Moving a WordPress site to another host may sound scary at first, but it doesn’t have to be. Many website owners change hosting because their site feels slow, costs too much, or does not give proper support. The good news is that WordPress makes this process easier than most people expect.
In this guide, you will learn how to move a WordPress site to another host safely, without losing your content, images, or SEO value. We will walk through each step slowly and clearly, so even beginners can follow along with confidence.
Why You Might Need to Move Your WordPress Site
There are many reasons why people decide to move their WordPress site to a new hosting provider. One common reason is speed. A slow website can push visitors away and lower search engine rankings. Another reason is cost. Some hosting companies increase prices after the first year, making them hard to afford.
Support is another big factor. If your hosting company takes too long to reply or doesn’t solve problems properly, moving to a better host can save you time and stress. Some site owners also move because they want better security, daily backups, or more storage space.
No matter the reason, switching hosting is often a smart step for long-term website growth.
Things to Do Before Moving Your WordPress Site
Before you start the migration, it’s important to prepare properly. A little planning now can prevent big problems later.
First, take a full backup of your website. This includes all files, images, themes, plugins, and the database. If something goes wrong, a backup helps you restore everything quickly.
Next, make sure you have login details for both your old hosting account and the new one. You should also keep your WordPress admin login ready. It’s a good idea to update WordPress and plugins before moving, as this reduces errors.
If you want to learn more about preparing for hosting changes, you can also read this guide on your site:
👉 https://wpsafemigration.com/move-wordpress-site-to-new-host
Choosing the Right Way to Move Your WordPress Site
There are two main ways to move a WordPress site to another host. One is using a plugin, and the other is moving everything manually. Most beginners choose plugins because they are simple and save time. Manual migration is better for people who are comfortable working with files and databases.
In this first half, we will focus on the plugin method, which is the easiest and safest option for most users.
Move WordPress Site Using a Migration Plugin (Easy Method)
Migration plugins are tools designed to copy your entire WordPress site and move it to a new host. They handle files, databases, and settings automatically, which reduces mistakes.
Using All-in-One WP Migration Plugin
This plugin is popular because it is easy to use and works well for beginners.
First, install the plugin on your old WordPress site. Once installed, go to the export option and create a backup file of your site. This file contains everything—posts, pages, images, and settings.
Next, install WordPress on your new hosting account. Then install the same plugin there. Use the import option to upload the backup file you created earlier. The plugin will restore your site on the new host.
After the import is complete, log in again and check if your pages, images, and menus look correct.
Other Helpful Migration Plugins
Some users prefer other plugins depending on their needs.
Duplicator allows you to copy your site and install it on a new server step by step.
Migrate Guru works well for large websites and handles the process in the background.
UpdraftPlus can also be used if you already use it for backups.
All these tools aim to do the same thing: move your WordPress site without breaking it.
Move WordPress Site Manually (Advanced but Reliable Method)
Some website owners prefer to move their WordPress site by hand. This method gives you more control, but it needs patience and focus. If you follow each step carefully, it works very well.
First, you need to download all your website files from the old hosting account. These files include your themes, plugins, images, and WordPress core files. You then upload the same files to your new hosting account.
Next comes the database. The database stores your posts, pages, comments, and settings. You export the database from the old host and import it into the new one. After that, you update a small settings file so WordPress knows where the new database lives.
This method takes more time, but it is helpful when plugins fail or when you want full control over the move.
If you want a simpler breakdown of this process, this internal guide explains it clearly:
👉 https://wpsafemigration.com/move-wordpress-site-to-new-host
How to Point Your Domain to the New Host
Once your site is moved, your domain still points to the old hosting company. To fix this, you must update your domain settings so visitors land on the new server.
You do this by changing the nameservers provided by your new hosting company. After saving these changes, the internet needs time to update everywhere. This waiting period is normal and can take a few hours or up to one day.
During this time, some visitors may see the old site and others the new one. There is nothing to worry about—it will settle on its own.
Check Your Website After the Move
After the migration is complete, it’s important to check everything carefully. Open a few pages and make sure text and images load correctly. Click on menus, buttons, and links to ensure nothing is broken.
If your site uses forms or an online store, test them as well. Clear any cache so you can see the latest version of your site. If something looks off, it’s usually a small fix.
Taking a few minutes to review your site now can save hours of trouble later.
Common Problems After Moving a WordPress Site
Sometimes small issues appear after migration. This is normal and usually easy to fix.
One common problem is missing images. This often happens if files didn’t upload fully. Another issue can be login trouble, which is usually fixed by resetting the password. Some plugins may need to be turned off and on again to work properly.
If your site shows an error page, don’t panic. Most errors happen because of small setting mismatches and can be solved quickly.
Moving from WordPress.com to Another Host
If your site is on WordPress.com, moving it to another host takes a few extra steps. WordPress.com has limits on what you can export, especially on free plans.
You can export your content like posts and pages, then import them into a new WordPress site on your chosen host. After that, you may need to rebuild parts of the design.
This move gives you more freedom, better control, and access to all plugins and themes.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to move a WordPress site to another host may feel overwhelming at first, but it becomes simple once you understand the steps. Whether you use a plugin or move things manually, the key is preparation, patience, and testing.
A better host can improve your site speed, security, and overall experience. Always keep backups, take your time, and double-check your work.
If you follow this guide step by step, your WordPress site will feel right at home on its new host.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Will moving my WordPress site to another host affect SEO?
No, your SEO will stay safe if the move is done correctly. Make sure all pages and links remain the same and your site stays online during the process. Using proper backups and testing after migration helps avoid SEO issues.
2. Can I move my WordPress site without downtime?
Yes, you can. The best way is to move the site first, test it on the new host, and only then change the domain settings. Visitors will continue seeing your site while the move happens in the background.
3. Do I need technical skills to move a WordPress site?
Not necessarily. If you use a migration plugin, the process is very beginner-friendly. Manual migration needs more care, but even that can be done by following step-by-step guides.
4. Which is better: plugin migration or manual migration?
For most people, plugin migration is easier and faster. Manual migration is useful when plugins don’t work or when you want full control over every step. Both methods are safe when done properly.
5. How long does it take to move a WordPress site to another host?
In most cases, it takes less than one hour. However, domain changes may take a few hours to fully update across the internet. Larger websites may need more time to move files.
6. Will my images, posts, and pages move safely?
Yes. When done correctly, everything moves together, including images, posts, pages, comments, and settings. Always check your site after the move to confirm nothing is missing.
7. What should I do if something breaks after migration?
Don’t panic. Most issues are small and easy to fix, such as broken links or plugin errors. Clearing cache, resetting permalinks, or restoring from backup usually solves the problem.
8. Is it safe to move a live WordPress website?
Yes, it is safe as long as you take a full backup first and follow the steps carefully. Thousands of websites move hosts every day without problems.
9. Can I move my WordPress site more than once?
Yes, you can move your site as many times as you need. Just remember to always back up your site before starting any migration.