How to Migrate WordPress to a New Host Without Downtime

How to Migrate WordPress to a New Host Without Downtime

Switching hosts doesn’t have to mean broken pages or lost sales. With careful planning, backups, and DNS strategy, you can move WordPress seamlessly and keep your store online throughout.

Quick take: Back up everything, set up a staging environment, migrate files and database, test thoroughly, and only then switch DNS. Done right, visitors won’t notice a thing.

Step 1: Prepare backups

  • Full site backup: Export your WordPress database and copy all files (themes, plugins, uploads).
  • Plugin option: Use tools like UpdraftPlus, Duplicator, or All‑in‑One WP Migration for one‑click backups.
  • Manual option: Export via phpMyAdmin and FTP/SFTP for maximum control.

Step 2: Set up the new host

  • Install WordPress: Use the host’s one‑click installer or upload manually.
  • Create database: Set up MySQL with correct user privileges.
  • Check PHP version: Ensure compatibility with your themes/plugins.

Step 3: Migrate files and database

  1. Upload your wp‑content folder to the new host.
  2. Import the database backup into the new MySQL instance.
  3. Edit wp-config.php with new database credentials.

Step 4: Test on staging domain

  • Temporary URL: Use the host’s staging link or edit your local hosts file to preview.
  • Check functionality: Test forms, checkout, plugins, and media.
  • Fix paths: Update site URL in WordPress settings if needed.

Step 5: Switch DNS carefully

  • Lower TTL: Reduce DNS Time‑to‑Live 24 hours before migration for faster propagation.
  • Update nameservers: Point your domain to the new host.
  • Monitor traffic: Use analytics and server logs to confirm visitors are hitting the new host.
Watch out: Don’t cancel your old hosting until DNS fully propagates and you’ve confirmed stability. Keep both environments live for at least 48 hours.

Step 6: Post‑migration checks

  • SSL certificates: Reissue or migrate SSL to avoid browser warnings.
  • Permalinks: Reset permalinks in WordPress settings to fix broken links.
  • Performance: Test speed, caching, and CDN integration.
  • SEO: Verify sitemaps, robots.txt, and Google Search Console settings.

FAQs: WordPress migration

Can I migrate without plugins?

Yes. Manual migration with FTP and phpMyAdmin works fine if you’re comfortable with databases.

How long does DNS propagation take?

Anywhere from minutes to 48 hours depending on TTL and registrar. Lower TTL helps speed it up.

Will my SEO be affected?

If URLs and content remain unchanged, SEO impact is minimal. Always resubmit sitemaps post‑migration.

What if something breaks?

Keep backups handy. You can roll back to the old host until issues are fixed.

General information only. Always verify host compatibility and follow best practices for backups and DNS changes.

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