The Tool Desk
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What a complete WP Engine migration includes
A WordPress installation is split between files and data. The database contains posts, pages, comments, users, settings, plugin data, orders, and other configuration. The wp-content directory contains your active themes, plugins, uploads, and often custom code. A WordPress XML export is useful for moving content between installations, but it is not a complete host migration: it does not reproduce the entire database, plugin configuration, theme files, media library, users, or server settings.
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- Database: export the SQL database and import it into the destination database.
- Files: copy
wp-content, including themes, plugins, uploads, and custom directories. WP Engine notes that this is often the largest part of the transfer. - Configuration: create a destination WordPress environment, update
wp-config.phpwith the new database credentials, and reproduce PHP, cron, redirect, and server settings. - Traffic and security: test privately, point DNS, update WordPress URLs where necessary, and issue or install SSL at the destination.
If the public domain is staying the same, you normally do not need to move the domain registration. You change the domain’s DNS records after the copy is verified. If the domain itself is changing, you must also perform a careful, serialized-data-aware URL replacement.
Plan the move before touching the live site
Make an inventory
Record every component that must exist after the move. Include the primary domain, www and non-www versions, subdomains, DNS records, redirects, email-related records, scheduled jobs, PHP version, plugins, themes, media, analytics, payment gateways, forms, webhooks, and other third-party integrations. Note which services use the current server IP or hostname. A migration can appear successful while a forgotten webhook, cron task, or email record still points to the old environment.
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Capture the current WordPress version, active theme, active plugins, multisite status, database size, upload size, and any maintenance or caching rules. Save screenshots or exports of settings that cannot be retrieved easily after DNS changes.
Lower DNS time-to-live in advance
If you control DNS, reduce the relevant record TTL before the cutover so resolvers can refresh the destination more quickly. This does not eliminate propagation delays: some networks cache records beyond the requested TTL. Do not delete the old records or cancel WP Engine until the new site has been observed through the full propagation period.
Choose a content freeze window
Decide when posts, comments, registrations, orders, and form submissions must stop temporarily. A low-traffic brochure site may need only a short freeze. A busy publishing, membership, or ecommerce site should announce a maintenance window or temporarily disable writes. Changes made after the first export can otherwise remain only on WP Engine and be lost when DNS moves.
Choose an automated or manual transfer
| Approach | Best for | What you need | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Migration plugin | Standard single sites where the destination meets the documented compatibility requirements | WordPress 5.0, PHP 7.4, MySQL 8.0, and an enabled WordPress REST API, according to WP Engine’s 2026 migration documentation | Less manual work, but fewer opportunities to exclude problematic files or diagnose a partial transfer |
| Manual SQL and file transfer | Large, customized, ecommerce, membership, multisite, or troubleshooting-heavy migrations | Database export/import access plus SFTP or SSH access to both environments | More control and clearer recovery options, but you must handle configuration and validation yourself |
| Managed migration service | Owners without database or SFTP credentials, or teams that need help coordinating a low-downtime move | A provider that explicitly supports your WordPress version, site size, multisite status, and integrations | Convenient, but confirm scope, exclusions, timing, and rollback responsibility before authorizing access |
Compatibility requirements for an automated route are thresholds documented by WP Engine in 2026, not a promise of performance. Confirm the destination host’s current PHP and database support before selecting that method. Even when automation is available, retain an independent database and file backup.
Step 1: Create and verify backups on WP Engine
Make a fresh backup immediately before the migration. Keep the original database export and an untouched copy of the files outside the destination server. A backup is useful only if you know it can be restored, so check that the SQL file is readable, the archive opens, and the expected uploads, themes, and plugins are present.
- Export the complete database as SQL, not just selected tables.
- Copy the complete
wp-contentdirectory, including hidden files and custom directories used by plugins. - Save
wp-config.phpas a reference, while removing or protecting credentials before storing it elsewhere. - Export or document DNS records, redirects, cron schedules, PHP settings, and external service configuration.
- Keep WP Engine accessible and do not alter the production site until the destination has passed testing.
For a database export, use the tools provided by WP Engine or an approved database administration method. The export file stores the SQL needed to recreate posts, comments, options, and other records on the new server. Large databases may take time to export; verify that the process completed rather than assuming a partially downloaded file is usable.
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Step 2: Copy the database and wp-content
Export the database
The SQL database is the authoritative copy of dynamic WordPress data. It includes published content and settings, but also user records, plugin tables, ecommerce orders, memberships, and queues. Export all tables belonging to the WordPress installation and retain the original table prefix. If the site uses more than one database or a separate application database, document and migrate those dependencies too.
Transfer files
Download wp-content over SFTP or SSH and upload it to the destination’s WordPress directory. Preserve directory names, file permissions, symbolic links where supported, and file case. The uploads directory can be very large; compare file counts and sizes after transfer. Do not omit inactive plugins or old themes until you have confirmed that no custom code or rollback procedure depends on them.
