Moving your WordPress site to OBHost is a straightforward process that involves transferring your files, migrating your database, and updating your configuration. Whether you're moving from another hosting provider or from WordPress.com, you can complete the migration yourself using built-in tools like FTP, phpMyAdmin, and WordPress's import/export features. The entire process typically takes 30-60 minutes depending on your site size.
Complete WordPress Migration from Another Host
A full WordPress migration consists of three essential parts: transferring files, moving the database, and reconfiguring WordPress to work with your new OBHost account. Following these steps carefully ensures your site functions properly after the move.
Step 1: Transfer Your WordPress Files
To move your WordPress files, you'll need an FTP client such as FileZilla. Connect to your old hosting account and download the entire contents of your WordPress installation, including all subfolders like wp-admin, wp-content, and wp-includes. Once downloaded, connect to your OBHost FTP account and upload all files to the appropriate directory, typically your public_html folder.
Make sure to maintain the same folder structure during the upload. This process may take some time depending on your site size and internet connection speed.
Step 2: Migrate Your WordPress Database
Your WordPress database contains all your posts, pages, comments, and settings. To export it from your current provider, log into phpMyAdmin, locate your WordPress database, and click the Export tab. Use the default settings and click Go to download the .sql file to your computer.
Next, log into your OBHost cPanel and click MySQL Database Wizard. Follow these steps:
- Create a new database with a memorable name
- Create a database user with a strong password
- Write down both the database name, username, and password
- Grant the user All Privileges on the database
After creating the database, open phpMyAdmin from cPanel, select your newly created database from the left sidebar, click the Import tab, choose your .sql file, and click Go to import your data.
Step 3: Reconfigure WordPress for Your New Server
Now that your files and database are transferred, you need to update WordPress to use your new OBHost database. Open the File Manager in cPanel, navigate to your WordPress root directory, and edit the wp-config.php file.
Find these lines in the file:
define('DB_NAME', 'old_database_name');
define('DB_USER', 'old_username');
define('DB_PASSWORD', 'old_password');
Replace the values with your new OBHost database name, username, and password that you created in Step 2. Keep the single quotes around each value. Save the file and your WordPress site should now be running on your OBHost account.
Important: If you're changing your domain name or URL during the migration, you'll need to update the site URL in your database. You can use plugins like Better Search Replace or manually update the wp_options table in phpMyAdmin to change the siteurl and home values.
How to Transfer from WordPress.com to OBHost
Migrating from WordPress.com to a self-hosted WordPress installation on OBHost is simple using WordPress's built-in export and import tools. This method transfers your content, posts, pages, and media files.
Export Your Content from WordPress.com
Log into your WordPress.com account and navigate to Tools in the left menu, then click Export. Select All Content to include everything (posts, pages, comments, custom fields, and media). Click Download Export File to save the .xml file to your computer. This file contains all your site content in a portable format.
Set Up WordPress on Your OBHost Account
If you haven't already installed WordPress on your OBHost account, log into cPanel and use the Softaculous or Installatron one-click installer to install WordPress. Choose your domain, create an admin username and password, and complete the installation. Make note of your admin credentials.
Import Your Content to OBHost
Log into your new WordPress installation on OBHost using your admin credentials. Navigate to Tools and then Import from the left menu. Scroll down and click on WordPress as your import source.
WordPress will prompt you to install the WordPress Importer plugin. Click Install Now and wait for it to complete. Once installed, click Activate Plugin & Run Importer to proceed.
Click the Choose File button and select the .xml file you downloaded from WordPress.com. Before clicking Upload file and import, make sure to check the Download and import file attachments box. This ensures all your images and media files are transferred along with your content.
If your site is large, you may encounter timeout issues. If this happens, simply re-upload the .xml file. WordPress tracks what has already been imported and will continue from where it left off.
Assign Authors and Complete Import
WordPress will ask you to assign authors to the imported content. You can either map them to existing users or create new ones. After making your selections, click Submit. WordPress will then import all your posts, pages, comments, and media files.
Once you see the success message, your WordPress.com content is now fully transferred to your OBHost hosting account.
Migrating Content Between Two WordPress Installations
If you want to transfer only your content (posts, pages, comments) between two WordPress sites without moving files or databases, WordPress provides a simple export/import solution.
Export Content from Your Source Site
Log into your existing WordPress site as an administrator. Go to Tools and then Export. You can choose to export all content or select specific items like only posts or only pages. For a complete transfer, select All content and click Download Export File. Save the .xml file to your computer.
Import Content to Your Destination Site
Log into the WordPress installation where you want to import the content. Navigate to Tools and then Import. Click on WordPress to install and run the WordPress Importer plugin if you haven't already.
Upload your .xml file and make sure to check Download and import file attachments to include all images and media. Assign authors as needed and click Submit. Your content will be imported into the new installation while preserving your existing content.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my WordPress site experience downtime during migration?
You can perform the entire migration without downtime by keeping your old site running while you set up the new one on OBHost. Only update your domain's DNS settings to point to OBHost after you've verified everything works correctly. DNS propagation typically takes 24-48 hours, during which your old site remains accessible.
What should I do if my database import fails?
Large database imports may fail due to timeout limits or file size restrictions. If this happens, try compressing your .sql file into a .zip or .gz format before importing, or contact OBHost support to temporarily increase your upload limits. You can also split large databases into smaller chunks using database management tools.
Do I need to update my domain's nameservers after migration?
Yes, for your domain to point to your new OBHost hosting account, you'll need to update your nameservers at your domain registrar to OBHost's nameservers. You can find your specific nameserver information in your OBHost welcome email or cPanel. Wait until your site is fully tested on OBHost before making this change.
How do I verify my WordPress migration was successful?
After migration, test all critical functions including logging into your WordPress admin panel, viewing posts and pages, checking images and media, testing contact forms, and verifying plugins and themes work correctly. You can also use your hosts file to preview your site on OBHost before updating DNS settings.
If you need assistance with your WordPress migration or encounter any issues during the process, the OBHost support team is available 24/7 to help. Visit our contact page or email support@obhost.org for expert guidance.
