Convert Multisite to Single Site WordPress – Rocon Expert Help

Convert multisite to single site WordPress: WordPress Multisite is a powerful feature that makes it possible for users to manage multiple sites from a single WordPress installation.

While Multisite is ideal for networks of universities, agencies, or companies operating sub-brands, there are also many scenarios where you would want to move an individual site from a network to a standalone WordPress installation.

No matter if it’s performance, more autonomy, simple plugin compatibility, or upkeep, the method of converting a Multisite subsite to a single site is a process that requires accuracy, strategy, and a good understanding of WordPress architecture.

The guide below is a step-by-step, detailed tutorial on how to transform a WordPress Multisite sub site into a single, fully functional WordPress site.

Before diving into the technical steps, let’s look at a few reasons why this conversion might be necessary:

• Autonomy – A sub-site may need to operate independently with its own hosting, plugins, or themes.
• Performance – Multisite networks can become bloated or resource-heavy.
• Security – Isolation improves control and limits the blast radius of vulnerabilities.
• Client Handover – Freelancers and agencies often need to give a client their own install.
• Plugin Conflicts – Some plugins are not fully compatible with Multisite installations.
• Brand Management – Teams will want unique logins, branding, and admin access.

Before beginning the conversion process, it’s best to prepare:

• Backup the entire WordPress Multisite and database.
• Select the sub-site which you would like to export.
• Be prepared with FTP/SFTP and phpMyAdmin or its alternative.
• Install a new, standalone WordPress installation where you will import the site.
• Have access to the new subdomain or new domain DNS settings.

Step 1: Export Sub-site Content

• Log into your WordPress Multisite as a Super Admin.
• Go to Sites > All Sites and select the sub-site.
• Go to Tools > Export in the dashboard of the sub-site.
• Choose All Content and press Download Export File.
• This XML file contains posts, pages, custom post types, categories, tags, and media references (though not mediafiles themselves).

Step 2: Export the Media Files

WordPress doesn’t export media files in the XML export. You will have to get them yourself:

• Access your server via FTP or File Manager.
• Navigate to wp-content/uploads/sites/[site-id]/
• Copy the entire folder to your machine.

Step 3: Set Up a Fresh WordPress Installation

• Install WordPress onto a new server or local environment.
• Complete the setup with default settings.
• Install a companion theme (ideally the same as used within the Multisite).

Step 4: Import the Content

• Log into the new single site.
• Go to Tools > Import and select WordPress.
• Install the WordPress Importer plugin if you are asked to.
• Upload the XML file you downloaded.
• Map posts to an existing user or add a new one.
• Check Download and import file attachments to download media references.
• Note: If you did not pre-upload the actual media files, some images will break.

Step 5: Manually Upload the Media Files

• Log in to your new single site via FTP.
• Navigate to wp-content/uploads/
• Upload the previously downloaded sites/[site-id] files to their respective directories.
• Use a plugin like Media Tools, Add From Server, or Regenerate Thumbnails to register these files in the Media Library.

Step 6: Update URLs and Permalinks

Since you are moving from a Multisite subdomain or domain, you will need to update all URLs:

• Install and activate something like Better Search Replace.
• Replace the old site URL (e.g., subsite.example.com) with the new domain (e.g., newsite.com).
• Execute it against tables like wp_posts, wp_postmeta, and wp_options.

Then:

• Go to Settings > Permalinks and resave them to organize your URL structure.

Step 7: Reinstall and Reconfigure Plugins

• Plugins are not carried over by the export/import. You must:
• Manually add each plugin used within the original sub-site.
• Re-establish settings to duplicate previous performance.
• Test for compatibility with the new setup.
• Use the old admin dashboard as a reference while setting them up.

Step 8: Rebuild Menus and Widgets

• Menus and widgets may not completely be imported. To recover them:
• Go to Appearance > Menus and rebuild the navigation manually.
• Add widgets under Appearance > Widgets or throughCustomizer. 
• Tip: A few widget settings won’t migrate unless exported with a plugin. 

Step 9: Test the New Single Site

Before pointing DNS or going live:

• Test all pages and posts to check they load properly.
• Check for broken links or images.
• Test contact forms, integrations, and user logins.
• Use tools like Google Search Console or Screaming Frog to crawl for errors.

Step 10: Go Live & Redirect Old URLs (If Applicable)

When all is set:

• Point your domain DNS to the new host.
• Set 301 redirects on the Multisite (if live).
• Submit your new site to search engines and adjust links accordingly.

Alternative Method: Using Plugins

If you’re a fan of automation, there are one or two plugins that can simplify the extraction process:

• WP Migrate Lite / Pro – Can migrate sub-sites to single sites.
• BackupBuddy – Backup and transfer sub-sites.
• All-in-One WP Migration – Export/import everything including media and plugins.

These plugins reduce manual processes but often require a paid version for full Multisite compatibility.

• Troubles You Might Face
• File permission errors on media upload.
• Image links broken by misdirected paths.
• Theme or plugin conflicts through version incompatibility.
• Multisite-specialized plugins not working on single install.
• Loss of menu or widgets.
• Heedful testing and caution are paramount in avoiding long-term issues.

Best Practices

• Always backup migrated before and after.
• Save document settings of the source site to simplify re-setup.
• Stage in a test environment first.
• Be clear with stakeholders about downtime or change.

Moving a WordPress Multisite to a standalone site may seem daunting, but with a step-by-step approach, it’s very achievable. Whether you’re doing this to increase autonomy, simplify administration, or hand over a site to a client, this guide gives you a practical guide to success.

By thinking ahead, using the right tools, and testing thoroughly, you can prevent interruptions and keep your content and brand integrity intact. Leverage the responsiveness of an independent site without giving up on all that made your sub-site work in the first place.