WordPress Host Transfer

WordPress Host Transfer is the process of migrating your data from one server(usually hosting services like GoDaddy, Hostinger, Bluehost, etc.) to another hosting server of a different service provider. It is a common process that many website owners undertake to improve their site's performance, reliability, and support.

An important point to remember is that Host Transfer Does Not mean **Domain Transfer** i.e. changing your WordPress website URL (like www.example.com) name to a different name. In this article, we'll guide you through the steps of a WordPress host transfer, ensuring that your website remains secure and fully operational throughout the process. By understanding the basics and following best practices, you can make your WordPress host transfer smooth and hassle-free.

What is WordPress Site Migration?

WordPress host transfer is the process of moving your WordPress website from one hosting provider to another. Hosting providers are the companies that store your website's files and make them available on the Internet. When you do a host transfer, you're essentially changing the place where your website lives. This might be necessary if you find a better hosting service, need more features, or want better performance for your site.

During the transfer, all your website's files, database, themes, plugins, and settings are copied and moved to the new hosting provider. The goal is to have your website work just as it did before, with no visible changes for your visitors. This ensures your website remains accessible and functions smoothly during and after the transfer.

Why Transfer WordPress Site to a New Host

Transferring your WordPress site to a new host can bring several benefits. When you transfer your WordPress website to a new host, you might experience better performance with faster loading times and more reliable uptime, ensuring your site remains accessible to visitors. Improved features, such as security measures, automated backups, and superior customer support, can make managing your site easier and more efficient.

Cost savings are another potential advantage, as you might find a hosting provider that offers better pricing for the services you need. Additionally, a new host might offer greater scalability to handle increased traffic and resource demands as your website grows.

How to Transfer WordPress Site to New Host

Transferring your WordPress website to another host can improve your website's performance and reliability. Here’s a simple guide to help you through the process:

Step 1: First login to the current hosting provider cPanel or hPanel ( These are the webpages from which you manage your host server).

Step 2: From Databases Menu, Select PhpMyAdmin.

Step 3: Select the Database of the Website which is to be transferred. Click on the Export tab and then Quick for the type of export, and SQL as the file type. (Remember the database name, it is required in the future).

Step 4: Save the downloaded .sql file.

Step 5: Now Get the FTP details of the current website by navigating to FTP Accounts sections from the cpanel or hpanel of the current host.

Note Down: Write down the below details somewhere safe and accessible, as we will need this before:

Host:ftp://domain.tld
username: username
Password: password

Step 6: Download and install FTP Client WinSCp(https://winscp.net/eng/index.php )or FileZilla .

Step 7: After Opening enter, the details noted down before.

Step 8: Now select all files on the Right Side Pane and drag and save them on the left side Folder (Create an Empty Folder).Including all folders (wp-content,wp-includes,wp-admin).

Step 9: Now Login to the new Host cPanel.

Step 10: Select Site Publisher, create a website with the same name, and select Under Construction template. Then Publish.

Step 11: Get FTP details of this new host website and log in to the FTP Client.

Step 12: Select all the copied files from step 8 and copy them to the right side panel i.e the new host.

Step13: Now All your website data is transferred except for the Database.

Step14: Now Go to the folder where u copied the website data.

Step 15: Now from the copied files open "wp-config.php"on the Notepad. And note down the username after 'DB_USER' and password of Database after 'DB_PASSWORD'.

Step 16: Select Databases and MySQL Databases then create a database and user with the data copied from step 15.

Step 17: Now login to PhpMyAdmin of a new host.

Step 18: Select the Database and go to import. Select browse from the computer to upload the downloaded .sql file (from step 4). And Click Go.

Step 19: Now all the database content is also copied.

Step 20: Finally get the New Host DNS Nameservers (available on the right side of cPanel )and save them into the domain provider. For Example, if u have a GoDaddy domain, Select Manage DNS and Click Change. Enter the Nameservers and click Save.

Step 21: After the DNS update (which can take up to 3 days) the users will be directed to the new host server.

Congratulations you have successfully transferred the website from one Host to Another.

Conclusion

n conclusion, transferring your WordPress hosting can significantly improve your website's performance, security, and reliability. By migrating to a new host that offers better speeds, uptime guarantees, and customer support, you can ensure a smoother experience for both yourself and your visitors. Additionally, with the potential to reduce costs and unlock new features, a host transfer is a strategic move for any website owner looking to enhance their online presence.