Moving your WordPress site to a new host, step by step - back up, move, test, and switch with no downtime. A plain-English migration checklist. Tick items off as you go - your progress saves in this browser.
Take a complete backup of files AND database from the old host
Verify the backup is complete - check file count and database size
Set up the new hosting account and note the new server details
Create a new database on the new host and note credentials
Update wp-config.php with new database credentials
Copy all files to the new host via FTP or migration plugin
Import the database into the new host's MySQL
Test the site on the new host using a temporary URL or hosts file entry
Check all pages load correctly - homepage, posts, products, forms
Test forms, checkout, logins, and any interactive features
Search the database for the old domain and update URLs if changing domains
Clear all caches on the new host
Lower DNS TTL to 300 seconds 24 hours before the switch
Update nameservers at your domain registrar to point to new host
Monitor DNS propagation - can take up to 48 hours
Verify SSL certificate is installed and working on new host
Keep the old host account active for at least 30 days as rollback
Cancel old hosting only after confirming everything works on new host
Want this done for you? We handle maintenance, security, and migrations as part of our care plans.
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