Hosting guide · 6 min read
How to move a WordPress website safely
A calm migration starts with an inventory and a tested rollback plan. Move the site first, then change DNS when you know the new copy works.
Record what exists
List the WordPress version, PHP requirements, plugins, themes, storage use, cron jobs, email accounts and DNS records. This gives you a clear checklist for the new environment.
Create and test the new copy
Copy the files and database, update the configuration and test the site on a temporary hostname or hosts-file entry. Check logins, forms, uploads, redirects and scheduled jobs before changing DNS.
Plan DNS and email separately
Lower DNS TTL ahead of the move if appropriate. Record MX, SPF, DKIM and DMARC records, and make sure mailboxes and forwarding are ready before nameservers change.
Keep the old site available
Do not cancel the old hosting immediately. Keep a backup and a rollback path until DNS has settled and you have checked the website and email from more than one network.