How to Migrate WordPress to New Hosting Without Downtime: Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Migrating your WordPress website to new hosting can feel scary. What if something breaks? What if your site goes offline? Or what if you lose all your data?

I Have helped dozens of website owners migrate their WordPress sites safely, and I am sharing the exact process that ensures zero downtime and zero data loss.

This complete guide shows you how to move your WordPress site to better hosting without your visitors even noticing. Whether you’re switching because of slow loading times, poor support, or expensive renewal rates, this step-by-step migration process works every time.

Why People Migrate WordPress to New Hosting

Before diving into the how, let’s understand why thousands of WordPress users switch hosting providers every month.

Common Reasons for Migration:

Slow Website Performance Your current hosting makes your WordPress site load slowly. Pages take 5+ seconds instead of under 2 seconds. Visitors abandon your site before seeing your content.

One website owner documented how poor hosting performance cost their business $5,000 in lost revenue over just six months.

Renewal Price Shocks You signed up at $2.99/month but renewal jumped to $12.99/month. Your “cheap” hosting suddenly costs 4x more. You’re looking for better value.

Poor Customer Support When problems occur, support takes days to respond. They don’t understand WordPress-specific issues. You need expert help, not generic troubleshooting.

Outgrowing Current Resources Your website traffic is growing. Your current hosting can’t handle increased visitors. You need more powerful hosting to support growth.

Better Features Available Other hosting providers offer automatic backups, staging environments, better security, or WordPress-specific optimization your current host lacks.

Many website owners share similar experiences about realizing their hosting choice was holding their websites back.

Understanding WordPress Migration: What Actually Happens

WordPress migration involves moving everything that makes your website work from one hosting server to another.

What Gets Migrated:

WordPress Files

• Core WordPress files
• Theme files
• Plugin files
• Media library (images, videos, PDFs)
• Upload folder content

WordPress Database

• All your posts and pages
• Comments and user data
• Plugin settings and configurations
• Theme customizations
• Widget arrangements

Email Accounts (if hosted with same provider)

• Email addresses
• Existing messages
• Email configurations

Domain DNS Settings

• Nameserver configurations
• Domain pointing information

Don’t worry if this sounds technical. We’ll handle everything step-by-step.

Prerequisites: What You Need Before Starting

Before beginning migration, gather these essentials:

Required Information:

Current Hosting Details

• cPanel login credentials
• FTP access information
• Database credentials

New Hosting Account

• Already purchased and activated
• cPanel/control panel access ready
• Nameserver information

Backup Tools Ready

• Backup plugin installed (we’ll cover this)
• Download location prepared
• Sufficient storage space

Time Allocation

• 2-4 hours for manual migration
• 30 minutes if using free migration service
• Less stress during off-peak hours

Method 1: Free Professional Migration Service (Easiest)

The simplest migration method uses free professional migration services many quality hosting providers offer.

Hosting Providers with Free Migration:

InterServer – Complete Free Migration

• Professional team handles everything
• Zero downtime guarantee
• Includes testing before going live
• Free regardless of plan
• Use code: GETSERVEROFF for discount

Bluehost – Migration Assistance Included

• WordPress migration specialists
• Official WordPress.org recommended
• Comprehensive support
• Up to 75% OFF available
• Check all Bluehost offers

Hostinger – Free Migration Support

• Fast migration process
• 24/7 support assistance
• LiteSpeed optimization included
• Use code: START20 for 20% discount
• View Hostinger coupon codes

Hosting.com – White-Glove Migration

• Premium migration service
• Managed WordPress hosting
• Comprehensive testing
• Explore Hosting.com offers

BigRock – India-Based Migration Support

• Local support teams
• Hindi support available
• Indian datacenter advantage
• Check BigRock offers

Free Migration Process:

In Steps

1: Purchase new hosting from provider offering free migration

2: Contact their support team and request migration service

3: Provide your current hosting credentials securely:

• cPanel username and password
• Or FTP access details
• Database credentials if separate

4: Migration team transfers everything:

• All WordPress files
• Complete database
• Email accounts
• Domain configurations

5: They test everything works correctly

6: You review and approve

7: DNS updates to point to new hosting

8: Monitor for 24-48 hours during DNS propagation

Total Time: 30 minutes of your involvement, everything else handled professionally.

