WordPress migration
Moving your WordPress site doesn't have to be difficult. Follow our step-by-step guide or let your new hosting provider do it for free.
Providers with free migration service
These hosting providers move your WordPress site for free. No hassle, they take care of it for you.
WordPress migration in 5 steps
Want to do it yourself? Follow these steps for a safe migration
Make a complete backup
Before you start: make a backup of your complete WordPress site. Both files and database.
- Use a plugin like UpdraftPlus, All-in-One WP Migration or Duplicator
- Download the backup to your computer (don't leave it only on the server!)
- Test if you can restore the backup (important!)
Choose your new hosting
Select a new hosting provider that meets your requirements.
Tip: Choose a provider with free migration service, then they do the work for you!
Upload your site to new hosting
Put your WordPress site on the new server, but NOT on your domain name yet.
- Create a database at your new host
- Upload your WordPress files via FTP or cPanel File Manager
- Import your database backup
- Update wp-config.php with new database credentials
Test your site thoroughly
Before changing DNS: test if everything works on the new server.
- Use the temporary domain from your hosting (e.g. temp.domain.com)
- Check all pages, contact forms and functionality
- Test logging into WordPress admin
Change your DNS settings
If everything works: point your domain to the new hosting.
- Log in to your domain registrar
- Change the nameservers or A-record to your new hosting
- Wait 24-48 hours until DNS propagation is complete
Note: Keep your old hosting active for at least 1 week, in case there are problems.
Extra migration tips
Plan your migration wisely
- • Migrate on the weekend or at night (fewer visitors)
- • Lower the DNS TTL a day in advance to 300 seconds
- • Put your site in maintenance mode during migration
Check after migration
- • Test all pages and features again
- • Check if your SSL certificate works
- • Verify that contact forms send emails
- • Monitor your site well the first few days