⚡ Fastest Method: Duplicator
- Install Duplicator plugin
- Create package (ZIP + Installer)
- Upload files to new server
- Open installer.php in browser
When Should You Migrate WordPress?
A host switch can have many reasons: better performance, lower price, better support, or simply more storage. The good news: with the right method, a WordPress migration is done in under an hour – without data loss.
Typical migration scenarios:
- Change host – From shared hosting to managed WordPress
- Change domain – From old.com to new.com
- Local to live – Publish development site
- Subdomain to domain – From test.domain.com to domain.com
- HTTP to HTTPS – Set up SSL certificate
Create a complete backup of files AND database. If something goes wrong during migration, you can always revert.
Preparation: What You Need
From old host:
- FTP credentials
- Database name, user, password
- phpMyAdmin access
From new host:
- FTP credentials
- Create new database (note name, user, password)
- Check PHP version (should be same or higher)
Method 1: With Duplicator (Recommended)
Duplicator is the most popular migration plugin. It creates a complete package of your website – including database, files, and automatic installer.
Install Plugin
On the old website: Plugins → Add New → "Duplicator" search, install and activate.
Create New Package
Go to Duplicator → Packages → Create New. Click "Next" then "Build". This can take 5-20 minutes depending on website size.
You'll get two files: archive.zip and installer.php
Upload Files
Connect via FTP to the new server. Upload both files to the root directory.
Run Installer
Open in browser: https://newdomain.com/installer.php
Follow the wizard: Enter new database credentials, confirm new URL, start installation.
Clean Up
After successful installation: Delete installer.php and archive.zip from server.
Post-Migration Checklist
- ☑️ Homepage loads – No errors, no white screen
- ☑️ Admin login works – /wp-admin/ accessible
- ☑️ Check all pages – Menus, images, links
- ☑️ Test forms – Contact form, newsletter
- ☑️ Re-save permalinks – Settings → Permalinks → Save
- ☑️ Enable SSL – Force HTTPS
- ☑️ Clear cache – Caching plugin and browser cache
DNS Switch: The Final Step
When everything works on the new server, change DNS settings at your domain registrar:
- Point A-Record to new server IP
- Or enter new host's nameservers
After DNS change, it can take up to 48 hours until all visitors reach the new server.