. Previewing before the DNS switch catches problems while visitors still see the working old site.
Does migrating hurt SEO?
A well-planned migration to a new host does not have to hurt your rankings. Keep URLs the same, keep the site online during the switch, and avoid long downtime. A faster, more reliable server can even help. Just do not combine a host move with a redesign or a domain change unless you have to, because changing too many things at once makes problems harder to trace.
When it is worth letting the host migrate for you
If your site earns money, has many plugins, or you simply do not want to risk it, assisted migration is worth using. Some providers include it with new plans. For example, Hosting.com is one option to look at. Ask them (or any host you consider) whether migration help is included, because policies differ by plan and can change. Before moving, also compare plan types in shared vs VPS vs cloud hosting and make sure you understand renewal prices, since the first-term price is often lower than the price you pay later.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to migrate a WordPress site?
A small site can be moved in under an hour. Larger sites or sites with many images may take several hours. DNS propagation adds extra time, but the old server keeps serving visitors until the change reaches them.
Will my site go down during migration?
It should not, if you test on the new server first and only switch DNS when everything works. Visitors are sent to the old or new server during propagation, and both show the same content.
Can I migrate a WordPress site for free?
Yes. Free migration plugins and manual methods cost nothing, and some hosts include assisted migration. Your time and the risk of mistakes are the real costs, so choose the method you are comfortable with.
Do I need to change my domain name?
No. You can move hosting and keep the same domain. You only update where the domain points.
What should I do if something breaks?
Do not panic. Your old site is still running as long as you have not cancelled that account, and you can point DNS back. Then compare settings, check error logs and restore from your backup if needed.
Final thoughts
Learning how to migrate a WordPress site gives you freedom to leave a slow or overpriced host. Back up, test on the new server, switch DNS carefully and keep the old account for a short safety period. If you would rather skip the technical work, pick a host that includes assisted migration.
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