Step 1: Back Up Your WordPress Website

Before migrating your site, create a full backup of your WordPress files and database.

✅ Backup Options:

• Use a Plugin: Recommended for beginners (UpdraftPlus, Duplicator, or All-in-One WP Migration).
• Manual Backup: Download files via FTP and export the database from phpMyAdmin.

How to Back Up with UpdraftPlus:

1. Install UpdraftPlus (Go to Plugins → Add New).
2. Go to Settings → UpdraftPlus Backups.
3. Click Backup Now and download the backup files.

Pro Tip: Store backups on an external service like Google Drive, Dropbox, or Amazon S3.

Step 2: Export Your WordPress Database

If you’re migrating manually, export your WordPress database.

How to Export Database from phpMyAdmin:

1. Log in to cPanel and open phpMyAdmin.
2. Select your WordPress database.
3. Click Export → Quick Export → SQL → Download.

Step 3: Upload WordPress Files to the New Host

1. Connect to the new hosting server using FTP (FileZilla) or cPanel File Manager.
2. Upload all WordPress files to the public_html folder.
3. Import the database into phpMyAdmin.

Step 4: Update wp-config.php

Edit the database settings in wp-config.php to match your new host.

define('DB_NAME', 'new_database_name');
define('DB_USER', 'new_database_user');
define('DB_PASSWORD', 'new_database_password');
define('DB_HOST', 'localhost');
        

Step 5: Update DNS & Test Your Website

1. Log in to your domain registrar (GoDaddy, Namecheap, etc.).
2. Update the nameservers to your new hosting provider.
3. Wait 24-48 hours for DNS propagation.

Common WordPress Hosting Issues & How to Fix Them

1. Slow Website Performance

Causes: Shared hosting overload, no caching, large images.

Fixes:

• Upgrade to SSD hosting or Cloud Hosting.
• Install LiteSpeed Cache or WP Rocket.
• Use a CDN (Cloudflare, StackPath).

⚠️ 2. Internal Server Error (500 Error)

Fix: Rename .htaccess and increase PHP memory limit:

define('WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '256M');
        

⛔ 3. Error Establishing a Database Connection

Fix: Check wp-config.php database settings and repair database:

REPAIR TABLE wp_options;
        

4. Redirect Loops & Too Many Redirects

Fix: Update WordPress URL in phpMyAdmin:

UPDATE wp_options SET option_value = 'https://yournewsite.com' WHERE option_name = 'siteurl' OR option_name = 'home';
        

Best WordPress Hosting Providers

• Kinsta – Best for high-traffic WordPress sites.
• Cloudways – Flexible cloud hosting with SSD storage.
• SiteGround – Budget-friendly WordPress hosting.
• Bluehost – Best for beginners.

Final Thoughts: Migrating & Fixing WordPress Hosting Issues

By following this guide, you can migrate your WordPress website without downtime and fix common hosting problems.

✅ Key Takeaways:

• Backup your WordPress site before migration.
• Use a migration plugin or migrate manually.
• Fix common WordPress hosting errors after migration.
• Optimize performance with SSD hosting, caching, and a CDN.