Migrate a WordPress site without downtime: how to switch safely

Intro: why a migration feels scary

Moving a website to a new hosting provider feels like a leap into the unknown for many entrepreneurs. Your website is your online storefront and customers find you through Google, so the idea that your site might go offline or stop working is scary. Compare it to moving a physical shop: you don’t want to close for a day, you don’t want customers standing in front of a locked door, and you want all mail (read: emails) to keep flowing. Fortunately, a WordPress migration doesn’t have to cause downtime or SEO damage – as long as you do it right. In this post we walk you through it step by step: what the risks are, how to prevent them, and how to move your WordPress site smoothly without visitors or Google noticing.

The main risks of a website migration

Migrating a website comes with a few known risks. Here are the key ones so you know what to watch out for:

• Downtime (outage): The biggest nightmare is that your site is offline for hours or days. Every minute of downtime can cost customers and revenue, and it looks unprofessional. Continuity is crucial, so you want to avoid this at all costs.
• Broken links and errors: After a move, some pages or images may no longer work. For example internal links that weren’t migrated properly or paths that changed. These broken links frustrate visitors and lead to errors, and “broken links are bad news for your site... they can hurt your SEO, too.” In other words: it harms both the user experience and your Google rankings.
• Loss of SEO ranking: Entrepreneurs worry about losing hard-won Google rankings. That fear is valid: if a migration is done poorly, you can lose organic traffic and SEO positions. Causes include downtime (Google can’t reach your site), lots of 404 errors (broken links), or not migrating meta-tags/SEO settings properly. Fortunately, SEO usually stays intact if you do the migration correctly – keeping the same URL structure, avoiding downtime, and testing all pages for errors.
• Email issues: Email often runs on the same domain. During a move, email accounts may be temporarily unavailable or emails may “disappear” when DNS settings change. If your business email is hosted with your current provider, this needs attention. If you use an external email service (e.g. Microsoft 365 or Gmail), email doesn’t change. But if your mailbox lives on the website server, you must make sure it keeps working during the transition or is temporarily “decoupled.”
• Broken functionality or errors: After migration, parts of your site may stop working. Think contact forms that no longer send email, a plugin that isn’t compatible with the new server version, or webshop transactions that fail. Differences in PHP version or server configuration can trigger unexpected errors. Nothing is more frustrating than discovering your order form is broken after the move.

All of these risks sound scary, but the good news is: with the right preparation you can prevent them. Issues such as broken links, bad redirects or slow load times don’t have to ruin your move if you plan and test carefully. Here’s how.

How to prevent downtime, SEO loss and other migration risks

With a few smart measures you can minimize these risks. Best practices for a smooth move:

• Play with DNS timing (lower TTL): DNS is the internet’s addressing system. Normally it can take 24–48 hours for a domain change to propagate everywhere. You can speed this up by lowering your domain’s TTL (Time To Live) a day before the migration, for example to 300 seconds (5 minutes). That spreads the new settings faster. Plan the final move at a quiet time (preferably late evening or weekend) so as few visitors as possible are affected if something hiccups.
• Use the hosts file trick to test in advance: You can view your new hosting environment with your real domain before switching DNS by temporarily “fooling” your own computer. With a small change to the hosts file on your PC or Mac, you point your domain to the new server on your screen, while the rest of the world still sees the old site. This lets you click around the new server as if it’s live without visitors noticing. This approach “ensures 100% uptime” during the move, because you only switch once you’re sure everything works. (Don’t forget to undo the hosts change afterward!).
• Test via staging or a temporary URL: Does your new host offer a staging environment or a temporary URL? Use it. A staging site is a copy of your website in a sandbox where you can safely test changes. You can clone your entire site to a hidden URL or subdomain and check if everything works properly without the public seeing it. Just make sure search engines don’t index that staging site (set it to “noindex”), otherwise Google may see duplicate content. The motto here is: test first, publish later. Testing in a staging environment catches compatibility issues, broken links or plugin conflicts before they impact your live site.
• Plan redirects in advance: Changing domain names or URL paths (e.g. page names)? Plan your 301 redirects ahead of time. A 301 redirect is like a forwarding address for search engines and visitors: “this page moved to URL X.” Set them so every old URL automatically points to the new location after migration. That prevents 404 errors and preserves SEO value. Make a list of critical pages and verify that each has a redirect, ideally before go-live. Don’t forget to submit a new XML sitemap in Google Search Console after the migration so Google quickly sees the “new” situation.
• Decouple or prepare email: If you want to avoid email downtime, make sure email doesn’t move at the exact same time as your website. Options include leaving MX records pointing to the old server during the migration or temporarily switching to an external email service. The idea is that your website moves from server A to B, but mail stays on A for a while or has already moved to Office 365. That way email handling isn’t disrupted by the DNS change. Also test whether your web forms still send email on the new host – you may need to adjust SMTP settings or mail plugins depending on the server configuration. Better safe than sorry.
• Keep the old hosting active a bit longer: A common mistake is canceling the old hosting too soon. Only do this once you’re 100% sure the new setup is running well and DNS changes are fully propagated. Keep the old server online for at least 48 hours after the DNS switch. That way latecomers (visitors who still have old DNS info) won’t fall into a void, but see the old site as long as needed. It also provides a safety net: if something goes wrong, you can temporarily fall back to the old environment.

