How to Migrate a WordPress Site Using All-in-One WP Migration
Moving a WordPress website can look complicated because the site contains more than visible pages. A complete migration normally includes the database, themes, plugins, media library, settings and configuration files. All-in-One WP Migration can simplify many standard moves by packaging the website into an export file.
A plugin does not remove the need for preparation. The safest migration includes an independent backup, a test of the new environment and a period during which the old hosting account remains available.
Prepare the Existing Website
Record the current WordPress version, PHP version, active theme, plugins, custom code, domain settings and email configuration. Check the website for errors before starting. Moving a broken site without documenting its existing problems makes it difficult to tell whether the migration caused them.
Clean unnecessary drafts, unused plugins and temporary files if appropriate, but do not delete anything without a backup. Confirm that the new hosting account supports WordPress requirements and has enough storage for the export file and the restored website.
Create an Independent Backup
Before exporting through the plugin, create a complete backup of both website files and the database using an additional method if possible. Store the backup somewhere separate from the current hosting account. If the export fails or the original site is accidentally changed, this independent copy gives you a recovery option.
Check that the backup exists and that its size appears reasonable. A backup process that completes unusually quickly or produces an empty archive should be investigated before you proceed.
Export With the Plugin
Install All-in-One WP Migration on the source WordPress site through the dashboard. Use its export function to package the database, media, themes, plugins and other WordPress content into one file. The export may be large on a media-heavy website, so allow enough time for the process to finish.
Review any file-size limitations before beginning. Larger sites may require a suitable extension or another migration method. Do not assume that a free plugin limit will handle a large store or content library.
Prepare the New Hosting Account
Create the destination website and install a clean WordPress instance. Confirm the domain, PHP version, database connection and SSL settings. Install the same migration plugin on the new site, then use its import function to upload the exported file.
The import is expected to replace the new installation’s content with the original site. Avoid making important changes to the destination site before importing because those changes may be overwritten.
Test Before Changing DNS
Once the import finishes, check the website on the new server before changing the domain’s DNS. Review the homepage, menus, posts, images, forms, login, search, contact features, checkout and any custom functionality.
Permalinks deserve special attention. Save the permalink settings again if links return errors. Also check image paths, redirects, caching, robots.txt, XML sitemaps and canonical URLs. If the website uses email forms, confirm that messages still arrive correctly.
Update DNS Carefully
When the migrated website passes testing, update the relevant DNS records. DNS changes may not appear everywhere at the same time because different networks cache records for different periods. Keep the old website active while the change propagates and monitor both environments.
Do not cancel the old hosting account immediately. Wait until traffic is reaching the new server, mail is working, analytic are recording visits and no important errors have appeared. Then create a final backup and close the old account when you are confident the migration is complete.
After-Migration Checks
Update WordPress, themes and plugins only after confirming the migrated site is stable, unless a security issue requires urgent action. Review performance, server error logs, scheduled tasks, corn jobs, database size and backup settings.
If the domain or URLs changed, use a controlled search-and-replace process and create redirects where necessary. Avoid making several major changes at once; a staged approach makes troubleshooting much easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I check after a WordPress migration?
Check permalinks, images, forms, menus, login, search, plugins, checkout features, redirects, SSL, email delivery and analytic before switching DNS.
Is All-in-One WP Migration free to use?
The core plugin supports many standard migrations, but larger websites may encounter file-size limits and require an extension or another migration method.
Should DNS be changed before testing the new site?
No. Test the migrated website on the new server first, then change DNS when the important pages and functions work correctly.