WordPress Migration to New Server – Easy, Secure, and Hassle-Free Guide

WordPress Migration to New Server

From now on, you don’t need to worry about the WordPress migration to the new server. Because it looks complex, and without proper instructions, you will get confused.

But, here is the solution: to select the perfect hosting provider, you don’t have to move your WordPress website further. Yet, you need to learn how to migrate your WordPress website to a new server.

In this blog, we have shared multiple methods and step-by-step guides regarding the WordPress migration to the new server. We will bring in a few top e-Commerce website migration tools to ease your migration process.

Should I Migrate My WordPress Site Manually or Automatically?

Migrating a WordPress website is not a complex task, if you follow a clear guide, you can do it with ease. And yet, if you want to do this migration manually, you need to have some comfort with using File Transfer Protocol(FP) and obtaining a database and correcting files to your previous website.

However, we have a simpler solution for you: you can use a WordPress Migration to New Server tool or plugin. Also, there are ample options, which I will share with you later. In addition, migration plugins can be more liable to errors when it comes to large websites. Due to this, manual migration is safer, and if you follow the steps carefully, there will be later on.

Also, few web hosts provide free migration services only for new subscribers. You can hire third-party services to help migrate WordPress to the new server.

How to Migrate Your WordPress Site Manually

If you want to do WordPress migration to new Server by yourself, you need to read an accurate and clear guide. Here, we have shared step-by-step procedures for your knowledge.

Step 1: Choose a New WordPress Host

When your online business expands, you will need to explore a new hosting provider for your WordPress website. When you have a new host, keep in mind that it doesn’t have the present problems that the previous one did.

You must be aware that the host has basic and important features, such as the latest security features, SEO optimizations, and faster loading.

There are abundant hosting sites, you need to choose wisely and accurately for your website. We have shared some demos in the following-

Shared– This is one of the cheapest options, as many hosting sites share all the resources that you can have in one place.
Virtual Private Server(VPS)– It offers virtualized server resources that you can share with other users.
Dedicated– It provides you a physical server that only supports your website.
Managed– You can manage any kind of hosting plan, and the hosting provider will manage the technical part.

Step 2: Backup Your WordPress Site Files

First, you need to make a copy of your entire website’s files. To do it with ease, there is a superb tool called FTP.

Now, you need to right-click on your root folder and select the download option.

This can download a copy of your whole root dictionary to your Computer, and to complete the process, it takes some time.

Step 3: Backup Your WordPress Database

So, you have your website’s files copied, now it’s time to back up the database. This is where all of your website’s content is kept secure.

To complete this process, you have to access your database. And most of the web hosting providers allow you to do this via your control panel.

Here, we can show you one example. Suppose you are using cPanel; you can find a section named Databases. In that section, you will press on the phpMyadmin option.

Step 4: Export Your WordPress Database

You have already entered it; you have to select your website’s database from the section from the list on the left. And entered the Export tab using the top menu. Now, you need to select the quick option button and the export method and press Go. This action will download your website’s database in SQL format.

Step 5: Create a New SQL Database and Import the Contents of Your Old One

After that, you need to create a database on the web host which you decided to move on with. Now, you have to import your file from your previous database. That will be taken by a new one.

Here, I have shown you some examples of using cPanel as a host. You will have to do,

• First, enter the database section in cPanel and select the MySQL Databases option.
• Now, you need to make a new database and include a user from a similar tab. (You should keep a note of the names you use for later.)
• Then, you will need to access the new database using phpMyAdmin.
• Now, you need to navigate into the Import tab within the database, and you can upload the .sql file you generated before.

Finally, you can find your old database into a new web host. Yet, you have to upload again all of your site’s files.
If you have selected a web host who doesn’t use cPanel, you will have to try another set of instructions. So, I have one solution for you: you can choose an any hosting plan.

You can find it in your User portal. And it will guide you throughout your migration process.

Step 6: Upload Your WordPress Site Files to the New Web Host

In this process, at first, you have to log into your current server via FTP. After that, you need to enter its Root folder.

Now, you can right-click on that folder and choose the upload option. Now, find the folder that was downloaded during the first step; you need to open it and choose all the files within it.

The upload process takes some time, and without any error, it will be completed.

Step 7: Edit Your WordPress Site’s wp-config.php File

Now, whenever your all files are on the new server, you will have to access your WordPress Root folder. And you can’t even access the website now. As you have to update the WordPress wp-cofig.php file, it automatically dictates the new database.