These measures remove the biggest pain points. In short: prepare well, test thoroughly, and only then switch definitively. “Careful planning and testing can minimize these risks during the migration process.” Now let’s look at how a migration actually works step by step.

Step-by-step plan for a migration without downtime

A WordPress move can be split into logical phases: preparation, the actual migration, testing, and aftercare. Below is a clear step-by-step plan. Follow these phases and the chances of surprises are small.

Schematic view of a zero-downtime migration process: five steps from preparation to go-live without interruption.

The diagram above shows the big picture: first collect access and backups, then load the site on the new host (and test), then switch DNS once everything is ready, and finally the site goes live without visitors noticing. Below we walk through these phases in detail, with extra checkpoints and tips.

Phase 1: Preparation

Inventory & access. Before you start, gather all required logins and information. Think of your current hosting login (control panel, FTP/SFTP, database access) and the credentials for your new host. Also check your domain registration details if you need to change DNS. Document your current setup: which WordPress version, PHP version, used plugins and themes, special cron jobs, etc. This is your baseline. Tip: make a short runbook or checklist of all components that need to move – from files and database to any email accounts or subdomains.

Back up, back up, back up. Well before the migration, take a full backup of your current website. That means all files (WordPress core, wp-content, uploads, plugins, themes) and the full MySQL database. Test whether the backup can be restored if possible. Store the backup in two places (local and in the cloud). If something goes wrong, you have a restore point. Many hosts offer one-click backups; otherwise you can use a plugin like UpdraftPlus or export manually via phpMyAdmin. Don’t forget to export email too (if hosted with your provider) or make an IMAP backup. Better safe than sorry.

Prepare the new hosting. Set up your new hosting environment so it’s ready. Install a clean WordPress on the new server or use a migration tool from the host. Check the PHP version and settings on the new host – do they match what your current site needs (PHP/MySQL version, required PHP extensions, memory limits)? If not, adjust or note the differences. Create an empty database on the new server (if migrating manually). If you want SSL, check whether the host can set up Let’s Encrypt or plan to activate SSL right after the DNS switch. At this phase you can also lower your domain’s TTL (as discussed earlier) and pick an appropriate time for the migration.

Phase 2: The actual migration

Copy the website to the new host. Now you move the site itself. There are two main methods:

1. Manual migration – Download the files (via FTP or a zip via file manager) and upload them to the new host, export the database (via phpMyAdmin) and import it on the new host, and finally update the site URL in the database if needed (in the wp_options table, update siteurl/home if the domain changes). This requires some technical knowledge but gives you a lot of control.
2. Migration with a plugin/tool – There are handy plugins such as All-in-One WP Migration, Duplicator, or Migrate Guru that let you “pack” and unpack the site in the new location. For relatively small sites (< 500 MB) this often works great. With one click you export the entire site including database, media, themes and plugins, and import it on the new host. These plugins are popular because they make it “No technical skills required” for the user and often promise a zero-downtime migration.

Choose the method that fits your situation. If your site has a large database or many gigabytes of files, realize that migration plugins can hit limits (upload maximums, script timeouts). “Migration plugins are convenient, but they can fail on bigger websites because of timeouts or file size limits. Use plugins only for smaller sites. For larger websites, use a host-assisted or manual migration.” In that case, manual migration or using your new host’s help is safer. Many professional hosts offer a free migration service where experts handle it for you – very reassuring.

Test the new site (without going live). Once the site files and database are on the new host, it’s time to test extensively before switching. Use the hosts-file trick or a staging environment to view the site on the new server while still on the old domain. Walk through your site as if it were live. Check all pages and functions:

• Do pages load quickly and correctly?
• Do interactive elements such as contact forms, search, logins and (if applicable) the webshop cart work?
• Check that all images and downloadable files load properly (no broken icons or 404s).
• Are menus and internal links intact or still pointing to the old environment? (Tip: a plugin like Better Search Replace can replace old URLs in the database where needed.)
• Check whether plugins throw errors – inspect the server error logs for warnings. This can reveal hidden problems like missing PHP modules or functions that don’t run.
• Verify caching is present and working (e.g., is the caching plugin active and do you need to flush the cache?).
• Is there an SSL certificate active on the temporary URL, or can you test via HTTPS already? If not, plan to enable it immediately after go-live.

