Moving a WordPress website sounds scary, but with the right order of steps there is no downtime.
Before you start
- Buy your new hosting and keep the old one active until the move is done.
- Take a full backup.
- Note your current DNS records, especially MX records for email.
Step 1: Export from the old host
Download all files from the WordPress folder (usually public_html) and export the database from phpMyAdmin.
Step 2: Prepare the new host
Create a new database and user in cPanel. Upload the files and import the database.
Step 3: Update wp-config.php
Edit the database name, username and password in wp-config.php to match the new database.
Step 4: Test before switching
Use a temporary URL or your computer's hosts file to view the new copy while the public still sees the old site. Check pages, images, forms and login.
Step 5: Switch DNS
Change the nameservers or A record to the new host. See pointing a domain. Lower the TTL a day in advance to speed this up, as explained in DNS propagation.
Step 6: Final checks
- Enable HTTPS.
- Recreate email accounts and MX records.
- Test forms and checkout.
- Keep the old hosting for a week as a safety net.
Need help?
Open a ticket and our team can advise on moving to SyllHost. Contact us.
Choose your migration method
- Plugin-based: a migration or backup plugin packages the whole site, and you restore it on the new host. Good for beginners and small sites.
- Manual: copy files and import the database yourself. Gives you the most control and works for large sites.
- Host-assisted: many hosts will help move a site if you ask. You can contact us about moving to SyllHost.
Pre-migration checklist
- Update WordPress, plugins and themes.
- Delete unused plugins, themes and large old backups.
- Note the PHP version your site uses and select the same on the new host.
- List all email accounts, forwarders and cron jobs.
- Record DNS records, especially MX and TXT.
- Take a full backup and verify it opens.
Handling common migration problems
- Error establishing a database connection: database name, user or password in wp-config.php is wrong.
- Broken images or old URLs: run a search-and-replace on the database if the domain or protocol changed.
- 404 errors on inner pages: resave permalinks in Settings.
- White screen: check the PHP version and error log; a plugin may be incompatible.
- Slow after migration: clear caches and regenerate any cached CSS.
What to do with the old hosting
Do not cancel immediately. Keep it for a week or two after the switch while you verify forms, email, scheduled tasks and search engine crawling. Then cancel and make sure you keep a final backup of the old account for your records.
Email during a migration
Email is the most overlooked part. Download or copy important messages, recreate accounts on the new host and verify MX records. Learn more in business email guide.
FAQ
Will I lose SEO rankings when I migrate?
Not if URLs stay the same and the site works properly after the move.
Ready to launch? Compare SyllHost hosting plans, or search for your domain on our domain search page. Questions? Talk to our team.