WordPress site migration is easiest with a plugin designed for this purpose. Some of these plugins include Updraftplus, Prime Mover and All-in-One WP Migration.
The operating principle in these plugins is practically identical:
- For the migration, a plugin is installed on the site that creates a migration file.
- The migration file is downloaded to your own computer.
- WordPress and the same plugin are installed on the service where the pages are being imported.
The migration file is uploaded to the new installation and the plugin performs the final installation of the site.
Below, the migration process is described in more detail with example images. The plugin used in this example is the All-in-One WP Migration plugin. (https://wordpress.org/plugins/all-in-one-wp-migration/)
First of all, check the PHP version used by the site to be migrated. This is of paramount importance for the error-free operation of the site on its new platform as well. You can check the PHP version from within WordPress using the menu path: Tools -> Site Health -> Info -> Server.
After this, check other site settings such as permalink structure (Settings -> Permalinks) and general settings (Settings -> General). These settings should be saved either as a screenshot or written down in a note.
The permalink structure in particular should be written down, as it does not transfer to the new site with the All-in-One WP Migration tool. Other settings should always be checked after the migration just in case.
Also pay attention to whether your previous site uses a www address or if your site's web address is without the www prefix.
You can check this by clicking your browser's address bar while on your website.
Once you have saved the PHP version and other site settings, install and activate the All-in-One WP Migration plugin on the site to be migrated:
1. Go to the WordPress admin panel and select "Plugins" -> "Add New".
2. Search for "All-in-One WP Migration" in the search field and install the plugin.
3. Activate the plugin after installation.
Site import and export with the plugin are done from within the "All-in-One WP Migration" menu. After installation, go to this menu:
1. Select "Export" to start the export process.
2. Press "Export to" and select your desired export format, in this example "File" is used. Wait while All-in-One WP Migration packages your site into a migration file.
When the site packaging is complete, download the created migration file to your computer by clicking "Download" - to wait for export to your new site platform.
Once you have downloaded the migration file to your computer, you can close the old site. Log in to the new WordPress installation and install the same All-in-One WP Migration plugin for file import and installation.
NOTE! Now check the PHP version used by the new platform. If the PHP versions don't match, change the PHP version to the same as in the old service. If the exact same PHP version is not available, select the one that is closest but newer (higher version number).
After installation, the import tool can be found in the same "All-in-One WP Migration" menu, where this time "Import" is selected. In the pop-up window, select the migration file to be uploaded to the server, which you previously downloaded to your computer from the old site:
1. Check that you definitely uploaded the correct file (.wpress ending file). Once you have uploaded the migration file to the server, All-in-One WP Migration performs a quick check on the migration file.
2. After this, click "Proceed" and wait patiently for the site migration to complete.
When the site migration is complete, the plugin first asks you to check the site's permalink structure. Go check that the setting matches the old site's settings and then save the changes even if they are already correct.
After this, check the other settings as well to ensure they match the old site's settings.
If you wish, you can finally clean up by removing the All-in-One WP Migration plugin.
Congratulations - you have now migrated your WordPress installation to a new site platform!