Only when everything works perfectly on the new host are you ready for the next phase. It can be helpful to have someone else review as well, or test on multiple devices/browsers, so you’re sure you didn’t miss anything. This thorough test phase is your safety net – problems you find here can be fixed before visitors are affected.

Phase 3: DNS switch and going live

Update the DNS records. Now comes the exciting moment: go-live on the new server. If the domain stays the same, you only need to change DNS so your domain points to the new host address. Usually this means changing the A record (IP) or switching nameservers to those of your new host. Make the change at a time when you have few visitors (such as late at night). With the earlier TTL reduction, the switch should happen relatively quickly – often within minutes or a few hours.

Keep both environments online. Keep your old hosting running while DNS propagates (at least 1–2 days, as recommended). During this transition, some visitors will see the new site while others still hit the old server until their provider updates DNS. That’s normal. As long as both versions are identical (you didn’t make live changes on the old site in the meantime), it doesn’t matter which version they see. After all, “visitors see no downtime during the transition” – exactly what we want.

Check right after the switch. Shortly after the DNS change, check that you are seeing the new site (you can use whatsmydns.net to see whether your domain points to the new IP worldwide). Immediately verify that the SSL certificate works (no browser warnings) and that contact forms send email on the live domain. Check a few key pages and functions again, now “for real.” Ideally you won’t be surprised, since you tested thoroughly. Still, it’s wise to monitor your site and server during the first few hours after go-live – think of errors in logs or performance dips.

Phase 4: Checks and aftercare

The site is now running on the new host without significant interruption – congratulations! But you’re not quite done. A few aftercare actions to finish the migration project:

• Activate redirects: If your URL structure or domain name changed, make sure all 301 redirects are actually live on the new server. Test a few old URLs to ensure they forward correctly to the new addresses. This consolidates SEO value and prevents “dead links.”
• Monitoring and performance: Keep an eye on site performance over the next few days. Use tools like Google Analytics or uptime monitoring to see if everything is stable. Check Google Search Console a day after migration for crawl errors (404s) or security warnings. “Not monitoring site performance” after a migration is a missed opportunity – you want to spot issues early.
• Check email flow: Ask colleagues or clients if they can send and receive mail normally. Are all mailboxes correctly moved to the new environment or external service? Send test emails. If you kept email on the old server temporarily, you can now decide whether to migrate it too or let it expire.
• Cache and CDN: If you use a CDN (Content Delivery Network) or caching, update the cache after migration. A CDN (like Cloudflare) may still have old IP addresses cached; purge that cache to be safe. Check your WordPress caching plugin settings and flush the cache so visitors get fresh content from the new host.
• Check logs: Review the error logs after a day on the new host. Sometimes errors only show up after more intensive use (for example a plugin that looks for a path that no longer exists). Watching the logs lets you fix issues quickly.
• Set up backups on the new host: Now that the site is live, re-enable your regular backup schedule (or confirm the new host already does this for you). Your first backup on the new server is like a new baseline.

Once these checks are done and everything works as expected, you can breathe a little easier. Your migration is largely complete. Don’t forget to cancel the old hosting after a few days (unless you keep it for mail) and remove any temporary settings (e.g., the hosts-file entry).

Checkpoints: what should you verify and when?

During the migration process there are critical checkpoints – moments when you should verify specific items. Here’s a handy overview of what to check and when:

• Before migration (preparation): Confirm you’ve made a full backup and can restore it. Make sure you have a list of everything that needs to move (files, database, email, cronjobs). Review the new hosting setup: do PHP versions and settings match? Prepare a checklist so you don’t forget anything in the rush.
• In the test phase (new host before go-live): Test functionality front to back. Do all pages work? Do forms and logins work? Are images visible? Click through key pages and posts. Check the site on mobile and desktop (different browsers). In wp-admin, verify that plugins work normally (e.g., can you activate a plugin, does the page editor work without errors?). If possible, do a test run as a customer: place a test order in your webshop (and cancel it) or submit a contact form and confirm you get a response. These tests take time but prevent angry customers later.
• During the DNS switch: Once you update DNS, stay alert. Use a DNS tool to see whether new records are propagating properly. Test the site from different networks (for example 4G on your phone vs. your Wi-Fi) to confirm you consistently get the new site. Patience is important here – don’t roll back mid-way unless something is truly wrong.
• Right after go-live (first hours): Do a quick sanity check: SSL active? Homepage loads without errors? Can you log in to WP-admin on the new host? Are contact form submissions complete? This is also the moment to test your 301 redirects (type an old URL, does it land in the right place?). Check the server error log for issues since the switch – you can often view it via the control panel or FTP. If errors appear, fix them (sometimes PHP extensions or permissions differ, which you’ll notice quickly).
• Aftercare (a few days after migration): Check Google Search Console for errors or warnings (e.g., if Google can’t crawl certain URLs). Ask a colleague or friend to visit the site and give feedback (a fresh eye can spot what you missed). Keep an eye on performance: if the new host uses different caching or a different server location, load times may change – verify everything is still fast and optimize if needed. Finally, after a week of smooth operation, you can confidently say the migration succeeded.

