Moving a WordPress website to a new host can seem daunting, especially when trying to avoid any downtime. Downtime can lead to lost visitors, revenue, and search engine optimization (SEO) setbacks. Fortunately, with the right steps, moving WordPress to a new host without experiencing downtime is entirely possible. This guide explores how to carry out this transfer seamlessly and efficiently.
Why Avoiding Downtime Matters
Even a few minutes of downtime can frustrate users and erode trust. Moreover, search engines may detect your website as unavailable, which could impact your SEO rankings. Moving your WordPress site with zero downtime ensures:
- User experience remains intact
- No interruptions in sales or ad revenue
- Consistent performance in SEO rankings
Step-by-Step Guide to Move WordPress to a New Host Without Downtime
1. Choose and Set Up Your New Hosting Environment
Before anything else, you need to select a reliable hosting provider. Choose one based on your site’s traffic, performance needs, and customer support quality. Once chosen, sign up and set up your hosting account. Most hosts offer cPanel or a custom dashboard to help manage your website.
2. Back Up Your Website Files and Database
This step is crucial. Use FTP (File Transfer Protocol) software like FileZilla to download your entire WordPress directory from your old host. You’ll also need to back up your MySQL database using phpMyAdmin.
Key Folders to Back Up:
wp-content(contains themes, plugins, uploads).htaccessandwp-config.php
Alternatively, you can use plugins like UpdraftPlus or All-in-One WP Migration to create a complete backup of your site.
3. Create a New Database on Your New Host
Log into your new hosting control panel and create a MySQL database, a user, and assign the user to the database with all privileges. Jot down the details (database name, username, password, and host), as you’ll need them later.
4. Upload Your WordPress Files to the New Host
Using FTP or your hosting’s File Manager, upload the WordPress files you previously downloaded to the root directory (usually public_html) of your new server.
5. Import Your Database
Open phpMyAdmin on the new host and choose the database you created. Select the Import tab and upload the SQL file from your earlier backup.
6. Update wp-config.php
Edit your wp-config.php file to match the new database credentials. Update the following lines:
define('DB_NAME', 'your_new_db_name');
define('DB_USER', 'your_new_db_user');
define('DB_PASSWORD', 'your_new_db_password');
define('DB_HOST', 'localhost'); // Most hosts use 'localhost'
Save and upload the updated wp-config.php to your new server.
7. Update Domain DNS Settings
This is when you point your domain to the new host. Go to your domain registrar’s dashboard and update the DNS (Domain Name System) settings to reflect your new nameservers. It may take 24-48 hours for full propagation, though often it completes in a few hours.
8. Modify Your Local Hosts File (Optional)
To preview your site on the new server before DNS propagation completes, you can modify your computer’s local hosts file. This ensures no downtime while allowing you to test everything:
Add this line at the end of your hosts file:
123.456.78.90 yourwebsite.com
Replace the IP with your new hosting server’s IP address. This step simulates the domain at the new host for your machine only.
9. Test Your Website Thoroughly
Access your site using the local preview or temporary URL. Ensure that all pages, plugins, themes, forms, and features are functioning correctly. Fix any broken links, missing images, or database errors.
10. Remove Local Redirect & Finalize DNS
Once your DNS changes have fully propagated and you’re confident everything is running smoothly, remove the custom line from your local hosts file. Now your visitors are accessing the site from the new host without ever noticing a change.
Bonus Tip: Use a Migration Plugin
If you prefer not to handle files manually, consider using a migration plugin. Some popular plugins include:
- Duplicator – Package your site and deploy it on any host
- All-in-One WP Migration – Simplified drag-and-drop imports
- UpdraftPlus Premium – Backup and migrate with cloud support
These plugins dramatically reduce the risk of error for non-technical users and can streamline the migration process significantly.
Key Considerations to Ensure Zero Downtime
- Never cancel your old hosting until the new one is fully live
- Communicate with your hosting support teams if needed
- Check SSL certificates after moving
Downtime is optional. With proper planning and execution, your visitors won’t even know a migration happened.
FAQ
Can I move my site without using FTP?
Yes. Many migration plugins remove the need for FTP access by using internal tools and cloud storage options.
What should I do if my DNS changes haven’t propagated?
If it’s been more than 48 hours, check if you updated the DNS records correctly. Also, clear your browser cache and DNS cache. Contact your domain registrar for further help if needed.
Will my email accounts be affected?
Yes, if your email is tied to your hosting. If you’re switching hosts, you’ll need to recreate email accounts or migrate them. Alternatively, use third-party email providers like Google Workspace.
What if I see a white screen after the move?
This often signals PHP errors or memory limits. Check the error log and increase memory limits in wp-config.php. Plugins or theme conflicts can also cause this.
How can I test my site on the new host before switching DNS?
Use the temporary URL provided by your hosting provider or edit your local hosts file to simulate the live environment without affecting others.
What happens to SEO after migration?
If done correctly, nothing changes. Just ensure there are no broken links, and your new host’s performance matches or exceeds your previous one. Faster load times can even give you a minor SEO boost.
With attention to detail and a structured approach, moving your WordPress site to a new host without downtime is not only achievable but also a great opportunity to improve your site’s performance and reliability.