Migration · Informational intent
How to Move a WordPress Site to a New Host
A reliable migration separates copying the site from switching live traffic, giving you time to test before DNS cutover.
Inventory first
Record DNS, email, PHP version, cron jobs, redirects, SSL, caching and security settings.
Create backups
Keep a restorable backup independent of both the old and new host.
Copy and test
Use a temporary URL or hosts-file method to validate the new environment before changing DNS.
Cut over
Change DNS during a lower-risk period, then monitor errors, forms, ecommerce and analytics.
Retire old hosting later
Keep the old environment available until DNS has propagated and the new site is stable.
If hosting is part of the bottleneck
Compare managed WordPress hosting after you have evidence that infrastructure or support scope is limiting the site. Start with our managed WordPress hosting guide or see our WPX review.