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How to Move a WordPress Site to a New Host with FTP

Moving a site means copying it from one place to another. This guide uses FTP, a simple way to send files.

Backups and Migration2 min read8 steps

What is FTP?

FTP stands for File Transfer Protocol. It is like a delivery truck for files. It carries them between your computer and your hosting server. You use a free program called an FTP client, such as FileZilla.

What you need

  • Login details for the old host and the new host (FTP username, password and server name). They are in the welcome email of each host.
  • Access to the control panel on both sides.
  • An FTP client on your computer.

Warning: Do not cancel the old hosting until the new site works well. Keep the old copy as your safety net.

Steps

  1. Download the files. Connect to the old host with your FTP client. Open the folder with your site, often public_html. Download everything to a folder on your computer.
  2. Export the database. The database holds your posts and settings. In the old control panel, open phpMyAdmin. Click your WordPress database, then Export, then Go. Save the .sql file.
  3. Make a new database. In the new control panel, open MySQL Databases. Create a database and a user. Add the user to the database with all privileges. Write down the names and the password.
  4. Import the database. Open phpMyAdmin on the new host. Choose the new database, click Import, pick your .sql file and click Go.
  5. Upload the files. Connect to the new host with FTP. Upload the files into the web folder of your domain.
  6. Edit wp-config.php. Open this file in a text editor. Change DB_NAME, DB_USER, DB_PASSWORD and DB_HOST to the new values. Save and upload it again. Copy the old file first, so you can go back.
  7. Point your domain. If the domain name moves too, update its nameservers or DNS records. Your new host tells you the right values. Changes can take up to a day to spread.
  8. Test. Open your site and click through pages. Log in to the dashboard.
Tip: Hostvento support can help with moves. Open a support ticket and say what you need.

Quick recap

  • FTP moves files. phpMyAdmin moves the database.
  • Download files and database, then create a new database on the new host.
  • Import, upload, then fix wp-config.php.
  • Point your domain and test. Keep the old hosting until you are sure.