How to Migrate Your WordPress Site to a New Host: A Step-by-Step Guide

Migrating a WordPress website to a new hosting provider might seem daunting, but with the right steps, you can easily make the switch without any downtime or loss of data. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the entire process, from backing up your site to setting it up on a new host, ensuring that everything runs smoothly.

Step 1: Backup Your WordPress Site

The first and most crucial step in migrating your WordPress site is to create a complete backup. This will ensure that you have a copy of your website’s files and database, which can be restored if anything goes wrong during the migration.

1. Access Your WordPress Dashboard:
   Log in to your WordPress admin dashboard.
2. Install WPVivid Backup Plugin:
   Navigate to the “Plugins” section and install the WPVivid Backup Migration plugin. Once installed, activate the plugin.
3. Create a Backup:
   After activation, you’ll see the plugin’s dashboard with options for backup and restore. Click on the “Backup Now” button. The plugin will start creating a backup file of your website. This process may take a few minutes, depending on the size of your site.
4. Download the Backup Files:
   Once the backup is complete, scroll down to see the backup files. Download all the files to your computer. If you have a larger website, you may see multiple files; ensure you download all of them.

Step 2: Prepare Your New Hosting Environment

With your backup files ready, the next step is to set up your new hosting environment. This involves connecting your domain to the new host and installing WordPress.

1. Access Your New Hosting Details:
   After purchasing your new hosting plan, you should receive an email with your server information, including the server IP address, nameservers, and cPanel login details. If you haven’t received this information, contact your new hosting provider.
2. Update Your Domain Name Servers (DNS):
   Log in to your domain registrar account and update the DNS settings with the new nameservers provided by your new host. This will connect your domain to the new hosting server. Note that DNS changes can take up to 48 hours to fully propagate, though it often happens within an hour.
3. Install WordPress on the New Host:
   While waiting for the DNS changes to propagate, log in to your new hosting account’s cPanel. Locate the “WordPress Manager by Softaculous” under the software section and click “Install Now.” Select “https://” as the protocol and choose your domain. Leave the subdirectory field blank, and set up your admin username and password. Then, click “Install.”

Step 3: Restore Your WordPress Site on the New Host

Once WordPress is installed on the new host and your domain is connected, it’s time to restore your website using the backup files.

1. Log in to Your New WordPress Installation:
   After the DNS changes have propagated, visit your website and log in to the WordPress admin area using the credentials you set up during the WordPress installation.
2. Install WPVivid Backup Plugin Again:
   Install and activate the WPVivid Backup Migration plugin on the new WordPress site.
3. Upload Your Backup Files:
   Navigate to the “Backup” section of the plugin, click on the “Upload” tab, and upload the backup files you downloaded earlier.
4. Restore Your Website:
   Once the upload is complete, you’ll see the backup file listed under the “Backup” section. Click on “Restore” to start the restoration process. The plugin will automatically restore your website’s files and database.

Step 4: Final Checks and Going Live

After restoring your site, you’ll need to perform a few final checks to ensure everything is working correctly.

1. Check Your Website’s Appearance:
   Visit your website’s homepage to ensure that it loads correctly and that the design is intact. If everything looks good, the migration was successful.
2. Verify the WordPress Themes:
   Go to the “Themes” section under “Appearance” in your WordPress dashboard. If you see default WordPress themes (like Twenty Twenty-One) that weren’t previously installed, it means the restoration is complete. At this point, you can start making changes to your website.
3. Wait for Full Propagation:
   While your site may appear live, it’s a good idea to wait a few hours (or even a full day) before making any significant changes. This allows time for the DNS propagation to complete and ensures that all visitors are directed to the new host.

Conclusion

Migrating a WordPress website to a new host doesn’t have to be stressful. By following these steps, you can safely transfer your site without any downtime. If you run into any issues, remember to check your backups and ensure that your DNS settings are correct. With patience and attention to detail, your site will be up and running on the new host in no time.