{"id":4481,"date":"2022-05-16T16:48:42","date_gmt":"2022-05-16T13:48:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.scalahosting.com\/kb\/?p=4481"},"modified":"2025-11-27T13:41:59","modified_gmt":"2025-11-27T11:41:59","slug":"how-to-transfer-a-wordpress-site-to-a-new-host","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.scalahosting.com\/kb\/how-to-transfer-a-wordpress-site-to-a-new-host\/","title":{"rendered":"Migrate WordPress Site to New Host"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Although <\/span>WordPress<\/b><\/a> is relatively easy to get used to, the websites you create with it are actually pretty complex. A lot can go wrong if you need to <\/span>move a project from one host to another<\/b>, so it’s definitely not something you should approach lightly.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

That said, there’s nothing complicated about the steps themselves. You just need to be meticulous when you’re following them.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let’s dig in.<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Are The Methods for Transferring a WordPress Website From One Host to Another?<\/b><\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Usually, when you need to do <\/span>something WordPress-related<\/b>, you have two options: <\/span>use a plugin or do it manually<\/b>. Transferring a website from one server to another is no exception.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can choose from a range of add-ons that can create a backup of your website’s files and databases and let you quickly restore them through the <\/span>WP admin dashboard<\/b><\/a>. You can also do it yourself, relying on the tools provided in your <\/span>web hosting control panel<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Choosing between the two methods may seem straightforward at first. You might think that an automated tool is unlikely to get things wrong, especially if you have a more complex website with a lot of data.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The thing is, this is not always the case.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The plugin is the more straightforward option. It’s quicker, and all you need to do is click some buttons in the WordPress dashboard. However, <\/span>add-ons are not infallible<\/b>. Some of them are developed as a side project by enthusiasts, so they are not exactly immune from bugs.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even the professionally-designed ones can sometimes <\/span>clash with other plugins<\/b> and fail to restore the data exactly as it should be, especially if your site is a bit more complex.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

By contrast, the steps for manually migrating a website are the same, regardless of traffic, the number of <\/span>plugins<\/b><\/a>, posts, pages, comments<\/b>, etc. It is <\/span>a more hands-on approach<\/b>, and you do need to be more careful. However, it doesn’t require any <\/span>particularly advanced technical skills<\/b>, so even the less experienced among you may want to try it, especially if they have the time to ensure everything works.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the end, it’s up to you to pick your approach. However, before you start, you need to tackle the most important task \u2013 <\/span>finding the right hosting service<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finding a New Hosting Plan for Your WordPress Site<\/b><\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

People tend to switch hosting providers for three main reasons:<\/b><\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n