Easy Steps to Transfer WordPress Site to New Host

Transferring a WordPress site to a new host can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re new to website management. However, with the right tools and guidance, the process can be straightforward and stress-free. In this 3,000-word guide, we’ll explore the easiest methods to migrate your WordPress site, focusing on the highly recommended Free WPvivid Backup & Migration plugin for its one-click migration capabilities.

We’ll also cover alternative methods, including manual migration and other popular plugins, to provide a comprehensive overview. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced developer, this guide will walk you through every step to ensure a smooth transition.

Recommended Method: WPvivid Backup & Migration Plugin

The WPvivid Backup & Migration plugin is a free, all-in-one solution for WordPress backups, migrations, and staging. With over 600,000 active installations and a 4.9-star rating on WordPress.org, it’s a trusted choice for site owners, freelancers, and agencies. Its one-click migration feature simplifies the process, making it ideal for beginners. Below, we’ll outline its features, detailed usage steps, and why it stands out.

Why Choose WPvivid?

• One-Click Migration: Automatically transfers your site to a new host or domain with minimal effort.
• Comprehensive Backups: Supports full site (database + files), files-only, or database-only backups.
• Cloud Storage Integration: Send backups to Dropbox, Google Drive, Amazon S3, Microsoft OneDrive, FTP, SFTP, and more (Pro version adds Wasabi, pCloud, Backblaze, and WebDav).
• Staging Sites: Create a staging environment to test changes safely.
• Incremental Backups: Save server resources by backing up only changed data (Pro version).
• User-Friendly Interface: Intuitive design with clear instructions for beginners.
• No File Size Limits: Unlike some plugins (e.g., All-in-One WP Migration’s 300MB limit in the free version), WPvivid has no restrictions in its free version.
• Snapshot Feature: Protects your live site during restoration by creating a restore point.
• Multisite Support: Handles backups and migrations for WordPress multisite networks (Pro version).

WPvivid’s combination of power, flexibility, and ease of use makes it our top recommendation for transferring a WordPress site.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using WPvivid for Migration

Here’s how to transfer your WordPress site using WPvivid’s free version. The process involves installing the plugin on both the source and destination sites, generating a migration key, and transferring the site.

Step 1: Prepare Your Sites

1. Source Site (Current Host):
   • Ensure your WordPress site is up-to-date (core, themes, plugins).
   • Disable caching plugins (e.g., WP Super Cache, W3 Total Cache) and security plugins to avoid conflicts.
   • Verify you have admin access to the WordPress dashboard.
2. Destination Site (New Host):
   • Set up a new WordPress installation on the new host. You can use the host’s one-click installer or manually install WordPress.
   • Ensure the destination site is accessible (via domain, IP, or temporary URL).
   • Note the new host’s database credentials and FTP/SFTP details.

Step 2: Install WPvivid on Both Sites

1. On Both Sites:
   • Log in to the WordPress admin dashboard of the source and destination sites.
   • Navigate to Plugins > Add New, search for “WPvivid Backup & Migration,” and click Install Now followed by Activate.
   • No additional plugins or themes should be active on the destination site except WPvivid.

Step 3: Generate a Migration Key on the Destination Site

1. On the destination site, go to WPvivid > Key in the WordPress dashboard.
2. Click the Generate button to create a unique migration key.
3. Copy the key (it looks like a long string of characters) and save it securely. The key expires after a set period, so complete the migration promptly.

Step 4: Initiate Migration from the Source Site

1. On the source site, go to WPvivid > Auto-Migration in the WordPress dashboard.
2. Paste the migration key from the destination site into the provided field and click Save.
3. Select the content to migrate:
   • Database + Files: For a full site migration.
   • Files Only or Database Only: For partial migrations (advanced users).
4. Click the blue Clone then Transfer button to start the migration.
5. Monitor the progress bar, which displays database size, file size, total size, upload speed, and network connection status. The transfer time depends on your site’s size and server speed.

Step 5: Restore the Backup on the Destination Site

1. Once the transfer is complete, you’ll see a “Transfer succeeded” message.
2. On the destination site, go to WPvivid > Backup & Restore.
3. Scroll to the bottom and click Scan uploaded backup or received backup to display the transferred backup.
4. Click Restore next to the backup file. You can choose to:
   • Replace the original domain: Updates URLs to the new domain.
   • Keep the original domain: Useful for staging or testing.
5. Click the Restore button to finalize the process.