Downtime: Zero – your old hosting stays active until new hosting is confirmed working.

This method is highly recommended if available. Why struggle with technical complications when experts handle it free?

One blogger documented their migration experience and strongly recommends professional migration services for stress-free transitions.

Method 2: Manual Migration Using Backup Plugins

If professional migration isn’t available or you prefer DIY control, manual migration using backup plugins works reliably.

Best WordPress Backup Plugins for Migration:

Duplicator (Free)

• Most popular migration plugin
• Creates complete package
• Installer script included
• Works on most hosting

All-in-One WP Migration (Free/Paid)

• Extremely user-friendly
• Drag and drop restoration
• No technical knowledge required
• Free version sufficient for small sites

UpdraftPlus (Free/Paid)

• Excellent backup plugin
• Easy restoration process
• Migrator extension available
• Reliable and tested

Manual Migration Step-by-Step:

Phase 1: Prepare Your Current Site

Step 1: Install Backup Plugin

Log into your current WordPress admin dashboard:

• Go to Plugins → Add New
• Search for “Duplicator” or “All-in-One WP Migration”
• Click Install Now
• Click Activate

Step 2: Create Complete Backup

For Duplicator:

• Go to Duplicator → Packages
• Click “Create New”
• Name your package (e.g., “migration-backup”)
• Click Next
• Wait for scan to complete
• Click Build
• Download both installer.php and archive.zip files
• Save to your computer

For All-in-One WP Migration:

• Go to All-in-One WP Migration → Export
• Choose “Export To” → File
• Wait for backup to complete
• Download the backup file
• Save to your computer

Step 3: Backup Your Database Manually (Safety Backup)

Log into current hosting cPanel:

• Find phpMyAdmin
• Select your WordPress database
• Click Export tab
• Choose Quick export method
• Click Go
• Save .sql file to computer

Phase 2: Prepare Your New Hosting

Step 4: Set Up New Hosting Account

If you haven’t chosen new hosting yet, consider these options based on your needs:

For Best Performance: Hostinger with LiteSpeed delivers exceptional WordPress speed. Code: START20

For WordPress Beginners: Bluehost WordPress hosting is officially WordPress.org recommended. Complete guide

For Price Stability: InterServer price lock guarantee means your rate never increases. Code: GETSERVEROFF. Full review

For Indian Websites: BigRock local hosting with Indian datacenters. Complete review

Understanding different hosting types helps you choose appropriately for your needs.

Step 5: Create Empty WordPress Installation

In new hosting cPanel:

• Find “WordPress” or “Softaculous”
• Click WordPress installer
• Choose your domain
• Set admin username and password (temporary)
• Click Install
• Note the database name, username, and password
• Wait for installation to complete

Step 6: Access New WordPress Installation

• Visit yourdomain.com/wp-admin
• Log in with credentials you set
• Verify WordPress installed successfully
• We’ll overwrite this with your real site shortly

Phase 3: Upload and Restore Your Site

Step 7: Upload Backup Files to New Hosting

Using Duplicator:

• Access new hosting via FTP (FileZilla recommended)
• Or use cPanel File Manager
• Navigate to public_html folder (or your domain folder)
• Delete all files (the empty WordPress we installed)
• Upload installer.php file
• Upload archive.zip file
• Wait for uploads to complete

Using All-in-One WP Migration:

• Log into NEW WordPress installation admin
• Install All-in-One WP Migration plugin
• Go to All-in-One WP Migration → Import
• Choose your backup file
• Upload and let it restore
• Follow prompts
• Skip to Step 10 when complete

Step 8: Run Duplicator Installer

• Visit yourdomain.com/installer.php in browser
• Click “I have read and accept all terms & notices”
• Click Next
• Enter NEW database credentials:
  • Database Host: usually “localhost”
  • Database Name: (from Step 5)
  • Database User: (from Step 5)
  • Database Password: (from Step 5)
• Click Test Database
• If successful, click Next
• Installer extracts your backup
• Wait patiently (can take several minutes)

