Move wordpress to new server

A common task! Moving a WordPress site to a new server 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, files, and plugins. You can use plugins like UpdraftPlus or Duplicator to create a backup.
2. Check your hosting provider: Verify that your new server meets the minimum requirements for running WordPress (e.g., PHP version, MySQL version, and disk space).
3. Update your DNS: Update your domain's DNS settings to point to the new server's IP address.

Step 1: Prepare the new server

1. Install a web server: Install a web server software like Apache or Nginx on the new server.
2. Install PHP: Install PHP and ensure it's configured correctly for your WordPress site.
3. Install MySQL: Install MySQL or a compatible database management system (e.g., MariaDB).
4. Create a database: Create a new database for your WordPress site on the new server.

Step 2: Transfer files

1. Use FTP or SFTP: Use an FTP or SFTP client (e.g., FileZilla) to transfer your WordPress files from the old server to the new server.
2. Upload files: Upload all files, including the WordPress core files, themes, plugins, and uploads, to the new server.
3. Update file permissions: Update file permissions to match the old server's settings.

Step 3: Transfer database

1. Export the database: Export the database from the old server using phpMyAdmin or a similar tool.
2. Import the database: Import the database into the new server's MySQL instance using phpMyAdmin or a similar tool.

Step 4: Update WordPress settings

1. Update wp-config.php: Update the wp-config.php file to reflect the new server's database settings.
2. Update site URL: Update the site URL in the WordPress settings to reflect the new server's URL.

Step 5: Update plugins and themes

1. Update plugins: Update all plugins to ensure they're compatible with the new server.
2. Update themes: Update all themes to ensure they're compatible with the new server.

Step 6: Test the site

1. Visit the site: Visit your WordPress site to ensure it's working correctly.
2. Test functionality: Test all functionality, including plugins, themes, and widgets.

Additional tips:

• Update your WordPress core: Make sure to update your WordPress core to the latest version.
• Check for compatibility issues: Check for compatibility issues with plugins and themes.
• Monitor your site: Monitor your site's performance and fix any issues that arise.

By following these steps, you should be able to successfully move your WordPress site to a new server.