In this article, you will discover how to perform a full WordPress server migration or a WordPress domain transfer. If you would like to create a clone of your WordPress website, you can also do it by following these steps. In the first sentence of each chapter, I have explained how certain processes can be omitted in certain situations. With the aid of a WordPress migration plugin, you can transfer it to a different host or just change the domain. Let’s go over how to change your domain using Duplicator, a free but essential WordPress migration website without a plugin. It saves you time, minimizes the chance of an error, is free to use, and takes care of the majority of the transfer work.
USE OF A PLUGIN IN WORDPRESS MIGRATION: WHY NOT?
Certain WordPress plugins are designed to assist you in moving your WordPress installation. However, some are compensated or perform subparly. As a result, I find the WordPress manual transfer to be even more fascinating. Your WordPress website can be moved without the need for a plugin, and you will always have complete control over the process.
FIRST STEP: TRANSFER FILES TO NEW WEBSITE
All files must first be moved to the new server’s webspace. You can skip this step if all you want to do is change the domain of your WordPress website.
Use an FTP program (such as WinSCP or FileZilla) to connect to your previous web space, then download all of the files locally to your computer—ideally into a new folder. Depending on the size of the website and the quantity of photographs, this could take a few minutes. The files in the WordPress directory resemble the files seen in the screenshot below, which helps you identify them. After downloading everything, you can use FTP to re-enter the webspace of the new server and upload everything to the root directory.
Step 2: TRANSFER WORDPRESS DATABASE
2.1 Database export
The database contains all of the information on pages, posts, etc. Of course, this data needs to be relocated. If your only goal is to change the WordPress domain, you don’t need to go through with this step, but I still highly suggest it because the export also acts as a backup for your website.
2.2 Database import
We must re-import the file on the target server—who would have guessed? We also installed PHPMyAdmin in the new webspace’s root directory for this purpose. There, we select our exported SQL file at “Select file” under the “Import” tab. We click “OK” after leaving the remaining settings alone.
Section 3: REWRITE WORDPRESS DOMAIN IN THE DATABASE
You only need to take this step if your domain has changed. This step is not required if your site has just relocated to a different server.
We use the browser to access the URL after uploading the unzipped zip archive to the new server’s website.
This is how the view will appear, and the database credentials will be automatically read. If not, you can click “update details” after manually entering them. Now, using the following technique (old = example.com, new = test.com), we input the old and new domains in the top line: By selecting “dry run,” we can see the modifications. There won’t be any data changes at this stage! We can examine the modifications and verify that the domain is rewritten correctly by clicking “view changes.”
SCHRITT 4: MODIFY DNS CONFIGURATIONS AND CHECK PAGE
The IP address associated with your webspace will have changed if you have switched servers. As such, you need to update your domain’s A-record. Your host will be pleased to supply you with the pertinent details. I strongly suggest reading my post on the fundamentals of DNS to get the reasoning behind this.
Conclusion:
Furthermore, as the article pointed out, moving WordPress sites can be somewhat complicated, so thorough preparation and following the correct procedures are essential.
Think about your reasons for switching hosts before you begin the migration, such as increased security, greater functionality, or rebranding. This will assist you in selecting the best migration strategy and guarantee a seamless transfer.
