A Free Checklist for Migrating WordPress Sites in 2025

• Take a complete backup of your WordPress files, database, themes, plugins, and media uploads.
• Select a reputable hosting provider that supports WordPress and provides features such as staging environments and automated backups.
• Check the compatibility of your plugin and theme with your new hosting environment.

• Using Migration Plugins: Tools like All-in-One WP Migration or duplicator make it easy to transfer your entire site.
• Manual Migration: For more control, you can move files using FTP and migrate the database via phpMyAdmin.

Backup everything

Main thing Before moving your site to a new host, first you need to take a complete backup of your WordPress files, database, themes, plugins, and uploads. For backup process complete You can use tools like UpdraftPlus, or use can used manual methods via cPanel or FTP.

Choose the right hosting provider

Before you move your site to new host you must be check  that your new hosting provider supports all the WordPress requirements and provides good support. Hosting companies provide features like staging environments and automated backups can simplify the migration.

Set up WordPress on the new host

Install WordPress on the new hosting environment. Most managed WordPress hosts offer one-click installations.

Migrate your site files and database

You can use plugins like All-in-One WP Migration to move your site easily or else use ftp and phpMyAdmin to move your site manually. Export your database from the old site and import it to the new sites database.

Update the wp-config.php file

In WordPress wp-content folder edit your wp-config.php file and update the new database details, change the database name, username, password, and host.

Test on a temporary domain or staging site

Before pointing your domain to the new host, test the migrated site using a temporary URL or staging environment to ensure everything works as expected.

Update DNS settings

Once testing is complete, update your old domain’s name servers to the new host. DNS changes may take up to 48 hours to take effect.

Monitor site performance post-migration

After the successful migration, check your site’s performance using tools like Google Search Console, GTmetrix, or Pingdom. Also, check out all 404 errors or broken links.

Interlink: Want to make your site load faster after migration? Here 10 easy ways to Speed Up your WordPress Sites in 2025.

• Clear browser, server, and plugin caches.
• Update permalinks and resave settings.
• Resubmit your sitemap in Google Search Console.
• Test all forms, pop-ups, and login functionality.
• Set up email/MX records if changed during DNS update.

Not backing up properly

Skipping a full backup is one of the riskiest mistakes. Ensure you have backups of both files and databases stored off-site.

Incorrect file permissions

After migration, check file and directory permissions to ensure WordPress can read/write as required.

Forgetting to update URLs

Use a tool like Better Search Replace or WP-CLI to update hardcoded URLs in your database.

Broken internal links and media

Use a plugin to fix internal links or manually verify and update any broken URLs or missing images.

Skipping the staging environment

Always test the site in a staging environment before making it live. This helps to skip unexpected downtime or user experience issues.

Ignoring SEO settings

Ensure that your SEO plugin settings are transferred correctly and that your new robots.txt file doesn’t block important pages.

Interlink: If you’re optimizing for newer trends after migration, learn more about how to optimize WordPress for voice search in 2025.

Here’s a detailed WordPress migration checklist to help you manage the process efficiently:

• Backup files and database
• Choose a reliable new host.
• Install WordPress on the new host.t
• Transfer files via FTP/SFTP.
• Export and import the database
• Update wp-config.php
• Search and replace old URLs
• Test the site on a temporary domain.n
• Update DNS settings
• Clear browser/server cache
• Test everything again post-DNS chan.ge
• Monitor uptime and performance.
• Resubmit your sitemap to Google Search Console
• Advanced Tools and Tips for a Smoother Migration
• Use WP Migrate DB Pro for serialized data
• Test plugins and themes
• Monitor SSL certificate status.
• Keep email forwarding and MX records intact during DNS update.

Work with the experts

If you want a stress-free experience, it’s best to get help from a partner with professional. Consider working with a Top WordPress website development company like August Infotech to confidently handle complex migrations.