Step 9: Update Site URLs

• Installer will ask to update URLs
• Old URL: yoursite.com (or whatever it was)
• New URL: yoursite.com (probably the same)
• Click Next
• Complete the update
• Log into WordPress admin when prompted
• Delete installer.php and archive.zip files (important security step)

Phase 4: Test Everything Thoroughly

Step 10: Comprehensive Testing

Before changing DNS, test everything:

Check Pages and Posts:

• Browse your website pages
• Verify images load correctly
• Test internal links work
• Check contact forms submit
• Verify navigation menus work

Test E-commerce (if applicable):

• Add products to cart
• Proceed through checkout process
• Verify payment gateways connect
• Test order emails send

Verify Media Library:

• Open Media Library
• Check images appear
• Verify nothing is missing
• Test uploading new image

Check Plugins:

• Go to Plugins page
• Verify all plugins active
• Test plugin functionality
• Reactivate any that deactivated

Test Email:

• Send test email from contact form
• Verify it arrives
• Check email accounts work

Mobile Testing:

• View site on mobile device
• Check responsive design works
• Verify touch interactions work

Everything working? Excellent! Time for final steps.

Phase 5: Go Live

Step 11: Update DNS Settings

This makes your domain point to new hosting:

Option A: Change Nameservers (Recommended)

• Log into domain registrar account
• Find DNS or Nameserver settings
• Replace old nameservers with new hosting’s nameservers
• New hosting provided these during signup
• Typically look like: ns1.newhostingcompany.com
• Save changes
• Propagation takes 4-48 hours

Option B: Update A Record

• Log into domain registrar
• Find DNS Zone Editor or A Records
• Update A record to new hosting IP address
• New hosting provided this IP
• Save changes
• Faster propagation (2-6 hours) but requires more technical knowledge

Step 12: Monitor During Propagation

DNS changes propagate gradually worldwide:

• Some visitors see old hosting
• Some see new hosting
• Both need to work simultaneously
• Keep old hosting active for 48 hours minimum

Step 13: Verify Migration Success

After 48 hours:

• Check website loads from different devices
• Verify all functionality works
• Test from different networks (mobile data, different WiFi)
• Clear browser cache and test again
• Ask friends to visit and verify

Step 14: Cancel Old Hosting

Only after confirming everything works perfectly:

• Export any remaining data you need
• Download final backups from old hosting
• Cancel old hosting subscription
• Or let it expire naturally

Common Migration Problems and Solutions

Even careful migrations encounter occasional issues. Here are solutions:

Problem: White Screen After Migration

Solution:

• Increase PHP memory limit in wp-config.php
• Add: define(‘WP_MEMORY_LIMIT’, ‘256M’);
• Check file permissions (755 for folders, 644 for files)
• Verify database imported completely

Problem: Images Not Displaying

Solution:

• Check uploads folder transferred completely
• Verify file permissions correct
• Update image URLs if domain changed
• Regenerate thumbnails using plugin

Problem: “Error Establishing Database Connection”

Solution:

• Verify database credentials in wp-config.php
• Check database exists on new hosting
• Confirm database user has correct permissions
• Check database host is correct (usually localhost)

Problem: Permalinks Not Working (404 Errors)

Solution:

• Go to Settings → Permalinks in WordPress admin
• Simply click “Save Changes” without changing anything
• This regenerates .htaccess file
• Verify mod_rewrite is enabled on new server

Problem: Plugins Not Working

Solution:

• Deactivate all plugins
• Reactivate one at a time
• Identify problem plugin
• Check for plugin updates
• Contact plugin support if issues persist

Problem: Site Loads Old Content

Solution:

• Clear browser cache
• Clear WordPress cache (if using caching plugin)
• Purge CDN cache (if using CDN)
• Check DNS actually propagated (use whatsmydns.net)
• Wait – DNS can take 48 hours to fully propagate

Understanding common hosting issues helps you choose reliable hosting that prevents problems.

