How to Transfer WordPress Site to a New Host -Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Switching hosting providers can feel overwhelming, especially if you’ve never done it before. The biggest fear for most website owners is losing data, downtime, or breaking their site during the transfer. But the truth is: transferring a WordPress site to a new host is easier than it seems when you follow the right steps.

In this guide, we’ll explain how to transfer a WordPress site to a new host safely, covering both manual migration and plugin-based migration methods.

Why Transfer a WordPress Site to a New Host?

There are several reasons why website owners decide to move their WordPress site:

Slow loading speed due to poor hosting infrastructure
Frequent downtime, which hurts SEO and user trust
Better features (staging, backups, or managed support) offered by another host
Scalability to handle more traffic and eCommerce growth
Cost savings from a hosting provider with better pricing

If you’re experiencing any of these issues, transferring your site to a reliable host is a smart move.

Methods to Transfer a WordPress Site

You can transfer your WordPress site in three main ways:

Manual Transfer – Copying files and databases yourself (more control, but technical).
Using a Migration Plugin – Easier, beginner-friendly method.
Host-Provided Migration – Some hosts migrate your site for free.

We’ll cover the manual and plugin-based transfers in detail.

Method 1: Manual WordPress Site Transfer

This method requires a bit of technical knowledge but gives you complete control over the migration.

Step 1: Back Up Your Website

Before doing anything, take a full backup of your WordPress site. You can:

Use a backup plugin (UpdraftPlus, BackupBuddy)
Or download all files via FTP / cPanel File Manager
Export your database using phpMyAdmin

👉 Always keep a local copy of your backup in case something goes wrong.

Step 2: Export Your WordPress Database

Log in to phpMyAdmin on your old host.
Select your WordPress database.
Click Export > Quick > SQL format.
Save the file to your computer.

Step 3: Transfer WordPress Files to New Host

Connect to your new hosting account via FTP (FileZilla) or cPanel.
Upload your entire WordPress site files (themes, plugins, uploads, etc.) into the root directory (usually public_html).

Step 4: Create a New Database on the New Host

Go to MySQL Databases in your new host’s cPanel.
Create a new database and user.
Assign the user full privileges.

Step 5: Import Database to New Host

Open phpMyAdmin in your new hosting account.
Select the new database.
Click Import and upload the .sql file you exported earlier.

Step 6: Update wp-config.php File

Your WordPress configuration file (wp-config.php) needs to be updated with the new database details. Update these lines:

define('DB_NAME', 'new_database_name');
define('DB_USER', 'new_database_user');
define('DB_PASSWORD', 'new_database_password');
define('DB_HOST', 'localhost');

Save the file and upload it back to your server.

Step 7: Update DNS Settings

To make your domain point to the new hosting provider:

Log in to your domain registrar (GoDaddy, Namecheap, etc.).
Update your domain’s nameservers to those provided by your new host.
Wait 24–48 hours for DNS propagation.

Now your WordPress site should run on the new host. 🎉

Method 2: Transfer WordPress Site Using a Plugin

If manual migration feels too technical, you can use a migration plugin. Popular options include:

All-in-One WP Migration
Duplicator
Migrate Guru

Example: Transfer with Duplicator Plugin

Install and activate Duplicator on your old site.
Create a new package (this generates a .zip of your site + installer.php file).
Download both files.
Upload them to your new hosting account’s root directory.
Visit yourdomain.com/installer.php in a browser.
Follow the wizard to complete the migration.

This method is beginner-friendly and eliminates most manual steps.

Method 3: Use Free Host Migration Service

Many premium hosting providers (like SiteGround, Bluehost, or WP Engine) offer free website migration. This is the easiest method if you don’t want to handle the process yourself.

All you need to do is:

Sign up with the new host.
Provide access to your old hosting account.
Let the hosting provider migrate your site for you.

Post-Migration Checklist (Don’t Skip This!)

Once your site is transferred, make sure to:

✅ Test your site on the new host using a temporary URL before updating DNS.
✅ Check all pages, forms, and plugins for functionality.
✅ Set up 301 redirects if URLs have changed.
✅ Reinstall SSL certificates on the new host.
✅ Monitor uptime and speed with tools like GTmetrix or Pingdom.

Final Thoughts

Transferring a WordPress site to a new host may seem complicated, but with proper planning, it can be done smoothly without downtime.

If you’re confident with technical steps → Manual migration gives you control.
If you’re a beginner → Use a plugin like Duplicator or Migrate Guru.
If you want zero hassle → Let your hosting provider handle it.

With the right method, you’ll enjoy faster performance, better reliability, and improved support on your new hosting provider.

How to Transfer WordPress Site to a New Host -Complete Guide