Transfer wordpress site to new host

Transferring a WordPress site to a new host can be a bit of a process, but it's definitely doable. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

Before you start:

  1. Backup your site: Before transferring your site, make sure to backup your WordPress site, including the database and files. You can use plugins like UpdraftPlus or Duplicator to create a backup.
  2. Check your hosting plan: Verify that your new host allows WordPress and meets the system requirements for your site.
  3. Update your DNS: Update your domain name system (DNS) settings to point to your new host. This may take some time to propagate, so be patient.

Step 1: Export your database

  1. Log in to your current hosting account and access your WordPress site's database.
  2. Use phpMyAdmin or a similar tool to export your database. You can export the entire database or just the tables you need.
  3. Save the database export file to your computer.

Step 2: Export your files

  1. Use an FTP client like FileZilla or a file manager like cPanel to access your current hosting account's file system.
  2. Download all the files from your WordPress site, including the wp-content and wp-includes directories.
  3. Save the files to your computer.

Step 3: Create a new database on your new host

  1. Log in to your new hosting account and access your cPanel or file manager.
  2. Create a new database and note the database name, username, and password.

Step 4: Import your database

  1. Log in to your new hosting account and access your phpMyAdmin or similar tool.
  2. Import the database export file you created earlier. Make sure to select the correct database and username.

Step 5: Upload your files

  1. Use an FTP client like FileZilla or a file manager like cPanel to access your new hosting account's file system.
  2. Upload all the files you downloaded earlier, including the wp-content and wp-includes directories.
  3. Make sure to upload the files to the correct directory (usually public_html or www).

Step 6: Update your wp-config.php file

  1. Open the wp-config.php file in a text editor and update the database settings to match your new host's database settings.
  2. Save the file and upload it to your new hosting account's file system.

Step 7: Update your site's URL

  1. Log in to your WordPress site's dashboard and go to Settings > General.
  2. Update the Site URL and WordPress Address fields to match your new host's URL.
  3. Save the changes.

Step 8: Update your plugins and themes

  1. Log in to your WordPress site's dashboard and go to Plugins > Installed Plugins.
  2. Update any plugins that require updates.
  3. Go to Appearance > Themes and update any themes that require updates.

Step 9: Test your site

  1. Visit your site to ensure it's working correctly.
  2. Test all pages, posts, and features to ensure everything is working as expected.

That's it! With these steps, you should be able to transfer your WordPress site to a new host. If you encounter any issues, don't hesitate to ask for help.