How to Move a WordPress Website to a New Host

What should you do before moving WordPress?

Start with an independent backup of the website files and database. If the site takes orders, bookings or member submissions, choose a migration window that minimises the chance of new data being created during the final move.

Record the current setup: domain registrar, nameservers, DNS records, email provider, WordPress version, PHP requirements, plugins, redirects, analytics and any scheduled tasks. Check whether email is hosted inside the same account or by a separate service such as Microsoft 365.

Confirm the new hosting supports the site’s technical requirements and provides enough storage and resources. If the host offers a migration service, ask what it covers, whether email is included and who performs the final DNS change.

How do you move a WordPress website?

A WordPress site contains files and a database. Both need to be copied to the new hosting. You can move them manually, use a reputable migration plugin or ask the new provider to handle the transfer.

The general process is:

1. Create the new hosting account and confirm its settings.
2. Copy WordPress files, including themes, plugins and uploads.
3. Export and import the WordPress database.
4. Update database credentials and any environment-specific configuration.
5. Test the copied site before sending public traffic to it.

Testing before the switch is where many problems are caught. Open important pages, log in to WordPress, submit forms, inspect images and test store, booking or membership functions.

How do you change DNS without losing email?

DNS tells browsers where to find the website and mail systems where to deliver email. A website migration may require changing nameservers or selected DNS records.

Before changing anything, save a copy of every existing record. If business email uses another provider, preserve its MX, SPF, DKIM and verification records. Replacing nameservers without rebuilding those entries can make email stop even when the website move succeeds.

Where practical, change only the records required for the website. DNS updates may take time to spread, so visitors can briefly reach either host. Keeping both copies working reduces the risk of an interruption.

What should you check after migrating WordPress?

• Homepage, service pages, posts, images and navigation.
• Contact forms, bookings, checkout and payment notifications.
• HTTPS and the SSL certificate on every important page.
• Redirects, canonical URLs and the XML sitemap.
• Analytics, search tools and conversion tracking.
• Incoming and outgoing business email.
• Backup schedules, security controls and administrator access.

Clear caches and test on mobile, desktop and a separate internet connection. Monitor error logs, enquiries and orders during the first few days.

Does changing WordPress hosting affect SEO?

A well-managed hosting move does not need to damage rankings. Problems arise when pages disappear, URLs change unnecessarily, redirects are lost, robots settings block crawling or the new site performs poorly.

Keep the same URLs and content unless a separate redesign requires changes. Preserve redirects, canonical tags and metadata. Submit the existing sitemap through your usual search tools and monitor important pages after launch.

Before selecting the destination, read how to choose WordPress hosting and compare WordPress hosting versus general hosting.

When should you ask for professional help?

Get assistance when the website processes frequent orders, uses custom code, has complex DNS or email, contains a large database or cannot tolerate interruption. The cost of experienced help may be far lower than recovering missed sales or lost data.

Browse all WordPress hosting guides if you want to understand the options before moving.