Move wordpress to new host

A common task! Moving a WordPress site to a new host can be a bit involved, but I'll guide you through the process. Please note that this is a general outline, and you may need to adapt it to your specific situation.

Before you start:

  1. Backup your site: Make sure to backup your WordPress site, including the database and files, before making any changes. You can use plugins like UpdraftPlus or Duplicator to create a backup.
  2. Check your hosting plan: Verify that your new host meets the requirements for your WordPress site, including PHP version, MySQL version, and storage space.

Step 1: Prepare your new host

  1. Create a new account: Sign up for a new hosting plan with your chosen host.
  2. Set up a new database: Create a new database and note the database name, username, and password.
  3. Install PHP and MySQL: Ensure that PHP and MySQL are installed and configured on your new host.

Step 2: Transfer files

  1. Use FTP or SFTP: Use an FTP or SFTP client (like FileZilla) to connect to your new host and upload your WordPress files (wp-content, wp-includes, etc.).
  2. Upload files: Upload all files from your old host to your new host, except for the wp-config.php file (we'll handle that separately).

Step 3: Update wp-config.php

  1. Edit wp-config.php: Open the wp-config.php file on your old host and update the database settings to match your new host's database credentials.
  2. Upload updated wp-config.php: Upload the updated wp-config.php file to your new host.

Step 4: Update database

  1. Export database: Export your WordPress database from your old host using phpMyAdmin or a similar tool.
  2. Import database: Import the exported database into your new host's database using phpMyAdmin or a similar tool.

Step 5: Update site URL

  1. Update site URL: Log in to your WordPress dashboard and update the site URL to match your new host's URL.

Step 6: Test your site

  1. Visit your site: Visit your site to ensure it's working correctly and all files and database data have been transferred successfully.

Additional tips:

By following these steps, you should be able to successfully move your WordPress site to a new host. If you encounter any issues or need further assistance, feel free to ask!