Are you considering relocating your WordPress blog to a different server? No need to worry, the process is not as complicated as it may appear. We have compiled a comprehensive guide to assist you in migrating your WordPress blog to a new server. By following these easy-to-understand steps, you will have your blog up and running on the new server in no time.
Step 1: Compressing Your Files
Before you begin the migration process, it is essential to compress your files. This will facilitate the transfer of your data. You can choose to compress either the entire root directory or just the WP-content folder. To compress your files, you can use FTP software like FileZilla or Cyberduck. Another option could be using SSH and sFTP commands, especially if you are dealing with a larger site, as it will result in faster transfer speeds.
Step 2: Enabling SSH Access
If the new hosting provider you are migrating to does not provide SSH access by default, you will need to enable it. For instance, if you are using Bluehost, you can easily enable SSH access by logging into your cPanel. If you are unsure how to do this, you can find a helpful video tutorial on enabling SSH access specifically for Bluehost.
Step 3: Transferring Your Files
Now that your files are compressed and you have enabled SSH access, it is time to transfer them to the new server. Here is a step-by-step guide:
On your Mac, open Terminal or Putty and establish an SSH connection with your old hosting server.
If your port differs from the default port, use the appropriate command to connect. For example, if your port is 2200, use the command:
ssh username@yourdomain.com -p 2200
Compress your public_html folder using the following command:
tar -czvf WPback.tar.gz public_html/
(Replace WPback.tar.gz with your preferred name for the compressed file.)Once the compression is complete, use sFTP to connect to your new server from the old server terminal. Use the command:
sftp username@yourdomain.com
Enter your password when prompted and type
yes
to sFTP into your new hosting server.Create a new directory on your new server and navigate to it using the
cd
command.Initiate the file transfer with the command:
put WPback.tar.gz
(Replace WPback.tar.gz with the name of your compressed file.)Wait for the transfer to complete. The speed of the transfer will depend on the size of your files, but it should be relatively fast.
Step 4: Decompressing Your Files
Once the file transfer is finished, you will need to decompress the transferred file on the new server. If your hosting provider supports SSH, you can handle this step yourself using the appropriate commands. However, if you need assistance, do not hesitate to reach out to your hosting support team for help.
By following these straightforward steps, you can effortlessly migrate your WordPress blog from one server to another. If you have any additional tips or questions, feel free to share them in the comments section below. And remember, if you found this tutorial helpful, don’t forget to share it on your favorite social media platforms!