Best Practices for Safe WordPress Migration

Follow these practices for smoothest migration:

Before Migration:

Update Everything First

• Update WordPress core to latest version
• Update all plugins
• Update theme
• Run on old hosting to verify stability

Create Multiple Backups

• Use backup plugin
• Export database manually
• Download all files via FTP
• Store backups in multiple locations

Document Everything

• Screenshot current site
• Note all active plugins
• Record important settings
• List customizations made

Choose Off-Peak Time

• Migrate during low-traffic hours
• Avoid weekends if possible (harder to get support)
• Allow sufficient time (don’t rush)

During Migration:

Test Thoroughly

• Check every page
• Test every form
• Verify all functionality
• Mobile and desktop testing

Keep Old Hosting Active

• Don’t cancel immediately
• Maintain for 7-14 days minimum
• Fallback option if issues occur

Monitor Closely

• Watch error logs
• Check email functionality
• Monitor uptime
• Review analytics for anomalies

After Migration:

Verify Everything Works

• Complete functionality check
• Test from multiple locations
• Different devices and browsers
• Ask others to verify

Update Bookmarks

• Update any bookmarked admin URLs
• Update saved passwords if changed
• Update mobile app connections

Monitor Performance

• Check loading speeds improved
• Verify uptime statistics
• Review error logs
• Track visitor experience

Final Cleanup

• Delete migration backups from server (security)
• Remove migration plugins if not needed
• Cancel old hosting after 30 days

WordPress Hosting Comparison: Where to Migrate

Choosing your new hosting determines whether migration improves or just relocates problems.

Key Factors in New Hosting:

Performance Optimization Look for WordPress-specific optimization, LiteSpeed technology, built-in caching, and CDN integration.

Reliable Support 24/7 availability, WordPress expertise, fast response times, and multiple contact methods matter significantly.

Transparent Pricing Understand renewal rates upfront. Some providers triple prices after first term. InterServer’s price lock guarantees your rate never increases.

Security Features Free SSL certificates, automatic backups, malware scanning, and firewall protection should be standard, not optional extras.

Scalability Your hosting should grow with your website. Easy upgrades without forced migrations benefit growing sites.

Recommended Hosting for Migration:

Complete WordPress hosting comparison analyzes different hosting types, helping you choose appropriately for your specific needs.

For Speed Priority: Hostinger delivers exceptional WordPress performance through LiteSpeed technology. Use code START20 for discount. Detailed Hostinger review

For WordPress Beginners: Bluehost is officially WordPress.org recommended with expert support. Up to 75% OFF available. Complete Bluehost guide

For Long-Term Value: InterServer locks your price forever. Sign up at $2.50/month, pay $2.50/month for life. Code: GETSERVEROFF. InterServer analysis

For Premium Service: Hosting.com delivers managed WordPress with white-glove support. Hosting.com features

For Indian Audience: BigRock provides local Indian datacenters for faster loading. BigRock review

Real user experiences provide valuable insights into different hosting providers’ actual performance.

Migration Checklist: Don’t Miss Anything

Use this checklist to ensure complete migration:

Pre-Migration Checklist:

• [ ] Current hosting credentials gathered
• [ ] New hosting account purchased and active
• [ ] Backup plugin installed
• [ ] Complete backup created and downloaded
• [ ] Database exported manually (safety backup)
• [ ] Migration scheduled during off-peak time
• [ ] Sufficient time allocated

Migration Process Checklist:

• [ ] Files uploaded to new hosting
• [ ] Database imported successfully
• [ ] URLs updated correctly
• [ ] All pages load properly
• [ ] Images display correctly
• [ ] Plugins functioning
• [ ] Contact forms working
• [ ] E-commerce testing complete (if applicable)
• [ ] Mobile testing complete
• [ ] Email accounts migrated

Post-Migration Checklist:

• [ ] DNS updated to new hosting
• [ ] Propagation monitoring active
• [ ] Old hosting still accessible (48 hours)
• [ ] Analytics tracking verified
• [ ] Search Console updated
• [ ] CDN reconfigured (if using)
• [ ] Backup schedule configured
• [ ] Security scan completed
• [ ] Performance testing done
• [ ] Team notified of completion

30-Day Follow-Up Checklist:

• [ ] All functionality confirmed stable
• [ ] No error reports received
• [ ] Performance improved as expected
• [ ] Support responsive when needed
• [ ] Old hosting cancelled
• [ ] Migration backups archived
• [ ] Documentation updated
• [ ] Lessons learned documented

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does WordPress migration take?