Step 6: Finalize and Test

1. Update Permalinks:
   • Go to Settings > Permalinks on the destination site and click Save Changes to refresh the permalink structure. This resolves common 404 errors.
2. Test the Site:
   • Check pages, posts, images, forms, and functionality.
   • If using a temporary URL, modify your computer’s hosts file to preview the site before DNS propagation.
3. Update DNS:
   • Point your domain to the new host’s nameservers at your registrar.
   • Allow 24–48 hours for DNS propagation.
4. Clean Up:
   • Delete the backup files from the destination server for security.
   • Optionally, remove the source site if no longer needed.

Step 7: Optimize Settings (Optional)

WPvivid offers advanced settings to optimize migrations, especially for large sites or shared hosting:

• Enable Optimization Mode: Reduces server load on shared hosting environments.
• Compress Files: Splits large backups into smaller parts to bypass upload limits.
• Exclude Large Files: Omit files above a specified size to speed up transfers.

WPvivid Features in Detail

• Backup Flexibility: Customize backups to include/exclude specific files, folders, or database tables.
• Scheduled Backups: Set up general or incremental backup schedules (Pro version) with flexible frequencies (e.g., every 12 hours, daily, weekly).
• Remote Storage: Store backups on cloud services like Dropbox, Google Drive, or Amazon S3. The Pro version adds Wasabi, pCloud, and Backblaze.
• Staging Sites: Create a staging site in a subdirectory to test updates safely.
• White-Labeling (Pro): Rebrand the plugin for client sites.
• Multisite Support (Pro): Migrate entire multisite networks or individual subsites.
• Incremental Backups (Pro): Save only changed data to reduce server load.
• Snapshot Feature: Ensures your live site remains unaffected if restoration fails.
• MainWP Integration: Manage backups and migrations for multiple sites from a MainWP dashboard.

WPvivid vs. Other Migration Methods

While WPvivid is our top recommendation, let’s compare it with other migration methods to help you choose the best approach.

1. Manual Migration

Manual migration involves transferring files and databases without a plugin. It’s time-consuming but offers maximum control.

Steps:

1. Backup Files:
   • Use an FTP client (e.g., FileZilla) to download all WordPress files from the source server’s root directory (e.g., public_html).
2. Backup Database:
   • Access phpMyAdmin, select your WordPress database, and export it as an .sql file.
3. Set Up New Host:
   • Create a new database and user on the new host.
   • Upload files to the new server’s root directory via FTP.
4. Import Database:
   • In phpMyAdmin on the new host, import the .sql file into the new database.
5. Update wp-config.php:
   • Edit the wp-config.php file with the new database name, user, password, and host.
6. Update URLs:
   • Run SQL queries in phpMyAdmin to update siteurl and home options:

     UPDATE wp_options SET option_value = 'https://newdomain.com' WHERE option_name = 'siteurl';
     UPDATE wp_options SET option_value = 'https://newdomain.com' WHERE option_name = 'home';
     

7. Test and Update DNS:
   • Test the site and update nameservers at your registrar.

Pros:

• Full control over the process.
• No reliance on third-party plugins.
• Ideal for custom setups or troubleshooting.

Cons:

• Time-consuming and error-prone.
• Requires technical knowledge of FTP, databases, and WordPress configuration.
• Risk of human error (e.g., deleting files or misconfiguring settings).

Comparison with WPvivid:
WPvivid automates file transfers, database imports, and URL updates, reducing the risk of errors. Manual migration is better for advanced users who need to customize specific elements, but WPvivid’s one-click process is faster and more beginner-friendly.

2. Duplicator

Duplicator is a popular migration plugin with a free and Pro version. It’s known for its flexibility and developer-friendly features.

Steps:

1. Install Duplicator on the source site.
2. Create a package (archive and installer files).
3. Download both files to your computer.
4. Upload the files to the new host’s root directory via FTP.
5. Run the installer (installer.php) to deploy the site.
6. Update permalinks and test.

Pros:

• Installs WordPress on an empty site, unlike WPvivid, which requires a WordPress installation.
• Advanced customization (e.g., file and database filters).
• Handles large sites with DupArchive format.

Cons:

• More complex than WPvivid for beginners.
• Free version lacks import functionality; requires FTP for uploads.
• No built-in cloud storage in the free version.

Comparison with WPvivid:
Duplicator offers more control for developers but is less intuitive than WPvivid’s one-click migration. WPvivid’s auto-migration feature and cloud storage support make it more accessible for non-technical users.

3. All-in-One WP Migration

All-in-One WP Migration is another widely used plugin with over 5 million active installations.

Steps:

1. Install the plugin on the source site.
2. Export the site as a single compressed file.
3. Install the plugin on the destination site.
4. Import the file using the plugin’s interface.
5. Update permalinks and test.

Pros:

• Simple export/import process.
• Supports cloud storage (e.g., Dropbox, Google Drive) in the free version.
• Beginner-friendly interface.

