⚡ Fastest Method
- Install WP Staging plugin
- Click "Create new staging site"
- Wait until copy is created
- Test on staging site
What is a Staging Environment?
A staging site is an exact copy of your live website. There you can test updates, try new plugins, or make design changes – without visitors being affected.
Why you need staging:
- Risk-free testing – Errors only affect the copy
- Preview updates – WordPress, plugins, themes
- Development – Develop new features safely
- Client approval – Show changes before going live
Staging runs on a real server (same environment as live). Local development (XAMPP, LocalWP) is good for initial development, but staging is closer to reality.
Method 1: WP Staging Plugin (Recommended)
The WP Staging plugin is free and creates a complete copy with just a few clicks.
Install Plugin
Plugins → Add New → Search "WP Staging". Install and activate.
Create Staging Site
Go to WP Staging → Staging Sites. Click "Create new staging site".
Options:
- Site Name: e.g., "staging" (becomes yourdomain.com/staging)
- Database Tables: Select all
- Files: Select all
Wait and Open
Depending on website size, creation takes 5-30 minutes. Then you get a link to the staging site.
Login credentials are the same as on the live site.
Hide Staging from Search Engines
Important: Google should not index the staging site!
Option 1: WordPress Setting
Settings → Reading → Check "Discourage search engines from indexing this site".
Option 2: Password Protection
Use .htaccess password protection for additional security.
Push Changes from Staging to Live
After testing on staging, changes need to go to the live site.
For small changes:
Repeat changes manually on live site.
For larger changes:
WP Staging Pro (paid) can push staging to live. Alternatively: Use Duplicator.
If new orders, comments, or users were added on live in the meantime, they will be overwritten. Plan the push for quiet times.
Best Practices for Staging
- Sync regularly – Staging shouldn't get too outdated
- Always test on staging first – Never experiment directly on live
- Disable emails – Prevent staging from sending real emails
- Payment test mode – No real payments on staging!
- Delete staging after tests – Saves storage space