Hubert
7 min
February 15, 2025

How to move Wordpress to another server?

Changing the server for WordPress may be necessary for many reasons - you want better performance, lower costs or more flexibility. While a server change may seem daunting, proper preparation will make it a smooth and seamless process. In this article, I'll walk you through each step so you can move WordPress to a new server stably and efficiently.

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    1. Preparing for migration

    1.1 Choose a new server and hosting

    Before you start the migration, make sure that the new hosting meets the requirements of WordPress:

    1. Supports PHP (preferably the latest version),
    2. Has MySQL or MariaDB,
    3. Offers sufficient server resources,
    4. Has SSL for security.

    Additionally, it’s worth checking if the hosting offers free WordPress migration. Some companies, such as dhosting, move sites for free, which can save you time and minimize the risk of errors.

    When choosing a new hosting, it’s also worth paying attention to its type, as different options have different advantages:

    1. Shared hosting – the cheapest option, where multiple sites share the resources of a single server. Suitable for small sites and blogs.
    2. VPS (Virtual Private Server) – offers dedicated resources within a virtual machine for greater stability and performance.
    3. Dedicated Server – a physical server dedicated exclusively to one site, ideal for large projects requiring full control and high performance.
    4. Managed hosting – any of the above options can be managed by the hosting provider, which takes care of updates, backup and optimization.

    To choose the best option, think about your priorities. If you are running an online store, security and performance will be key, while for a blog, shared hosting may suffice. Technical support, speed and available disk space are also important.

    1.2 When is it a good idea to migrate WordPress to another server?

    Migration may be necessary in several situations:

    1. Increased performance requirements – the site becomes more popular and requires better hosting.
    2. Problems with current hosting – slow performance, frequent crashes, insufficient technical support.
    3. Need for better technical support – a new provider offers better customer service.
    4. Willingness to take advantage of new technologies – some web hosts offer better features and modern solutions.

    1.3 Email migration

    If you are using email accounts associated with a domain, remembertaj, że należy je również przenieść. Większość dostawców hostingu oferuje narzędzia do migracji poczty lub możesz to zrobić ręcznie, kopiując wiadomości IMAP lub eksportując je do plików .PST/.MBOX.

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    1.4 Make a full backup of the site

    Secure your data before moving the site. Create backups:

    1. Database,
    2. WordPress files (themes, plugins, media).

    You can do this manually or with plugins such as UpdraftPlus, Duplicator, All-in-One WP Migration or WP Migrate DB. You can find the whole process of creating a wordpress backup here in our article “How to backup my site on WordPress?”

    2. Methods to move WordPress to another server

    WordPress migration can be done in several ways, depending on your preferences and the complexity of the process. You can use dedicated migration plugins that automate most of the tasks, or you can perform the migration manually, copying the files and database to the new server. In addition, if the site was created locally, you can migrate it from localhost to the server. In the following sections you will find detailed instructions for each of these methods.

    2.1 Migration using a plugin

    The easiest way is to use All-in-One WP Migration:

    1. Install and activate the plugin.
    2. Go to the “Export” tab and select the file as the save format.
    3. Download the generated file to your computer.
    4. On your new server, install clean WordPress and activate All-in-One WP Migration.
    5. Select “Import” and upload the previously saved file.

    Important: By default, you can import files up to 32 MB in size. If your site is larger, increase the limit in the .htaccess or wp-config.php file .

    2.2 Manual migration

    1. Export the database – go to phpMyAdmin and export the database in .sql format.
    2. Copy the WordPress files using FTP (e.g. FileZilla).
    3. Customize wp-config.php – change the access credentials for the new database.
    4. Import the database to the new server in phpMyAdmin.
    5. Update the URLs using SQL command or Better Search Replace plugin.

    2.3 Moving WordPress from localhost to a server

    If you were working on localhost and want to deploy the site to a server, follow these steps:

    1. Create a new database on the server.
    2. Configure wp-config.php, with the appropriate access credentials.
    3. Upload the WordPress files to the server using FTP.
    4. Import the database into phpMyAdmin.
    5. Change the page URL in the database or using the Better Search Replace plugin.

    3. Final steps after migration

    After the migration is complete, it’s a good idea to carry out some important steps to make sure your site works properly on the new server. You should configure DNS, optimize performance, check PHP version compatibility and verify that internal linking is correct. If you’re changing domains, you’ll need to set up 301 redirects to maintain your site’s position in search engines. Below you will find detailed instructions for these key steps.

    3.1 Redirect the domain to a new server

    1. Change DNS records – update them in the domain panel.
    2. Full domain transfer – if you are changing registrars, get the AuthInfo code and have the transfer done.
    3. Propagation time – it can take up to 24 hours after DNS change.

    3.2 Optimization after migration

    1. Configure cache – use WP Rocket, W3 Total Cache plugins.
    2. Optimize images – compress files using TinyPNG or Smush.
    3. Install a CDN – Cloudflare will improve speed.
    4. Remove unnecessary plugins and themes.

    3.3 Check PHP version

    Before migration, check what PHP version the previous server had. If the new host has a different version, you may get errors. Set the same PHP version in the hosting panel.

    3.4 Check internal linking

    After the migration, it’s a good idea to make sure that all internal links are working properly. You can do this by using the Broken Link Checker plugin.

    3.5 Perform a 301 redirect

    If you are changing the domain, apply a 301 redirect in the .htaccess file :

    RewriteEngine On  
    RewriteCond %{HTTP_HOST} ^(www\.)?stara-domena\.pl [NC]  
    RewriteRule (.*) http://nowa-domena.pl/$1 [R=301,L]

    Remember

    Transferring WordPress may seem complicated, but with the right approach, you’ll get it done without a problem. Remember to:

    1. Making a backup before starting.
    2. Choosing the right migration method.
    3. Checking all features after the move.
    4. Optimizing your site on the new server.
    5. Setting up redirects and checking internal linking.

    With these steps, you will ensure a smooth migration and better performance for your site.

    User questions:

    Should I migrate my WordPress site manually or automatically?

    WordPress migration is not difficult, but if you decide to migrate manually, you need to know the basics of using FTP, managing databases and editing configuration files. If you’re looking for a simpler solution, you can use dedicated migration plugins, such as All-in-One WP Migration or Duplicator. However, it’s worth remembering that for large sites, plugins may cause errors, so manual migration may be a better option in such situations.

    Some hosting companies offer free migration for new users, which can be a convenient solution. You can also use the services of specialists, but this involves additional costs – it is then worth choosing a reputable company.

    How to move a WordPress site to another server?

    To move WordPress to a new server, you can use two methods: manual or automatic.

    1. Manual migration – download the site files via FTP, export the database in phpMyAdmin, and then move them to the new server. Modify the wp-config.php file to point to the new database, and update the URLs.
    2. Migrate with a plugin – use tools such as All-in-One WP Migration or Duplicator, to automatically export the site and import it to the new server.

    How much does it cost to migrate a WordPress site?

    Just moving an existing site to another hosting account can start at several hundred zlotys. On the other hand, many companies offer free website transfer if you use their hosting.

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