Maintenance
Moving a WordPress website to new hosting
7 October 2024 · 8 min read
Moving a WordPress website to a new hosting provider is a process that many website owners experience sooner or later. Whether it is about a better price, more speed or better support — good preparation is essential for a smooth transition.
At WP Maintainer we arrange hosting migrations regularly. In this article we share our proven step-by-step plan.
Preparation
**1. Choose the right moment** Plan the migration in a quiet period. Avoid peak moments such as launches or campaigns.
**2. Make a complete backup** Back up all files and the database. Test the backup by performing a restore on a local environment.
**3. Check compatibility** Check whether the new hosting meets the requirements: - PHP version (8.2+ recommended) - MySQL/MariaDB version - SSL support - Sufficient storage space and bandwidth
The migration
**Step 1: Set up the new environment** - Configure the hosting package - Create a database - Upload WordPress files
**Step 2: Import the database** - Export the database from the old hosting - Import on the new hosting - Update wp-config.php with new database details
**Step 3: Change URLs (if needed)** If the domain changes, update all URLs in the database. Use WP-CLI or a search/replace script for this.
**Step 4: Switch DNS** - Change the DNS records to the new server - Take DNS propagation into account (24-48 hours) - Lower the TTL in advance for a faster transition
**Step 5: Test on the new hosting** Test EVERYTHING before switching the DNS: - All pages - Forms - Login - WooCommerce checkout - Email functionality
After the migration
- Monitor the website intensively for 24-48 hours - Check whether email works correctly - Test forms and dynamic content - Check Google Search Console for errors - Only cancel the old hosting package after a week
Common problems
- **Permalink problems:** Reset the permalinks (Settings > Permalinks > Save) - **Mixed content:** Update http:// to https:// in the database - **Email problems:** Configure SMTP correctly on the new hosting - **Plugin licenses:** Reactivate premium plugin licenses
WP Maintainer moving service
We move WordPress websites professionally with minimal risk. We plan the migration, execute it outside office hours, test thoroughly and monitor after the move. This way you experience no interruption at all.