WordPress migrations are necessary when changing hosts, domains, or server configurations. Done incorrectly, migrations cause downtime, broken links, lost data, and SEO damage. Done correctly, migrations happen seamlessly with zero downtime and no data loss.
This playbook covers comprehensive WordPress migration strategies that ensure zero downtime, complete data preservation, and seamless transitions. These techniques are used by professional WordPress developers to migrate sites of all sizes safely. A WordPress developer can help execute complex migrations.
1How long does a WordPress migration take?
Migration time depends on site size, server speed, and migration method. Small sites migrate in 1-2 hours, while large enterprise sites can take 4-8 hours. Zero-downtime migrations require more planning but can be completed without service interruption.
The key is proper planning and using the right tools. Automated migration plugins speed up the process significantly compared to manual migration.
Planning Tip: Schedule migrations during low-traffic periods. Have a rollback plan ready. Test on staging first to identify potential issues before production migration.
2What is the best way to migrate a WordPress site?
The best migration method depends on your technical expertise and site complexity. Migration plugins are easiest for most users, while manual migration provides more control for complex sites.
Migration Plugins (Recommended for Most)
Automated plugins handle file transfer, database migration, and URL updates automatically. Best for standard WordPress sites.
Free plugin with 1M+ installs. Creates package files for easy migration. Handles large sites well.
User-friendly interface. Free version handles sites up to 512MB. Premium for larger sites.
Primarily backup tool but includes migration features. Good for sites already using it for backups.
Manual Migration (Advanced Users)
Full control over migration process. Best for complex sites, custom configurations, or when plugins fail.
Managed Hosting Migration Services
Many managed WordPress hosts offer free migration services. They handle the entire process professionally.
3How do you migrate WordPress without losing data?
Data loss during migration is preventable with proper backup and verification procedures. Follow these steps to ensure complete data preservation.
Backup database, all files, and wp-config.php. Store backup in multiple locations (local, cloud). Verify backup is complete and restorable.
Never migrate directly to production. Test complete migration on staging environment. Verify all functionality, links, and data integrity.
Check database for errors, verify all tables migrated, confirm data counts match, and test database connections.
Keep original site running until migration is verified. Know how to restore from backup quickly if issues arise.
- All posts, pages, and custom post types migrated
- All media files and images transferred
- User accounts and permissions intact
- Plugin settings and configurations preserved
- Theme customizations and widgets migrated
- Database size matches original
4Do you need to change URLs when migrating WordPress?
Yes, if your domain or directory structure changes. WordPress stores URLs in the database, so all old URLs must be updated to new URLs. Failure to update URLs causes broken links, images, and functionality.
Even if the domain stays the same but you change hosting, you may need to update URLs if the directory structure changes (e.g., moving from subdomain to root domain).
Free plugin that safely replaces URLs throughout database. More reliable than manual SQL queries. Test on staging first.
Command-line tool for advanced users. Fast and reliable for large databases. Requires server access.
Direct database queries. Only for experienced users. Always backup first. Can break site if done incorrectly.
- • Site URL and home URL in wp_options table
- • All post content URLs (images, links)
- • Widget content URLs
- • Theme customizer URLs
- • Plugin settings URLs
- • Serialized data (requires special handling)
5How do you migrate WordPress to a new host without downtime?
Zero-downtime migration requires careful planning and execution. The goal is to have the new site ready and tested before switching DNS, minimizing the transition period.
Set up WordPress on new host, configure database, install required PHP version, and prepare environment. Do not point DNS yet.
Migrate complete site to staging subdomain on new host. Test all functionality, verify data integrity, and fix any issues.
During low-traffic period, perform final sync of database and new content. This minimizes data loss during transition.
Before switching, lower DNS TTL to 300 seconds (5 minutes). This allows faster DNS propagation when you make the switch.
Update DNS records to point to new host. Keep old site running for 24-48 hours to catch any missed traffic during DNS propagation.
Monitor new site for 24-48 hours. Check analytics, test functionality, verify SSL, and ensure all systems working. Only then decommission old server.
Alternative Method: Use temporary domain pointing to new host for testing, then switch DNS when ready. Some hosts offer migration services that handle this automatically.
6What should you check after WordPress migration?
Post-migration verification is critical. Many issues only appear after migration. This checklist ensures everything works correctly.
Testing Tip: Use tools like Broken Link Checker, Google Search Console, and browser developer tools to identify issues. Test on multiple devices and browsers.
7Can you migrate WordPress while site is live?
Yes, with proper planning. The key is using staging environments and zero-downtime techniques. Your site can remain live throughout the migration process.
The safest approach is to migrate to staging on the new host, test everything, then switch DNS during a low-traffic period. This minimizes downtime to just the DNS propagation time (usually 5-30 minutes).
Migrate to staging subdomain on new host. Test completely. Switch DNS when ready. Old site stays live until DNS propagates.
Enable maintenance mode, migrate quickly, test, then disable. Requires fast migration and testing.
Run old and new sites simultaneously. Switch traffic when new site verified. Requires load balancer or advanced setup.
Best Practice: Always use staging environment for live migrations. Never migrate directly to production without testing. Keep backups accessible throughout the process.
8What causes WordPress migration to fail?
Understanding common migration failures helps prevent them. Most failures are avoidable with proper preparation and testing.
PHP upload limits, memory limits, or timeout limits prevent large file transfers. Solution: Increase limits or use FTP for large files.
Incorrect database credentials, host restrictions, or database not created. Solution: Verify wp-config.php settings, check database exists.
Incorrect file permissions prevent WordPress from writing files. Solution: Set correct permissions (folders: 755, files: 644).
Interrupted transfers or missing files cause broken functionality. Solution: Verify all files transferred, use checksums to verify integrity.
Old URLs in database cause broken links and redirects. Solution: Use search-replace tool to update all URLs in database.
Incompatible plugins or missing dependencies cause errors. Solution: Deactivate problematic plugins, migrate, then reactivate one by one.
PHP version mismatch, missing extensions, or server configuration issues. Solution: Verify server requirements match WordPress needs.
- Test migration on staging environment first
- Verify server requirements before migration
- Increase PHP limits if needed
- Deactivate problematic plugins before migration
- Use reliable migration tools and verify results
Putting it all together: Your migration roadmap
WordPress migration requires systematic execution. Follow this step-by-step roadmap to migrate successfully without downtime or data loss.
Create full backup, document current configuration, list all plugins and themes, note custom code, and prepare new server environment.
Migrate to staging environment on new host. Test all functionality, verify data integrity, fix any issues, and update URLs.
Comprehensive testing on staging: all pages, forms, plugins, themes, admin functions, and performance. Fix any remaining issues.
Lower DNS TTL to 300 seconds. Prepare DNS records for new host. Schedule migration during low-traffic period.
Perform final database sync, update DNS records, monitor propagation, and keep old site running for 24-48 hours.
Monitor site for 48 hours. Verify all functionality, check analytics, test from multiple locations, and ensure SSL working.
Decommission old server, update search engines if needed, restore normal DNS TTL, and archive backups.
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