Moving a WordPress site sounds scary, but with a staging copy and the right DNS order you can switch hosts without your visitors ever seeing an error.
Most "downtime" during a migration comes from changing DNS before the new server is ready. Do it in the right order and the move is invisible. Here is the process we use when we run free managed migrations for customers.
1. Take a full backup first
Before touching anything, export a complete copy: all files (via FTP/SFTP or your host's backup tool) and the database (via phpMyAdmin or WP-CLI). A plugin such as All-in-One WP Migration or Duplicator bundles both into one archive.
Keep this backup somewhere off the server. If anything goes wrong, you can roll straight back.
2. Set up the site on the new host first
Provision the account on your new host and import the site there before changing any DNS. Upload the files, create a database, and restore your backup. The site now exists in two places: the old live one and the new staged one.
3. Preview on a temporary URL
Test the staged copy using a temporary URL or by editing your computer's hosts file to point the domain at the new server's IP. Click through pages, submit a test form, log into wp-admin, and check images and plugins all load. Fix anything broken now, while the old site is still live.
4. Lower your DNS TTL, then switch
A day before cut-over, drop the domain's DNS TTL (time-to-live) to 300 seconds so changes propagate fast. When the staged site checks out, update the A record / nameservers to the new host. With a low TTL, most visitors move over within minutes.
See our guide on pointing your domain to a new host for the exact records.
5. Keep both sites live during propagation
Leave the old hosting active for 24–48 hours. During propagation some visitors hit the old server and some the new one: that's why you don't cancel early. Avoid taking new orders/comments on the old copy during this window to prevent data splitting.
6. Verify and tidy up
Once DNS has fully propagated, confirm HTTPS works, run a crawl for broken links, resubmit your sitemap in Google Search Console, and only then cancel the old plan.
Key takeaways
- Always set up the new host before changing DNS.
- Lower your TTL a day ahead so cut-over is fast.
- Keep the old site live for 24–48 hours during propagation.
- Test on a temporary URL before going live.
Let us migrate your site for free
Share temporary access to your current host and we'll move, test and launch your WordPress site with no downtime.
Get a free migrationFrequently asked questions
Will migrating WordPress affect my Google rankings?
No, as long as URLs stay the same and you avoid downtime. A faster host can actually improve rankings via better Core Web Vitals.
How long does a WordPress migration take?
A small site is usually live the same working day; larger WooCommerce stores with order history can take up to 24 hours.
Do I have to do this myself?
No. Gander Web migrates your site for free, tests it on staging, and flips DNS at a time that suits you.