Moving your WordPress site to a new server

Transferring a WordPress site from one server to another can feel daunting, but it need not be complicated if you take the right approach.

A methodical process ensures your site continues to function smoothly, with no loss of data and minimal disruption to visitors.

Process

Below is a clear, step-by-step guide to carrying out a reliable migration, from moving files and databases to updating DNS records.

Step 1: Prepare your current site

Before you begin, ensure your existing WordPress site is in good working order. Update WordPress core, your theme and any plugins to their latest versions. It is also wise to clear out any unused themes or plugins.

Take a full backup of both your files and database. The files include your theme, plugin folders, uploads and the core WordPress files. The database contains all of your posts, pages, users, settings and metadata. You can use a plugin, a control panel backup tool, or run a manual export via phpMyAdmin and FTP.

Step 2: Set up the new server

Next, prepare your new hosting environment. Install a fresh copy of WordPress on the new server to ensure everything is configured correctly — especially the PHP version, database support and SSL certificates. Create a new, empty MySQL database and note down the database name, username and password.

Step 3: Transfer files and database

Upload the files from your existing WordPress site to the new server. This can be done via FTP, SFTP or an archive extraction tool provided by your hosting control panel. Replace the default wp-content folder on the new installation with the wp-content folder from your backup.

Then, import the database backup into the new database you created. phpMyAdmin, the command line, or a hosting migration tool can all be used for this step.

Once the database is restored, open the wp-config.php file on the new server and update the database connection details so WordPress knows how to connect.

Step 4: Update site URL if needed

If the domain name is not changing, the site URL will remain the same. If the domain is changing, update the siteurl and home values in the database (under the wp_options table). This can also be done by adding the following lines to wp-config.php as a temporary measure:

Final thoughts

Migrating WordPress is a process that rewards careful preparation. By taking backups, testing before going live and managing the DNS change properly, you can achieve a seamless transfer with minimal risk. Whether you are moving to a more powerful server, changing hosting providers or consolidating sites, this step-by-step approach will ensure a smooth transition.