How to Transfer a WordPress Site Without Losing Content

What a WordPress site transfer involves

A WordPress site transfer moves your files and database to a new host, domain, or account. Both parts hold content and settings. Moving only one can leave the site broken or incomplete.

People move sites to change hosts, cut costs, get better support, or use a new domain. A host move changes the server but keeps the site address. A domain move changes the address and may also involve a new host.

If you are learning how to transfer a WordPress site, first decide what must change. You can use a host migration service, a plugin, or a manual file and database move. The manual route gives you control, but needs careful checks.

• Host move: copy the files and database, then update DNS.
• Domain move: change site URLs and set redirects from old pages.
• Account move: copy the site, then set up new access details.

Prepare before you move your site

Make a full backup of your WordPress files and database. Store it away from your current host, such as on your computer or in a trusted cloud drive. Check that both parts are present before you begin.

Write down your active plugins, theme, PHP version, database details, email setup, and custom code. Check that you can sign in to your old host, new host, domain registrar, and WordPress admin. Ask the new host about storage limits and supported PHP versions.

Plan the move for a quiet time. If visitors can place orders or post content, pause those changes during the transfer. This helps prevent new data from being left behind on the old site.

• Download a fresh copy of your files and database.
• List your active plugins, theme, and custom settings.
• Check that the new host has enough space.
• Record your domain, email, and DNS settings.
• Keep your old hosting account active until testing is done.

For a manual move, follow the steps in WordPress's site move instructions. They cover the core file and database tasks. Check them before changing a custom setup.

How to transfer a WordPress site to another host

Start with a fresh backup, then create a database and database user on the new host. Save the database name, username, password, and server name. You will need these details to connect WordPress to the new database.

Export the old database with a tool such as phpMyAdmin. Download your site files with FTP (file transfer protocol) or your host's file manager. Include hidden files, such as .htaccess, if the tool lets you view them.

1. Upload the site files to the new host's web folder.
2. Import the database backup into the new database.
3. Update the database details in wp-config.php.
4. Match the PHP version and check file permissions.
5. Test the new copy with a preview link or temporary address.

Do not change DNS until the new copy works. If you see a database connection error, check each value in wp-config.php. Some hosts use a server name other than “localhost.”

Once your checks pass, point the domain's DNS records to the new host. DNS updates can take time to reach visitors. Keep the old account open during this period, so the site remains available.

How to transfer a WordPress site to another domain

A domain move needs the host steps too if your site also changes servers. Set up the new domain on your host, then change the WordPress Address and Site Address in your admin settings. Back up first.

If you cannot sign in, change the address in the database or use a search-and-replace tool made for WordPress. Avoid plain text replacement in the database. Some saved data is serialized, and a basic change can break it.

Update links, menus, buttons, and image paths that still use the old domain. Then set a permanent redirect from each old page to its matching new page. For example, send oldsite.com/about to newsite.com/about, not just to the new home page.

People often search for how to transfer a WordPress site to another domain when they rebrand. Keep ownership of the old domain and its redirects for as long as you can. This helps visitors reach the right pages and protects links from other sites.

Test your site after the transfer

Visit the site on a phone and a computer. Check the home page, key posts, forms, menus, images, and any checkout or member area. Test links from both inside and outside the site.

Sign in to WordPress and check that you can edit a post and upload an image. Clear any site or host cache if changes do not appear. Check that the site uses a secure connection and that no page points to the wrong domain.

Review DNS and email after the move. A host change can affect mail records if they were tied to the old service. Keep copies of the old DNS settings until the site and email both work.

Common transfer problems and fixes

Missing images often mean the upload was incomplete or the site still points to old file paths. Compare the file folders on both hosts, then check image links on key pages. Upload any missing files before you remove the old copy.

Broken links can follow a domain change or an incomplete search-and-replace. Update internal links and test redirects one page at a time. A redirect should send each old page to its closest match on the new site.

A blank page or server error may stem from a plugin, theme, PHP version, or file permission issue. Turn off plugins one at a time if the site fails after the move. Ask the new host to check its error logs if the cause is not clear.

• Database error: recheck the database name, user, password, and server.
• Old site appears: wait for DNS changes and clear your browser cache.
• Missing content: check the database import and file upload.
• Broken layout: check the theme, plugins, and PHP version.

WordPress transfer questions

Can you transfer a WordPress site to Squarespace? You can move some content, such as posts and pages, but the site will not transfer as a working WordPress install. You will need to rebuild the design and check each imported page.

How do I transfer my WordPress site to Wix? Wix does not run WordPress site files. Move the content you need, rebuild the pages in Wix, and set redirects where the platform allows them.

How do I transfer a WordPress site to a new host? Back up the files and database, copy both to the new host, update the database settings, test the copy, then change DNS.

Can I transfer a WordPress site to another account? Yes. Copy the files and database to the new account, then update access details and test the site before closing the old account.