Migrating a full WordPress site from one hosting environment to another can be a complex process. Whether you’re moving to a new hosting provider, server, or domain, a well-planned WordPress full site migration development process ensures minimal downtime, data integrity, and functionality retention.
This comprehensive guide covers:
✔️ What is WordPress full site migration?
✔️ Types of WordPress full site migration
✔️ Step-by-step migration process
✔️ Best practices for a smooth transition
✔️ FAQs about WordPress full site migration development
By following this guide, you can migrate your WordPress site safely, preserve all content, themes, plugins, and settings, and prevent common migration errors.
What is WordPress Full Site Migration?
WordPress full site migration involves transferring an entire WordPress website—including its database, files, themes, plugins, media, and settings—from one server or hosting provider to another. This can include:
🔹 Changing Web Hosting Providers – Moving your site to a new hosting company
🔹 Switching Domains – Moving from oldsite.com to newsite.com
🔹 Upgrading to a Better Server – Migrating to a VPS, cloud hosting, or dedicated server
🔹 Moving from Local to Live Server – Launching a locally developed WordPress site online
A proper WordPress full site migration development plan prevents broken links, missing files, downtime, and SEO ranking drops.
Types of WordPress Full Site Migration
1. Manual WordPress Migration
This method involves manually exporting and importing files, databases, and configurations.
📌 Best For:
✔️ Tech-savvy users comfortable with FTP, phpMyAdmin, and database management.
📌 Steps:
- Backup WordPress files (
wp-content, themes, plugins) - Export and import the WordPress database
- Update wp-config.php with new database credentials
- Update URLs if changing domains
2. Plugin-Based WordPress Migration
Migration plugins automate the process, making it easier and faster.
📌 Best For:
✔️ Beginners or users with limited technical knowledge.
📌 Popular Plugins:
🔹 All-in-One WP Migration – Simple one-click migration
🔹 Duplicator – Great for cloning WordPress sites
🔹 Migrate Guru – Handles large websites efficiently
📌 Steps:
- Install a migration plugin
- Export the full site backup
- Upload it to the new server
- Update DNS settings (if needed)
3. cPanel-Based WordPress Migration
Many hosting providers offer cPanel-based migration tools for seamless transfers.
📌 Best For:
✔️ Users migrating between cPanel-based hosting providers.
📌 Steps:
- Use cPanel’s Backup Wizard to download the site backup
- Upload it to the new hosting provider
- Restore the website via cPanel
4. Staging-to-Live Migration
If you develop on a staging site, migrating it to a live environment is crucial.
📌 Best For:
✔️ Developers who test updates before deployment.
📌 Steps:
- Create a staging environment
- Test changes
- Use hosting migration tools to push updates to live
5. Managed WordPress Migration
Some hosting providers offer free or paid migration services.
📌 Best For:
✔️ Users who prefer a hands-off migration.
📌 How It Works:
- Contact your hosting provider
- Provide necessary login details
- The provider handles the entire migration process
Step-by-Step Guide for WordPress Full Site Migration
Step 1: Backup Your WordPress Site
Before migration, take a complete backup of:
✅ WordPress files – Themes, plugins, uploads, etc.
✅ Database – Posts, pages, settings
🔹 Use a backup plugin like UpdraftPlus or manually download files via FTP.
Step 2: Set Up the New Hosting Environment
- Install WordPress on the new server
- Create a new database
- Configure PHP version and server settings
Step 3: Transfer WordPress Files and Database
✅ Using FTP/SFTP, upload all files (wp-content, themes, plugins)
✅ Import the database using phpMyAdmin or WP-CLI
wp db import database.sql
Step 4: Update wp-config.php
Modify the database credentials in wp-config.php:
define('DB_NAME', 'new_database_name');
define('DB_USER', 'new_database_user');
define('DB_PASSWORD', 'new_database_password');
define('DB_HOST', 'localhost');
Step 5: Update Site URLs (If Changing Domains)
If the domain is changing, update the URLs:
wp search-replace 'oldsite.com' 'newsite.com' --skip-columns=guid
or via the database:
UPDATE wp_options SET option_value = replace(option_value, 'oldsite.com', 'newsite.com') WHERE option_name = 'siteurl' OR option_name = 'home';
Step 6: Test the New Site
✔ Check pages, images, links, and plugins
✔ Test contact forms, login functionality, and checkout (for WooCommerce sites)
✔ Enable debugging in wp-config.php if needed:
define('WP_DEBUG', true);
Step 7: Update DNS and Go Live
Once everything is set up, update your domain’s nameservers to point to the new host.
✔ DNS propagation may take up to 48 hours.
Best Practices for a Smooth WordPress Full Site Migration
✔ Use a staging site to test before going live
✔ Backup everything before migration
✔ Check PHP and MySQL versions for compatibility
✔ Migrate during off-peak hours to reduce downtime
✔ Enable maintenance mode to avoid broken site access
✔ Monitor performance post-migration using Google PageSpeed Insights
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How long does WordPress full site migration take?
✅ It depends on site size and migration method. A small site using a plugin can take less than an hour, while large sites with manual migration may take several hours.
2. Will my website experience downtime during migration?
✅ If done properly, downtime is minimal. Using a staging environment or temporary domain helps keep your live site running until migration is complete.
3. What happens to my SEO after migration?
✅ If URLs change, 301 redirects should be set up to preserve SEO rankings. Keep sitemaps updated and inform Google via Search Console.
4. What should I do if my site breaks after migration?
✅ Check error logs, verify database connections, and re-save permalink settings under:
WordPress Dashboard → Settings → Permalinks → Save Changes
5. Can I migrate my WordPress site without a plugin?
✅ Yes! You can manually download files, export the database, update wp-config.php, and reconfigure the server. This method is ideal for advanced users.
Final Thoughts
A well-executed WordPress full site migration development process ensures your website remains functional, secure, and optimized on its new hosting environment.
🚀 Follow this guide for a smooth, error-free migration and enjoy a seamless WordPress experience!
