Step-by-Step Migrate WordPress Website

Step 1: Backup Your Site

Before anything, create a full backup of:

• Website files (themes, plugins, uploads)
• Database (MySQL export via phpMyAdmin)

Use cPanel’s File Manager or FTP (e.g., FileZilla) to download your entire /public_html or /wp-content folder.

Step 2: Export the Database

• Log into phpMyAdmin
• Select your WordPress database
• Click Export → Quick → SQL format
• Save the .sql file locally

This file contains all your posts, pages, settings, and plugin data.

Step 3: Upload Files to New Server

• Use FTP or cPanel File Manager
• Upload your WordPress files to the new server’s /public_html or target directory
• Ensure .htaccess and wp-config.php are included

Step 4: Create a New Database

On the new host:

• Go to MySQL Databases
• Create a new database and user
• Assign the user to the database with All Privileges

Note down the database name, username, and password.

Step 5: Import the Database

• Open phpMyAdmin on the new host
• Select the new database
• Click Import → Choose File → Upload your .sql file
• Click Go

Your content and settings are now in place.

Step 6: Update wp-config.php

Edit the wp-config.php file to match the new database credentials:

define(‘DB_NAME’, ‘new_database_name’); define(‘DB_USER’, ‘new_database_user’);
define(‘DB_PASSWORD’, ‘new_database_password’); define(‘DB_HOST’, ‘localhost’); // usually stays the same

Save and upload the updated file.

Step 7: Update Site URL (if domain changed)

If you’re Migrate WordPress Website to a new domain:

• Access phpMyAdmin
• Go to wp_options table
• Update siteurl and home fields to reflect the new domain

Alternatively, add this to functions.php temporarily:

update_option(‘siteurl’,’https://newdomain.com’);
update_option(‘home’,’https://newdomain.com’);

Remove it after confirming the site loads correctly.

Step 8: Final Cleanup

• Reset permalinks: Go to Settings → Permalinks → Save
• Reconfigure any CDN, cache, or security settings
• Test all pages, forms, and WooCommerce flows
• Reindex with Google Search Console if domain changed

Need Help Migrate WordPress Website?

If you want expert help with manual migration, domain switching, or performance tuning, we offer professional Migrate WordPress Website services tailored for agencies, eCommerce brands, and service providers.

Let’s move your site the smart way. Contact us today