If you are moving your WordPress website from old host to new host. Then you would never have to worry about switching web hosts. Here we share a detailed guide on how to move your WordPress website from old host to new host. If your site is receiving too much traffic for your current host and your site is performing slowly as a result. Then you can easily move your WordPress website to a new host little to no downtime. The process is a little bit technical; it does take a lot of prep work. But don’t worry that the experience isn’t as bad as it seems. By following given below step by step guide you can easily and “quickly move your WordPress website from old host to new host” in the most seamless manner possible.

While moving website to new host many peoples are faced problems because of their current provider and have just had enough. Because of these problems, people will either pay a professional to move their site for them. The cost is depending upon your current hosting provider and the host you’re switching to. Fortunately, WordPress users have an advantage that they can either move WordPress website using a plugin. All thanks to the plugin called Duplicator, with the help of this plugin you can migrating WordPress sites just got a little easier. Since we want to remove all possible hurdles in switching over your site, we’re going to show you how to migrate your site with the help of this free plugin.

Step To Move Your WordPress Website From Old Host

To New Host :

Step 1. Choose a new web host

 

First of all, you need a new home! Ask yourself, why are you looking to migrate your site? Is your current web host too expensive? Too slow or unreliable? Too many restrictions?

 

Think about what features you want in a web host and choose the right one for you. (You don’t want to migrate it more than once!)

 

Bitcatcha has plenty of reviews and guides to help you make the right choice.

 

 

Step 2. Download and Install the Duplicator Plugin

 

You’ll find the Duplicator plugin at the usual WordPress plugins page. It’s a straightforward backup plugin which allows you to backup and export your entire WordPress site.

 

 

There are other plugins that will do a similar thing (like Backup Buddy). But I’m using Duplicator because it’s free and the re-upload at the other end is super simple. Visit the WordPress plugin page and search ‘Duplicator.’ Then, Install it and activate the plugin.

 

Step 3. Create a New ‘Package’

 

The ‘package’ is essentially one giant backup of your site. We’ll then export that package.

 

 

Create a name for your package, and skip down to the ‘Next’ button. (You don’t need to change anything in the ‘Archive’ section and we’ll fill out the ‘Installer’ details later).

 

Step 4. Scanning in progress…

 

The plugin will now scan your files and database. You may get a couple of warning signs if you have large files on your website. You can either remove these or proceed anyway.

 

 

Step 5. Click ‘Build’

 

When the scan is complete, click ‘build’, which will create your package. It may take several minutes to package up your website, depending on how large it is.

 

Step 6. Download BOTH packages

 

You’ll now see two buttons: “Installer” and “Archive”.

 

Click both of these buttons to download them. You’ll need both files later on. (It is also advisable that you store a copy of these backups at an offsite location like cloud storage service.)

 

 

You’re now backed up!

 

That’s phase one complete. You’ve backed up and exported your WordPress website. Now we need to move across to your new host and get things set up.

 

Step 7. Point your domain name to your new server

 

If you’re keeping the same domain name, you’ll need to point your domain to your new web host.

 

Simply log in to your domain provider (whether it’s GoDaddy, 123-Reg etc.). Then navigate to the DNS (domain name servers) options.

 

 

Change them so they point to your new web host.

 

Your new host will tell you the DNS server address (it’s usually something like ns1.inmotionhosting.com).

 

Note: it can take up to 24 hours for this change to happen.

 

Step 8. Log in to your new web host cPanel

 

Access the control panel of your new web host. This is where we’ll create a new database and upload the necessary files.

 

Step 9. Create a new database

 

Don’t be tempted to hit the ‘install WordPress’ button. Go straight to creating a database.

 

This process may vary depending on your chosen web host. But you’re looking for the MySQL Database Wizard option, which will look something like this:

 

 

(If you can’t find it, look at your web host’s ‘support’ section. They’ll explain how to create a database.)

 

Step 10. Enter a database name and your details

 

This step is super important.

 

Give your new database a name.

 

Then enter a username and password.

 

 

WRITE THESE DETAILS DOWN. You will need them later.

 

Step 11. Give your user full privileges

 

You’ll be asked to check a box to give the user full privileges. Check the box.

 

Your New Database Is Set up!

 

Great, so your WordPress site is backed up and exported. Your new web host is primed and ready. All that’s left to do is import and install the website onto your new host.

 

Step 12. Upload the ‘Duplicator’ Files To Your New Server

 

Remember the ‘Installer’ and the ‘Archive’ files we downloaded in Step 6? It’s time to find them and upload them to your new server.

 

You can do this on your new host’s cPanel under ‘File Manager.’ (You can also use an FTP client like Filezilla if you prefer).

 

 

Again, all web hosts are different, but you typically want to upload them to the “public_html” location.

 

 

Step 13. Install your WordPress site

 

With your website files now uploaded to your server, it’s time to install them.

 

To do this, you need to access the installer file you just uploaded. Typically, you can do this in your browser at this address: http://www.your-website.com/installer.php.

 

This should now bring up a page that looks like this:

 

 

Step 14. Enter the database details

 

Remember the database details we created in Step 10? (The database name, username and password).

 

This is where you now input those details.

 

Step 15. Test the connection

 

If everything goes to plan, there will be no errors when you click ‘Test Connection.’

 

BUT, if any errors show up, check out the ‘common connection issues’ which should clear it up.

 

Step 16. Run Deployment

 

You’re home and dry! The installer will now deploy your website to your new server. This may take a few minutes, depending on the size of the upload.

 

You can now log into WordPress with your usual details. All your content, themes and plugins will be exactly as you left them.

 

Step 17. Check it’s all working correctly!

 

You have now successfully migrated your WordPress site from one host to another. You may notice that some plugins are acting strangely; that’s normal, just reinstall them.

 

Lastly, check each page of your website to make sure nothing has gone wrong in the migration. If you have any issue or queries feel free to contact us via comment area!