Cons:

• 300MB file size limit in the free version.
• Limited support for free users.
• Potential plugin conflicts.

Comparison with WPvivid:
WPvivid has no file size limits in the free version, unlike All-in-One WP Migration. Its auto-migration feature is also more streamlined than All-in-One’s export/import workflow. However, All-in-One is slightly easier for very small sites within the size limit.

4. UpdraftPlus

UpdraftPlus is primarily a backup plugin but offers migration features in its premium version (UpdraftMigrator).

Steps:

1. Create a backup on the source site.
2. Upload the backup to the destination site via the plugin or cloud storage.
3. Restore the backup using UpdraftPlus.
4. Update URLs and permalinks.

Pros:

• Intuitive interface for backups and restoration.
• Supports cloud storage in the free version.
• Incremental backups save server resources.

Cons:

• Migration requires the premium version or UpdraftMigrator add-on ($49).
• No staging feature in the free version.
• More steps than WPvivid’s auto-migration.

Comparison with WPvivid:
WPvivid’s free version includes migration and staging, making it more versatile than UpdraftPlus’s free version. WPvivid’s one-click migration is also simpler than UpdraftPlus’s multi-step process.

5. Host-Provided Migration Services

Some hosting providers (e.g., SiteGround, Bluehost) offer free or paid migration services.

Pros:

• Minimal effort; the host handles everything.
• Ideal for non-technical users.

Cons:

• Limited control over the process.
• Potential data loss if not done correctly.
• May incur fees or require specific hosting plans.

Comparison with WPvivid:
Host-provided services are convenient but lack the flexibility and control of WPvivid. With WPvivid, you manage the process yourself, ensuring data integrity and customization.

Troubleshooting Common WPvivid Issues

Despite its reliability, you may encounter issues with WPvivid. Here are solutions:

• Transfer Fails: Ensure both sites are accessible and the migration key is valid. Try manual transfer if auto-migration fails.
• Permalink Errors: Go to Settings > Permalinks and click Save Changes.
• Slow Performance: Disable unnecessary plugins, enable optimization mode, or split backups into smaller parts.
• Database Connection Issues: Verify database credentials in wp-config.php or contact your host.
• Backup Not Displaying: Click Scan uploaded backup or received backup in the Backup & Restore tab.

For persistent issues, WPvivid’s support team is responsive, especially for Pro users.

Post-Migration Tasks

After migrating with WPvivid or another method, complete these tasks:

1. Test Functionality:
   • Check pages, posts, forms, and e-commerce features.
   • Verify email sending (configure SMTP if needed).
2. Enable SSL:
   • Activate a free SSL certificate (e.g., Let’s Encrypt) on the new host.
   • Update URLs to HTTPS using WPvivid’s search-and-replace feature.
3. Set Up Backups:
   • Configure WPvivid’s scheduled backups to protect your new site.
4. Optimize Performance:
   • Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights to assess speed.
   • Enable caching plugins or a CDN (e.g., Cloudflare).
5. Update SEO:
   • Submit a new sitemap to Google Search Console.
   • Preserve .htaccess redirects to maintain rankings.

Advanced Tips for WPvivid Users

• Incremental Backups (Pro): Schedule incremental backups to save server resources.
• Staging Sites: Use WPvivid to create a staging site before going live.
• Cloud Storage: Store backups offsite for added security.
• White-Labeling (Pro): Rebrand WPvivid for client sites to present a professional image.
• MainWP Integration: Manage multiple sites efficiently with WPvivid’s MainWP extension.

Choosing the Right Host

When selecting a new host, consider:

• WordPress Optimization: Hosts like SiteGround, WP Engine, or Kinsta are WordPress-friendly.
• Scalability: Ensure the plan supports your site’s traffic.
• Support: Look for 24/7 WordPress expertise.
• Security: Free SSL, firewalls, and malware scanning are essential.
• Backups: Automated backups with long retention periods.

Conclusion

Transferring a WordPress site to a new host doesn’t have to be complicated. The WPvivid Backup & Migration plugin offers a one-click solution that’s free, reliable, and beginner-friendly, making it our top recommendation. Its robust features, including no file size limits, cloud storage integration, and staging capabilities, set it apart from alternatives like Duplicator, All-in-One WP Migration, and UpdraftPlus. For advanced users, manual migration provides more control, while host-provided services suit those who prefer minimal involvement.

By following the steps outlined above, you can migrate your site seamlessly and optimize it for performance and security on the new host. WPvivid’s intuitive interface and extensive documentation ensure a smooth experience, even for first-timers. Start your migration today and enjoy the benefits of a faster, more secure hosting environment