Professional migration: 24-48 hours total time, 30 minutes of your involvement.

Manual migration: 2-4 hours active work, depending on site size and your technical comfort.

DNS propagation: 4-48 hours after migration for worldwide completion.

Will my website go offline during migration?

No downtime occurs when done correctly. Old hosting stays active while new hosting is prepared and tested. Only after confirming everything works do you update DNS. Some visitors may see old hosting briefly during DNS propagation, but the site remains accessible throughout.

Can I migrate WordPress without technical knowledge?

Yes! Use professional migration services offered by quality hosting providers. They handle all technical complexity while you simply provide access credentials.

Alternatively, user-friendly plugins like All-in-One WP Migration make manual migration accessible even for beginners.

What if something goes wrong during migration?

Multiple safety measures protect you:

Backups: You have complete backups downloaded before starting.

Old hosting active: Your original site continues working until you confirm new hosting works perfectly.

Testing period: Thoroughly test before updating DNS, catching problems before they affect visitors.

Restoration: If serious problems occur, simply don’t update DNS and restore from backups.

Professional migration services also guarantee success and handle any complications that arise.

Do I need to tell visitors about migration?

Generally no. Properly executed migrations are invisible to visitors. However, if you’re making major changes simultaneously (new design, moving domain, etc.), communicate proactively.

Will migration affect my SEO rankings?

Migration itself doesn’t harm SEO when done correctly:

• Same domain name maintained
• All URLs remain identical
• Content unchanged
• 301 redirects configured if needed
• Search Console updated
• Sitemap resubmitted

Improved hosting performance may actually benefit SEO through faster loading speeds.

How soon can I cancel old hosting?

Wait minimum 7-14 days after successful migration. This ensures DNS fully propagated worldwide and no unexpected issues emerge.

Many experienced website owners wait 30 days for complete peace of mind before canceling old hosting.

Does free migration include email migration?

Depends on provider. Ask specifically about:

• Email account recreation
• Existing email message transfer
• Email configuration setup
• Testing email functionality

Some providers migrate emails, others help you set up new accounts and configure forwarding.

Real Migration Experiences

Learning from others’ migration experiences helps you avoid common pitfalls:

A developer’s comprehensive hosting analysis shares valuable insights about choosing new hosting wisely before migrating.

Business owner’s migration experience demonstrates how proper hosting choice affects business performance.

Common hosting mistakes to avoid helps you make informed decisions when selecting migration destination.

Conclusion: Migrate with Confidence

WordPress migration doesn’t need to be scary or complicated. Whether using professional migration services or handling it manually, following this guide ensures smooth transitions without downtime or data loss.

Key Takeaways:

• Professional free migration services eliminate stress and technical complications
• Manual migration is achievable with backup plugins and careful following of steps
• Zero downtime is possible when old hosting stays active during preparation
• Thorough testing before DNS changes catches problems before they affect visitors
• Choosing quality new hosting determines whether migration improves performance significantly

Don’t let fear of migration keep you stuck with inadequate hosting. Your website deserves infrastructure supporting rather than hindering success.

Ready to migrate? Choose hosting providers offering free professional migration. They handle complexity while you focus on what matters – running your website.

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Recommended Migration Destinations:

Hostinger – Fast migration + LiteSpeed speed (Code: START20)

Bluehost – WordPress expert migration + official recommendation

InterServer – Free migration + price lock forever (Code: GETSERVEROFF)

Hosting.com – White-glove migration + premium service

BigRock – Indian support + local datacenters

Have migration questions? Drop a comment below and I’ll help guide your specific situation!