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Comprehensive WordPress Migration Guide

Step 1: Backup All Files

Before starting the migration, you must create a complete backup of your WordPress website files.

  • Log in to your hosting cPanel.
  • Go to the Domains menu.
  • Locate the domain you want to migrate and click its Directory Root link.
    This automatically opens the correct folder in File Manager.
    • Backing Up WordPress Files
  • Once in the domain’s root folder (usually public_html or a subfolder):
    • Click Select All at the top.
    • Right-click anywhere inside the file list.
    • Select the Compress option.
    • Choose ZIP Archive and confirm.
    • Wait until the ZIP file is created.
    • Download the resulting ZIP archive to your computer.
  • Make sure the archive contains all important WordPress files, including:
    • wp-content (themes, plugins, uploads)
    • wp-admin
    • wp-includes
    • wp-config.php
    • All other root files
    • Hidden files like .htaccess (if visible)
Backing Up WordPress Files

Step 2: Export Your Database

Your WordPress content is stored in a MySQL database. Before exporting it, you must confirm which database your site is using.

  • Open File Manager in your hosting cPanel.
  • Navigate to the root folder of your WordPress installation.
  • Locate the wp-config.php file and open it.
  • Inside the file, find the following line: 
    define('DB_NAME', 'your_database_name');
    This is the exact database you need to export.
  • Now go back to cPanel and open phpMyAdmin.
  • Select the database identified in the DB_NAME line.
  • Click on Export at the top menu.
    • Choose Quick export for simplicity, or
    • Custom if you want to review/export specific tables (default settings are usually fine).
  • Click Go to download the SQL file to your computer.
Export WordPress Database Export WordPress Database Export WordPress Database

Make sure all WordPress tables (usually starting with wp_) are included in the export.

Step 3: Upload Files to the New Host

  • Log in to the new hosting cPanel.
  • Navigate to File Manager → public_html (or the correct root directory).
  • Upload all WordPress files from your backup.
  • Extract files if you uploaded a ZIP archive.
Upload WordPress Files

Double-check that the folder structure matches the old host.

Step 4: Create a New Database

  • In cPanel, go to MySQL Databases.
  • Create a new database.
  • Create a new user and assign it to the database with all privileges.
  • Note the database name, username, and password for wp-config.php.
Create New Database

Ensure the database user has full privileges for smooth migration.

Step 5: Import the Database

  • Open phpMyAdmin on the new host.
  • Select the newly created database.
  • Click Import and upload the SQL file exported from the old host.
  • Wait until the import completes and verify that all tables are imported.
Import Database

Large databases may need chunked import or use of tools like BigDump.

Step 6: Update wp-config.php

  • Open wp-config.php in the new host’s file manager.
  • Update the following values to match the new database:
    • DB_NAME
    • DB_USER
    • DB_PASSWORD
    • DB_HOST (usually localhost)
  • Save the file.
Update wp-config.php

Step 7: Test Your Site

  • Check your website on the new host using a temporary URL or hosts file trick.
  • Verify that all pages, posts, plugins, and media work correctly.
  • Look for missing images, broken links, or plugin issues.
Test New Site

After testing, update your domain’s DNS to point to the new host.

Step 8: Optional – Fix Permalinks

  • Go to WordPress Dashboard → Settings → Permalinks.
  • Click Save Changes to refresh URL structure.
  • This ensures internal links work correctly on the new host.