The core WordPress files can be installed cleanly at the destination rather than copied from the old server. If you copy the whole installation, ensure the core version is compatible and remove host-specific configuration that should not be carried over.
Step 3: Build the destination environment
- Create the destination site, database, database user, and database host details. Record the database name, username, password, and table prefix.
- Install the same or a compatible WordPress core version. Do not upgrade several major components during the move unless you have tested that change separately.
- Upload the exported
wp-contentdirectory with SFTP or SSH. - Import the SQL file into the new database. For a large file, use the host’s command-line or database-import method instead of a browser upload that may time out.
- Edit
wp-config.phpsoDB_NAME,DB_USER,DB_PASSWORD, andDB_HOSTmatch the destination. Preserve the existing authentication keys and salts unless you have a specific security reason to rotate them. - Set the correct PHP version, memory limits, extensions, web root, rewrite rules, and file permissions required by the site and its plugins.
After importing, confirm that the table prefix in wp-config.php matches the imported tables. A valid database with the wrong prefix can produce a fresh-install screen or missing-content errors even though the SQL import appeared successful.
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When the domain stays the same
If the domain and protocol remain unchanged, avoid a blanket search-and-replace. Check the home and siteurl values in WordPress settings and verify that they use the intended HTTPS form. The database may still contain the temporary destination hostname used during testing; replace only those temporary values with the real domain.
When the domain changes
Changing a domain requires updating database references, media URLs, redirects, and sometimes hard-coded values in theme templates or custom plugin code. WordPress warns that references can remain in theme files even after database values are changed. Use a tool that understands PHP serialized data; serialized strings store character lengths, so a blind SQL replacement can make widgets, plugin settings, or theme options unreadable.
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A WP-CLI search-and-replace operation is one possible approach:
wp search-replace 'old-domain.example' 'new-domain.example' --all-tables-with-prefix --skip-columns=guidRun a dry run first, review the affected tables, and create a fresh backup before writing changes. The exact command and exclusions depend on the site, so check plugin documentation and test links, images, menus, widgets, forms, and redirects afterward. Do not routinely rewrite the guid column; it is an identifier rather than a display URL.
Step 5: Test the new site before DNS changes
You can test the destination while visitors still reach WP Engine by editing your computer’s hosts file. Map the domain and any required subdomain to the destination IP, then browse the site from that computer. The change affects only that machine, allowing you to validate the copy without exposing an unfinished site to the public.
Use a private browser window and test both logged-out and administrator sessions. Check:
- Home page, navigation, category and archive pages, search, pagination, and representative posts.
- Images, downloadable files, responsive layouts, custom post types, and embedded media.
- WordPress login, password reset, user registration, roles, and protected content.
- Contact forms, transactional email, newsletter hooks, webhooks, and spam protection.
- Checkout, payment callbacks, order status changes, coupons, subscriptions, and customer accounts for ecommerce sites.
- Redirects from old paths, canonical URLs, robots directives, XML sitemaps, analytics, and search-console verification.
- Scheduled posts, backups, cache purges, queue workers, and every cron job.
- Third-party API credentials, storage buckets, video services, maps, and any allowlist restricted to the old server IP.
Inspect the browser console, PHP error log, web-server log, and WordPress debug log for missing files, permission errors, database warnings, and blocked requests. A page that looks correct can still fail when a form submits or a scheduled task runs, so test the actions that create or change data.
Step 6: Perform a final synchronization
Testing can take hours or days, during which the live site may receive new posts, comments, users, orders, or form entries. Immediately before cutover, announce or enforce the content freeze and repeat the database export. Import that final export into the destination, then copy any files added since the first transfer, especially new media uploads.
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For a busy site, compare timestamps, order numbers, user counts, and recent content on both environments. Never overwrite newer destination data accidentally: if testers created accounts or orders on the copy, remove those test records or restore the destination from the final production export according to your plan. Record the exact time of the final synchronization so you know which changes are included.
Step 7: Point DNS and enable SSL
- Add the production domain and required subdomains to the destination host.
- Confirm the destination serves the correct site when accessed through the host’s temporary address or hosts-file override.
- At the DNS provider, change the relevant A, AAAA, or CNAME records to the destination values. Leave unrelated records, such as mail records, unchanged unless the mail service is also moving.
- Update WordPress URL settings to the final domain and HTTPS scheme if they were temporary during testing.
- Issue or install the destination SSL certificate, then test the certificate, HTTPS redirect, mixed-content warnings, and all canonical links.
- After propagation begins, test from multiple networks and devices. DNS resolvers do not all refresh simultaneously.
Changing DNS does not require transferring the domain registrar. The registrar can remain where it is while DNS is managed at the current provider or delegated elsewhere. WP Engine’s documented cutover sequence includes DNS updates, removing the old environment only after the new one is added, updating WordPress URLs, optional search-and-replace work, and SSL configuration.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Step 8: Monitor the cutover and keep a rollback path
Keep WP Engine and the original backups available until the new host has remained stable through DNS propagation and a normal operating cycle. Monitor uptime, server and PHP logs, 404s, forms, orders, scheduled jobs, email delivery, analytics, and search-console coverage. Watch for traffic reaching the old server; that indicates cached DNS or an overlooked record, not necessarily a failed migration.