Now, find the wp-cofig.php file in your new root folder, and then right-click on it and choose the View/Edit option.

This will help you to open the file using the local text editor and allow you to make changes. We have shared three lines in the following, you will have to update them.

define(‘DB_NAME, ‘db_name’);
define(‘DB_USER, ‘db_user’);
define(‘DB_PASSWORD, ‘db_pass’);

Now, all of the lines contain values that refer to your database. You need to change the lowercase database, which would have been created at step 3.

After that, save it to the file and close it. Now, you can access your WordPress website.

Step 8: Configure and Change Your DNS

Now, you have to ensure that your domain name server(DNS) is pointed to the right host. For example, if you have your WordPress Migration to New Server with Hostinger or WP Engine plans, you will have to point your DNS to your new server.

To do this process, you will need the following things:-

All knowledge from your new host.

Getting access to the register where you buy your domain name.

If you need any details, click on Domains to go to your user portal.

And at the end of the Domains screen, you can find a section called DNS details.

In that section, you will find both a CNAME record and the NAME for your website.

So, you have to enter the information into your Domain name account. The process can depend upon from where you would have purchased the Domain. To help you out with the DNS configuration process, we have gathered a list of the most common registrars. It guided the complete information for every part.

Step 9: Test Your Migrated Site

First, you need to visit the present website’s URL to make sure that your website works accurately in the new hosting domain.

And do a detailed analysis of all links, pages, forms and functionalities.

How to Migrate Your WordPress Site With a Plugin

To migrate WordPress to a new server, the best yet easiest way is to use WordPress plugins. Yet, you have to be aware that you need to choose 100% examined plugins.

So, for successful positioning, you should follow the instructions in the right method. It must avoid any errors during the migration process.

Here, we have shared some easy steps to migrate WordPress using plugins…

Benefits of Using a Migration Plugin for WordPress Websites

Migration plugins are the most demanding and are utilized for transferring WordPress websites to new servers.

Top WordPress Migration Plugins Overview

There are ample migration plugins in the search bar, you have to select wisely. The few top WordPress migration Plugins are Duplicator, WP Migrate DB, Updraftplus, and Migrate Guru.

Step-by-Step Guide to Migrate Using a Plugin

Step 1: Installing and activating the plugin

If you have selected a migration Plugin, you need to follow the WordPress Plugin installation standard. You have to click on the ‘Install’ button following the plugin’s name.

Once you have completed the installation process, you can click on the ‘Activate’ button next to the plugin’s name.

Step 2: Backing up your site with the plugin

Now, you need to go to the WordPress admin area and find and access the installed Plugin.

After that, you can use this Plugin to make a backup of your Website.

This automatically adds your WordPress website’s files and database.

Step 3: Migrating the backup to the new host

Once the Backup process is finished, the Plugin will generate the backup files.

Next, you should download the backup files to the local Computer.

These files are generally added with an installer script and a compressed archive of core and site files.

Step 4: Restoring the site on the new host

Now, you need to sign up for a hosting plan with your new web host. Make sure that this fulfils all the WordPress requirements.

After that, access your hosting control panel and arrange your hosting environment. Keep notes of all credentials, as they will be needed later.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting Tips

If you are facing any problems regarding this section, this is to help you out.

I cannot find my Migration Key.

• First, log in to WordPress.com for your destination website.
• Then, you need to enter the destination site’s dashboard to the migrate Wordpress.com menu item.
• Finally, you can use the ‘Copy key’ button to get your migration key.

Some Issues with Migration Key:

To solve this error, ensure that you are copying with the key from the destination site.

Best Plugins for Migrating WordPress Sites Easily

The WordPress migration process is indeed becoming daunting if you don’t choose an easy way. So, we have a solution for you.
You can use any tools for transforming WordPress to a new server; we have shared some examples of them.

WP Engine’s Automated WordPress Site Migration

If you have wanted to migrate your website to WP Engine, then you can use WP Engine Automated Migration. It can make your migration process a lot easier.

This tool is an expert for taking care of your website’s database, migrating and copying the files. You have to put in a few essential credentials, and the WordPress Plugin will take care of all of it.

WP Migrate

Now, WP Migrate Lite will export the entire file as required to make it in another environment. The exclusive interface can allow you to fully compose your export with what you want to add.

Also, with some clicks, you can download the Zip file of your entire site, and it is ready to migrate. Also, the Plugin can locate and replace content in your WordPress database with the support of clean data. Ensure you can migrate your database without any error.

