Migrating WordPress means moving three things — your files, your database, and eventually your domain's DNS — without letting visitors notice any downtime in between.
1. Back up your current site
Export your full files and database as described in a standard WordPress backup, or use a migration plugin like Duplicator or All-in-One WP Migration to package everything in one file.
2. Set up your new hosting account
Create your hosting account with your new provider and note the new nameservers or IP address — you'll need these later for DNS.
3. Upload your files to the new host
Use File Manager or FTP to upload your site files to the new account's public folder, then create a fresh database and import your exported SQL file.
4. Update the wp-config.php file
Edit the database name, username, and password in wp-config.php to match the new database credentials on your new host.
5. Test before switching DNS
Most hosts let you preview your site on a temporary URL or by editing your computer's hosts file, so you can confirm everything works before your domain officially points there.
6. Update your domain's DNS
Once you've confirmed the new site works, update your domain's nameservers or A record to point to the new host. DNS changes can take anywhere from a few minutes to 24 hours to fully propagate.
7. Keep the old host active briefly
Leave your old hosting account running for a few days after migrating, in case DNS propagation is slow for some visitors.
Key takeaway: Never cancel your old hosting account the same day you migrate — keep it active until you've confirmed DNS has fully propagated for your audience.