Before You Start
Migrating a WordPress site can feel daunting, but with the right approach, you can move everything — posts, pages, media, themes, plugins, and databases — without losing a single byte of data or experiencing downtime.
Prerequisites
Before starting, make sure you have:
- Access to your current hosting account (cPanel or dashboard)
- Access to your new hosting account
- FTP client (FileZilla) or file manager access
- About 1–2 hours of time
Method 1: Using a Plugin (Easiest)
The simplest way to migrate is with the All-in-One WP Migration plugin. It handles everything automatically.
Step 1: Install the Plugin
In your WordPress dashboard, go to Plugins → Add New → search for "All-in-One WP Migration" → Install → Activate.
Step 2: Export Your Site
Navigate to All-in-One WP Migration → Export. Select "File" as your export method. The plugin will create a downloadable archive of your entire site.
Step 3: Set Up WordPress on New Host
Install a fresh WordPress on your new hosting account. Most hosts have 1-click WordPress installers. Install the same All-in-One WP Migration plugin.
Step 4: Import
Go to All-in-One WP Migration → Import on your new site. Upload the archive file from Step 2. The plugin will handle everything else.
Step 5: Update DNS
Point your domain to your new host's nameservers. This is done in your domain registrar's dashboard. DNS changes take 24–48 hours to propagate globally.