Quick answer
- A manual move has four parts: copy the files, export and import the database, update wp-config.php and point your domain to the new server.
- You’ll need SFTP or a file manager, phpMyAdmin (or similar) and access to both hosting accounts.
- Test the site on the new server before changing DNS, and keep the old server running until everything works.
- If you’d rather not do it by hand, use a migration plugin or your new host’s free migration.
Plugins make migration easy, but sometimes a manual move is the best option, for example for large sites or when plugins time out. Here’s how.
Step 1: Back up and download files
Download the entire WordPress folder via SFTP, or compress it in your host’s file manager and download the archive.
Step 2: Export the database
In phpMyAdmin, select your WordPress database and export it as an SQL file.
Step 3: Create a database on the new server
Create a new database and user in your new hosting panel, and note the details.
Step 4: Import the database
Import the SQL file into the new database with phpMyAdmin. For large files, ask your host or use a command-line import.
Step 5: Upload files
Upload your WordPress files to the new server’s web root.
Step 6: Update wp-config.php
Change DB_NAME, DB_USER, DB_PASSWORD and DB_HOST to the new database details.
Step 7: Test before switching
Preview the site using your computer’s hosts file or a temporary URL from your host.
Step 8: Point your domain
Update nameservers or the A record. See how to change nameservers.
Prefer an easier way?
See how to move WordPress to a new host without downtime, which covers free migration services and plugins.
FAQs
It needs care, but each step is straightforward.
Not if the domain stays the same.
Ask your host or use command-line tools.
An hour or two, plus DNS update time.
Not if you keep the old server running until DNS switches.
For most small sites, a plugin is easier.
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