How to Migrate a WordPress Site (Plugin vs Manual vs Host Migration)

Choose your migration path

• Use your new host’s free migration if offered.
• Use a migration plugin for the easiest DIY route.
• Use a manual migration when you want maximum control.

Migration checklist (always)

• Take a full backup (files + database).
• Lower DNS TTL 24 hours ahead (optional but helpful).
• Freeze content changes (avoid publishing during cutover).
• Plan a rollback (keep old host active).

Plugin migration (simple)

• Install a reputable migration plugin on the old site.
• Generate a package/backup and upload it to the new host.
• Run the plugin restore/import flow.
• Test login, permalinks, forms, and email sending.

Manual migration (control)

• Copy /wp-content via SFTP.
• Export database with phpMyAdmin (or mysqldump).
• Create a new DB and import SQL.
• Update wp-config.php DB credentials.
• Run a search/replace if domain changes.
• Fix permalinks and test.

DNS cutover

• Point A record to new server IP or update nameservers.
• Wait for propagation; test via hosts file if needed.
• Enable caching/CDN after you confirm everything is stable.

Post-migration tests

• Checkout flow (if ecommerce).
• Contact forms.
• XML sitemap generation.
• Image loading + mixed-content scan.
• Core Web Vitals (LCP/INP/CLS) baseline.

Next steps