WPvivid Backup Plugin

It is accurate for any website migration, and it helps to keep or copy your website. It supports both automated and manual migration.

It is available in a free version and cannot limit the size of your website’s size that you migrate.

Other Popular Migration Tools

The WordPress migration tools are important for migrating your website to a new server. And it keeps your content, files, and SEO-optimizations the same as the previous website.

So, you can try other migration tools also, such as BackupBuddy, Migrate Guru, and Jetpack.

Migrate Your WordPress Site to WP Engine

We have provided a bunch of plugins to migrate your website to a new server. The only purpose is to make your migration process easy and not feel pressured.

If you want to migrate your WordPress website with WP Engine, you need to select a web hosting plan and accurately follow how WordPress migrates to the new server.

1. Why Choose WP Engine for Hosting?

If you select WP Engine for hosting, you can solely focus on the seamless design, content, and development of your website. We have an experienced team of developers who handle security, speed, and updates.

2. Preparing Your Site for Migration to WP Engine

To prepare your site for Migrating to WP Engine, you need to follow some steps…
First, you have to install the plugin on the WP Engine destination site and provide the information that is necessary to start a migration.

3. Using WP Engine’s Automated Migration Tool

It makes your WordPress journey easier, and you can follow the guides of WP Engine’s migration tool.

4. Manual Migration to WP Engine (if needed)

Our most demanding feature is the WP Engine automated migration tool. It can be used to migrate your WordPress website to the new one. The process seems easygoing, and it provides a new look to the website.

5. Post-WordPress Migration to New Server Checklist for WP Engine

You need to check if your WordPress Migration to New Server process is completed or not…

First, you should monitor your website’s front end to ensure that everything is working smoothly. And for confirmation, you can check your website’s contact forms and comments and sign out.

In addition, Will check your website’s performance, and to become easy with these procedures, with using tools like GTmetrix.

Post-Migration Best Practices

You need to look after not making any mistakes after the WordPress migration process is completed. You should test and verify the website’s functionality and DNS settings, and update the Domain name and solve any errors and issues.

1. Test Your Site Thoroughly

You need to check the following things to provide extraordinary running of your website-

You can check links, Forms, the flexible design, and the performance of the website.

2. Update Permalinks and Settings

You should make sure that Permalinks function correctly and are similar to your previous settings.

3. Clear Caches and Optimize Performance

You need to wash out all website’s catches, such as browser, Plugin and server.

4. Monitor for Downtime or Errors

You must monitor your WordPress website for any errors or slow-running issues.

5. Update DNS and SSL Certificates (if applicable) after WordPress Migration to New Server

Your website must be running with the new domain name. Yet you need to handle the domain name system(DNS).

Then, DNS translates your Domain name into an IP address, which must be a Computer that can be understood. To ensure website visitors can find your current location, you have to update your DNS to point to your new host.

Troubleshooting Common WordPress Migration Issues

1. Database Connection Errors

You can face database connection errors when you migrate your WordPress website. But you should check again your accurate database name and password.

2. Missing Files or Media

It often occurs during the migration, but due to large media files, it gets missed. So increases awareness about the missing files.

3. White Screen of Death

It is a common issue that conveys something is not right in your WordPress. You should verify if there are any broken pages or theme-related issues that must occur.

4. Plugin or Theme Conflicts

When you are migrating your WordPress website to new server, sometimes Plugin or theme conflicts occur. You should check and do backups regularly to keep the Website’s performance.

5. Slow Performance After WordPress Migration to New Server

It generally happens because of insufficient resources and database optimizations, You will check these multiple times.

Security Considerations During WordPress Migration to New Server

You should be aware of some security issues during WordPress Migration to New Server in the following.

1. Securing Your Backup Files

This is a complex procedure, but it is important for your data. You need to use powerful encryption and should ensure strong backup control.

2. Protecting Your Database During Transfer

To protect your database, you must use powerful encryption, and you should use secure migrating procedures.

3. Ensuring Secure File Uploads (e.g., using SFTP)

Don’t make your User account with OS-level access or shared account Users. And make User access alerts regarding the activity.

Conclusion

WordPress Migration to New Server is quite an easy job, and you must follow the detailed guide shared in this blog. Also, we have shared a lot of migration Plugins to make your job feel easy.

So, without wasting your time, read this blog and try to do your website migration in a few steps. or outsource WordPress development or migration to the trusted agency if you are beginner.