WordPress migration moves your website from one host to another, changes domains, or transfers between development and production environments. A successful migration maintains all content, settings, and functionality. Here’s your complete guide to WordPress migration in 2026.
Types of WordPress Migration
Understanding different migration scenarios:
- Host to Host: Moving to a new hosting provider
- Domain Change: Switching to a new domain name
- Staging to Live: Deploying development site
- Live to Staging: Creating development copy
- Subdomain to Domain: Moving from test to production
- Local to Live: Uploading locally developed site
- WordPress.com to Self-Hosted: Moving to WordPress.org
- Multisite Migration: Moving network sites
Best WordPress Migration Plugins 2026
1. Developer Migrate Pro
Best For: Complete Migration | Price: $99/year | Users: 5M+
Key Features:
- One-click migration
- No file size limits
- Automatic backups
- Find and replace URLs
- Serialized data safe
- Cloud storage support
- Multisite compatible
- CLI commands
- Incremental backup
- 24/7 support
2. Developer Migrate Starter
Best For: Small Sites | Price: Free | Users: 3M+
Key Features:
- Export site packages
- Import/Export
- Basic find/replace
- File exclusion
- Database included
- Plugin/theme export
- Media handling
- Progress tracking
- Backup to file
- Community support
3. Developer Clone
Best For: Cloning Sites | Price: $79/year | Users: 2M+
Key Features:
- Site cloning
- Staging creation
- Push to live
- Template sites
- Quick deploy
- Database copy
- Scheduled clone
- Multiple targets
- SSL handling
- Custom path
Migration Methods
Method 1: Using Migration Plugin
Difficulty: Easy | Time: 30-60 minutes
- Install migration plugin on source site
- Create export/backup package
- Download backup file
- Install WordPress on new host
- Install same migration plugin
- Import backup package
- Update DNS to point to new host
- Test all functionality
- Update SSL certificate
- Clear all caches
Method 2: Manual Migration
Difficulty: Advanced | Time: 1-2 hours
- Export database via phpMyAdmin
- Download all WordPress files via FTP
- Create database on new server
- Import database to new server
- Upload files to new server
- Update wp-config.php with new database info
- Find and replace URLs in database
- Update DNS settings
- Test and verify
- Clear caches
Method 3: Managed Migration
Difficulty: Easy | Time: Varies
- Many hosts offer free migration service
- Professional team handles transfer
- Minimal downtime guaranteed
- DNS assistance included
- Post-migration support
Comparison Table
| Plugin |
Price |
Size Limit |
Best For |
| Developer Migrate Pro |
$99/year |
Unlimited |
Large Sites |
| Developer Migrate Starter |
Free |
512MB |
Small Sites |
| Developer Clone |
$79/year |
Unlimited |
Staging |
Pre-Migration Checklist
- Full Backup: Create complete site backup
- Document Settings: Note current configurations
- Check PHP Version: Ensure new host matches requirements
- SSL Certificate: Plan SSL for new domain/host
- Email Settings: Document email configurations
- Deactivate Caching: Disable cache plugins before migration
- Plan Downtime: Schedule migration during low traffic
- Test Environment: Verify new host is ready
Post-Migration Checklist
- Test all pages and posts
- Verify images load correctly
- Check all forms work
- Test user login
- Verify e-commerce functions
- Check redirects work
- Update search console
- Re-enable caching
- Clear all caches
- Monitor for errors
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I lose my SEO rankings after migration?
If done correctly with proper redirects and minimal downtime, you shouldn’t lose rankings. Submit new sitemap to Google and maintain the same URL structure when possible.
How long does migration take?
Simple migrations take 30-60 minutes. Large sites with many files may take several hours. DNS propagation adds 24-48 hours for domain changes.
Can I migrate without downtime?
Yes, by setting up the new site first, testing thoroughly, then switching DNS. Some hosts offer zero-downtime migration services.
What about my email during migration?
Email is often separate from hosting. If moving email too, plan carefully to avoid losing messages during DNS transition.
Best Practices
- Always Backup: Never migrate without full backup
- Test First: Verify everything works before DNS switch
- Low Traffic Time: Migrate during off-peak hours
- Keep Old Host: Don’t cancel until new site verified
- Document Everything: Record steps for troubleshooting
Get Migration Plugins
Migrate your WordPress site safely with premium tools.
Browse Plugins
Original Licenses | Best Prices | Premium Support
Erik Keller
