While this article covers how to migrate WordPress websites, if you need help converting your WordPress website into an app without coding, get started with AppMySite.
Migrating a WordPress website is one of those tasks most site owners hope to avoidโuntil they absolutely have to. Whether youโre dealing with slow performance, high costs, or poor customer support, switching to a better hosting provider can significantly improve your siteโs speed, stability, and overall management experience.
However, migration isnโt always simple. Even with WordPress plugins that automate much of the process, there are still key steps to understand to ensure nothing breaks during the move. This guide will walk you through how to safely migrate your WordPress site to a new hosting providerโboth manually and with a pluginโso you can make the transition confidently.
When to consider migrating your WordPress site
Most WordPress users migrate their websites for one or more of the following reasons:
- Slow website performance or frequent downtime
- Rising hosting costs without improved benefits
- Poor or unresponsive technical support
- Security concerns or outdated server environments
- The need for better scalability and managed hosting
If your current host consistently underperforms or limits growth, migration is a smart move that pays off long-term.
Step 1: Choose your new hosting partner
Selecting a new host is the most important decision before migration. WordPress hosting typically falls into two categories:
Shared hosting: Affordable and beginner-friendly but limited in performance since multiple websites share the same server resources. Itโs fine for small or low-traffic sites.
Managed WordPress hosting: Designed for speed, security, and scalability. Managed hosts handle backups, updates, and performance optimization automatically. They are ideal for established sites and businesses looking for reliability and expert support.
Leading managed WordPress hosts in 2025 include WP Engine, SiteGround, and Kinstaโknown for strong uptime, security, and dedicated WordPress support. Once youโve chosen a host, purchase your plan and set up your account.
Step 2: Back up and export your WordPress website
Before making any changes, always create a full backup of your WordPress site. Most hosts provide built-in backup tools, but you can also use plugins like Duplicator, UpdraftPlus, or All-in-One WP Migration.
Youโll need to download the following components from your current host:
- The wp-content folder (contains themes, plugins, and uploads)
- The wp-config.php file (contains database credentials)
- The website database via phpMyAdmin (exported as an SQL file)
These three items together represent your complete WordPress site.
Step 3: Import your website to the new host
Once your backups are ready, itโs time to move everything to your new hosting account.
a. Install WordPress on your new host
You can either install WordPress manually by downloading it from wordpress.org or use your hostโs one-click installer from cPanel. Most modern hosts include easy installation options that take only a few minutes.
b. Import your database
Access phpMyAdmin on your new host, create a fresh database, and import the SQL file you exported earlier. Make sure the site URL and home URL fields in your database match your new domain.
c. Upload your website files
In the File Manager, upload your wp-content folder and replace the existing one in the WordPress directory. This restores your themes, plugins, and media.
d. Update your wp-config.php file
Edit your wp-config.php file to include the new database name, username, and password from your new hosting account. Save the changes and re-upload the file.
At this point, your WordPress site should appear on your new server, though your domain may still point to the old one.
Step 4: Update DNS and nameservers
The final step is to point your domain to the new host. Log in to your domain registrar (such as GoDaddy, Namecheap, or Google Domains), open your DNS settings, and update the nameserver records with the new values provided by your hosting provider.
DNS propagation typically takes a few hours but may take up to 24 hours globally. During this period, some visitors may still see the old version of your site until the update is complete. Once the propagation finishes, your website will be fully live on the new host.
Migrating with a WordPress plugin
If working with databases and cPanel feels too technical, you can use a plugin to automate the process. One of the most reliable tools for this is All-in-One WP Migration, which simplifies migration into a few simple steps.
- Install the plugin on your existing WordPress site from the Plugins section.
- Export your site by navigating to All-in-One WP Migration โ Export โ File. Download the exported file.
- Set up your new host with a fresh WordPress installation.
- Install the same plugin on the new WordPress site.
- Import your file under All-in-One WP Migration โ Import and upload the exported file from your old site.
If you encounter an upload limit error, you can increase your file size limit in the PHP settings within cPanel. Once the import is complete, log in to your new site using the same credentials as before.
Verifying your migration
After migration, go through a quick checklist to ensure everything functions correctly:
- Test all pages, links, and forms
- Check plugin functionality and API integrations
- Verify that your SSL certificate is active
- Resave permalinks under Settings โ Permalinks
- Confirm that email and contact forms work
- Set up backups on your new host
Testing thoroughly helps catch small issues before you deactivate your old hosting account.
Final thoughts
Migrating a WordPress website can seem intimidating, but with a clear process and the right tools, itโs entirely manageable. Knowing how to migrate both manually and via plugins gives you long-term confidence in managing your websiteโs infrastructure.
For businesses that rely on WordPress, this process is also a good reminder to think beyond hosting. Building a complete mobile experience is the next logical stepโand thatโs where AppMySite comes in. With AppMySite, you can instantly convert your WordPress site into a fully functional mobile app, complete with push notifications, custom branding, and real-time syncing.
If youโre upgrading your hosting, itโs the perfect time to upgrade your mobile presence too.