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.

Ask about moving your website

A checklist before you change DNS

Inventory the move. Record the domain, WordPress version, PHP requirements, database, uploads, email service and scheduled tasks. Decide whether the domain and page addresses will stay the same.
Make a restorable backup. Keep both the database and site files, including configuration, outside the hosting account. Check that you can restore them before switching traffic.
Test the destination. Restore files and database, then update database connection settings where needed. Check pages, images, login and application functions on the destination before changing DNS.
Treat a URL change separately. A new domain or directory may require WordPress URL changes and a migration tool that handles stored data correctly. Back up before making replacements.
Plan the cutover. Decide how to handle content created during the move, keep a rollback copy and check website and email behaviour after the switch.

See the WordPress migration handbook for configuration details. Multisite needs additional planning.

Ask about your website move → We will confirm scope and any costs before you order.

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