Document the rollback decision before you need it. If the destination has a severe application failure, restore the DNS records to WP Engine, disable writes on the destination, and preserve logs explaining what happened. Do not perform a blind rollback after new orders or registrations have been accepted on the destination; reconcile those records first or you can create two conflicting databases.
Special cases that need extra care
WooCommerce and other transactional sites
Orders, customer accounts, stock levels, subscriptions, and payment callbacks can change continuously. Use the shortest practical freeze, perform a final database and media synchronization, and verify that payment providers and webhooks accept the destination URL. Place test orders with a non-production payment method and confirm the resulting email and order status.
Membership and community sites
Registrations, profile edits, comments, private messages, and password resets are database writes. A single early export is not sufficient. Freeze registrations and profile changes during the final sync, then verify user counts, roles, protected pages, and login cookies after cutover.
Multisite
Multisite uses network-wide tables, site-specific tables, domain mappings, and additional configuration. Confirm that the destination supports multisite, preserve the network’s table structure and rewrite rules, and test every mapped domain. Do not treat a multisite database as an ordinary single-site import without a tested restoration plan.
Large media libraries
Media is often the slowest part of the transfer. Use a resumable SFTP or SSH copy where available, compare directory sizes, and look for files that exceed the destination’s upload or request limits. Missing thumbnails may require regeneration only after the originals and metadata are confirmed present.
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Email and DNS dependencies
Website hosting and email hosting are separate services. Preserve MX, SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records unless mail is intentionally moving. Update application SMTP credentials and any provider allowlists that reference the old server. Send test messages to internal and external addresses after the destination SSL and DNS settings are active.
Common migration failures and fixes
| Symptom | Likely cause | Action |
|---|---|---|
| WordPress shows the installation wizard | Wrong database credentials, database host, or table prefix | Compare wp-config.php with the imported database and verify that the expected prefixed tables exist. |
| Pages load but images or styles are missing | Incomplete wp-content transfer, wrong permissions, or temporary URLs in content |
Compare uploads and theme files, correct ownership and permissions, and perform a serialized-data-aware URL update if required. |
| Redirect loop after HTTPS cutover | Conflicting proxy, SSL, or WordPress URL settings | Set one canonical HTTPS configuration, review reverse-proxy headers, clear caches, and retest in a private window. |
| Forms appear to work but no email arrives | SMTP credentials, DNS authentication, firewall rules, or an old callback URL | Inspect mail and PHP logs, send a controlled test, and update provider allowlists and webhook endpoints. |
| Orders or comments are missing | Writes occurred on WP Engine after the initial export | Stop writes, perform the planned final synchronization, and reconcile any records created on the destination during testing. |
| Some visitors still see WP Engine | DNS caching or an unchanged record | Check authoritative DNS, A/AAAA/CNAME records, and resolver caches. Keep the old site online until propagation completes. |
| Plugin settings are broken after replacement | Blind replacement damaged serialized PHP data | Restore the backup and repeat the operation with a serialization-aware tool and a dry run. |
Final migration checklist
- Inventory domains, DNS, email, redirects, cron, plugins, themes, media, integrations, and PHP requirements.
- Export a complete SQL database and retain the original backup.
- Copy all of
wp-contentand verify the transfer. - Create the destination database and WordPress environment.
- Update
wp-config.phpwith destination credentials and confirm the table prefix. - Handle domain changes with serialized-data-aware tooling; do not use blind SQL replacement.
- Test through a hosts-file override before changing public DNS.
- Freeze content and run a final database and media synchronization.
- Point DNS, configure the final domain, and issue SSL.
- Monitor logs, uptime, forms, orders, email, cron, redirects, and search coverage.
- Keep WP Engine, backups, and a documented rollback plan until the destination is stable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep my existing domain when moving away from WP Engine?
Yes. Leave the domain registration where it is and change its DNS records to the new host after testing. Update WordPress URL settings only if the protocol or domain value changes.
Is a WordPress XML export enough for the move?
No. A complete host migration requires the SQL database and the wp-content directory. An XML export alone does not recreate the full database, users, plugin settings, themes, or media library.
How can I avoid downtime?
Build and test the destination while WP Engine remains live, freeze new writes briefly, perform a final synchronization, then change DNS. Some visitors may still reach the old server while DNS caches expire.
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Wait until DNS propagation and application checks are complete, then confirm forms, orders, email, cron, integrations, and backups on the new host. Keep the old copy until you have a tested rollback option.
Do I need to transfer my domain registrar?
No. Hosting migration normally requires changing DNS records, not moving the registrar. Preserve mail-related records unless email is intentionally being migrated.
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