Do it yourself or bring in help?

Now that you know how a migration works, the question is: do you do it yourself or hand it off to a specialist? The answer depends on your experience, the complexity of your site and how much time you can (or want to) invest.

Migrating yourself is fine if you’re reasonably comfortable with WordPress and the site is relatively simple. There are tools that make it easy. The All-in-One WP Migration plugin, for example, is known for its usability: with one click you export your site and with drag-and-drop you import it elsewhere. The nice thing is that this typically works without downtime and requires no technical knowledge. Many small business owners and freelancers have moved their site successfully with it. Tools like Duplicator or Migrate Guru do something similar. But keep the limitations in mind: free versions of migration plugins can have size limits (All-in-One WP Migration has a limit in the free version; larger sites require a paid extension). And very complex sites (think 10,000+ products or lots of custom code) are less fool-proof to move with a one-click tool.

When is it smart to bring in help? If your website is mission critical – for example a busy webshop or a site where you can’t afford any risk – it’s worth hiring a professional. Also if you have little technical knowledge and already get nervous with terms like “database export” or “DNS records,” it’s better to get support. Hosting providers or web builders can often do in a short time what would cost you hours of stress. Be aware: not every host offers extensive migration assistance by default. “Not all hosts offer free migrations, and those that do may only cover basic transfers. Confirm what is included.” In other words: ask in advance whether your new provider offers migration service and what it covers. Some hosts only handle simple sites, while others can also handle complex cases (multiple subdomains, multisite, email).

A middle ground: do much of the preparation yourself (backups, testing in staging) and have an expert on standby for the actual switch or to review. That way you learn, but still have a safety net if something unexpected happens. For freelancers, this can be a useful learning experience.

Helpful hosting features for a smooth move

Did you know your choice of hosting provider also affects how easy migration is? Modern (managed) hosting often includes features that make moving less risky:

• Staging environment: Many managed WordPress hosts offer one-click staging. You can clone your live site into a test environment in seconds. This makes it easy to practice a migration and verify the site without affecting the live version. After approval, you can often push staging to live automatically. For non-technical users this is gold – no need to mess with hosts files yourself.
• Automatic backups: A good host creates daily (or more frequent) automatic backups of your site. Some even have a “restore backup” button. This means if something goes wrong during migration, you can revert to the last good version with one click. That removes a lot of pressure.
• Account isolation and security: On shared hosting, you don’t want a problem or attack on a neighbor to affect your site. Advanced hosts use techniques (like containerization or account isolation) to separate websites. This provides more stability during and after migration. They also often run the latest stable PHP versions and add extra security (web application firewalls) to protect your site from day one.
• Caching and performance optimization: Suppose you move to a host that uses fast caching (e.g., server-side caching or Redis). Your site may even be faster after the move. Visitors will notice. The key is that caching is set up correctly; many hosts handle this automatically for WordPress. The only thing you notice is a faster site.
• Support and monitoring: A host with proactive monitoring for downtime or anomalies and responsive support with clear availability and escalation paths is a blessing during migration. If something goes wrong, you have someone to rely on quickly. Some premium hosts also monitor site behavior and alert you to suspicious activity – handy to know right after a migration that everything is running smoothly.

In short, choose your new host consciously. A few extra euros per month for a quality managed host can pay for itself in migration ease and peace of mind. Not every marketing term matters, but look for things like backup features, SSL support, support level, and available test environments. These indicate a provider that understands what entrepreneurs need for a stress-free website experience.

Conclusion: a relaxed migration is possible

Migrating a WordPress site without downtime and with minimal risk is absolutely possible. As we’ve seen, it comes down to thorough preparation, smart testing and a step-by-step approach. Yes, it takes some effort, but it’s like a well-planned business move: customers barely notice, except perhaps that the “store” has moved into a more modern building with faster elevators (read: shorter load times).

Migrations often seem scarier than they end up being. With the steps and tips in this guide, you’ve covered the essentials. Remember: “site migrations don’t have to be scary” – with a backup, a plan and a test environment you can get far. If you still dread the move, remember that help is available. Many managed hosting providers (like ours) handle migrations for you at no extra cost as part of their service, so you can focus on your business while the technical experts do all the work.

Reassurance and a gentle nudge: don’t worry too much about the migration. Thousands of small businesses have gone before you, and it often goes more smoothly than expected. And if you choose a host that includes migration as standard in the package, it becomes a breeze. Your website will be moved safely, your SEO will remain intact, and you can continue running your business with peace of mind – without anyone noticing any downtime. Good luck with the move!