Transfer WordPress Site to New Host: Rocon Quickly & Safely

Transfer WordPress site to new host: It can seem like a big job when you migrate your WordPress site from one hosting provider to another. If you want to move your site to a quicker server, combine websites, or just aren’t content with your existing provider, you need to prepare ahead so that you don’t lose data, have downtime, or have broken functionality.

We’ll go over everything you need to know about moving a WordPress site to a new host in this full guide. We’ll talk about getting ready, doing the move, and testing it afterward.

Before we get started, let’s talk about why people move their WordPress sites:

• Better Performance –  Over time, a lot of cheap hosting companies get slower. Upgrading to a premium host frequently implies faster load speeds, greater caching, and higher uptime. 
• Improved Security – Some hosts don’t provide proper malware protection or SSL support.  Switching can increase security. 
• More Resources: If your site gets more visitors, you may need more bandwidth, storage, or RAM to accommodate the extra demand.
• Cost Efficiency: A new host can provide a better mix of features and prices.
• Better service – Reliable 24/7 customer service can make a world of difference when troubles arise. 

There are a lot of different ways to move a WordPress site. The option relies on your comfort level, site size, and hosting services. 

• Manual Migration – Best for individuals who want complete control and don’t mind utilizing programs like phpMyAdmin and FTP. 
• Using a Migration Plugin: This is a great option for beginners because plugins like Duplicator, All-in-One WP Migration, or UpdraftPlus can do the work for you.
• Host-Assisted Migration: Many high-end hosts, like Rocon, WP Engine, and Bluehost, can help you move for free.

We’ll talk about manual migration and plugin-assisted migration in this article because these are the most common ways to move.

Preparation is crucial for a smooth migration.

1.1 Backup Your Website

Always start by creating a full backup of your site, including:

• WordPress files (themes, plugins, uploads, configuration files).
• The MySQL database (which stores your content and settings).

You can use plugins like UpdraftPlus or manually copy files via FTP/SFTP.

1.2 Choose a New Host

Pick a hosting provider that fits your requirements:

• Shared hosting (budget-friendly).
• VPS (better performance).
• Managed WordPress hosting (optimized, hassle-free).

1.3 Get Domain and DNS Access

You’ll need to update your domain’s DNS records after migration. Ensure you have access to your domain registrar.

If migrating manually:

• Connect to your old hosting account using FTP/SFTP or cPanel File Manager.
• Download everything inside your WordPress root directory (usually public_html or www).
• This includes wp-content, wp-includes, wp-admin, and configuration files like wp-config.php.

Your database contains posts, pages, comments, users, and settings.

1. Login to phpMyAdmin (via your old host’s cPanel).
2. Select your database.
3. Click Export → Choose Quick Export in SQL format.
4. Save the .sql file to your computer.

On your new hosting account:

1. Access cPanel → Go to MySQL Databases.
2. Create a new database and a database user with a strong password.
3. Assign the user to the database with All Privileges.
4. Note down:
   • Database name
   • Database username
   • Database password

• Connect via FTP to your new host.
• Upload all the WordPress files you downloaded earlier.

Place them in the correct root directory (public_html or your chosen folder).

1. Login to phpMyAdmin on the new host.
2. Select your new database.
3. Click Import and upload the .sql file.
4. Wait for the process to complete.

The wp-config.php file tells WordPress how to connect to the database. Update it with your new database credentials:

define(‘DB_NAME’, ‘new_database_name’);

define(‘DB_USER’, ‘new_database_user’);

define(‘DB_PASSWORD’, ‘new_database_password’);

define(‘DB_HOST’, ‘localhost’);

Save changes and re-upload the file if necessary.

Point your domain to the new host:

• Log into your domain registrar.
• Update the nameservers or A record to match your new host.
• Propagation may take 24–48 hours, but usually happens faster.

Before making it live, test the site:

• Use a temporary URL or edit your hosts file to preview.
• Check for broken links, missing images, or plugin issues.
• Confirm everything works as expected.

• Remove old backups if you no longer need them.
• Cancel your old hosting account only after verifying your new site runs smoothly.
• Install an SSL certificate on your new host.
• Set up automated backups for future safety.

If you prefer automation, plugins simplify migration.

Popular Migration Plugins:

• Duplicator – Creates a site package (files + database). You upload it to your new host and run the installer.
• All-in-One WP Migration – Simple drag-and-drop import/export.
• Migrate Guru – Handles large sites easily and bypasses file size limits.

Steps Using Duplicator:

1. Install and activate Duplicator on your old site.
2. Create a new package (files + database).
3. Download the package and installer.php file.
4. Upload both to the new host.
5. Visit yourdomain.com/installer.php.
6. Follow on-screen instructions to unpack and install.

Even with preparation, migration can hit roadblocks.

• Error establishing database connection – Check wp-config.php credentials.
• Broken links/images – Use a search-and-replace plugin to update old URLs.
• Timeouts on large sites – Migrate in smaller parts or use Migrate Guru.
• SSL not working – Reinstall SSL on the new host.

• Monitor site speed and uptime using tools like GTmetrix or Pingdom.
• Update permalinks (Settings → Permalinks) to refresh structure.
• Test forms, checkout pages, and contact forms.
• Set up caching and CDN for faster performance.
• Ensure Google Search Console and Analytics are updated.

Many hosts make migration painless by offering free migration:

• Rocon – Free migrator plugin, $1.99/monthly plan
• SiteGround – Free migrator plugin
• Bluehost – Offers paid and free migration services.
• WP Engine – Free automated migration plugin.
• Kinsta – Free white-glove migration service.

Moving a WordPress site to new server doesn’t have to be scary. You can relocate your site with little downtime if you plan ahead, make backups, and follow the steps one at a time.

You have two options:

• Manually migrate for complete control.
• For ease of use, use a plugin.
• Use your host’s migration service to make things easier.

Always test extensively and have backups ready, no matter which method you use. A site migration can make your website faster, safer, and more reliable if you do it right. This will help your online presence grow stronger than ever.