How to Migrate Your WordPress Website to a New Domain for Free Using Updraft Plus in 2024
Migrating a WordPress website to a new domain can seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools and steps, it can be done efficiently and without much hassle. One of the best tools for this job is the Updraft Plus plugin. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the entire process using the Updraft Plus premium plugin, which we’ll provide for free. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth migration.
Step 1: Download Updraft Plus Premium for Free
To migrate your website with Updraft Plus, you need to install the Updraft Plus plugin on both websites (the original website and the website you want to migrate to). We will be using our own Updraft Plus plugin, not the one found on WordPress plugins.
Once you have downloaded the plugin, make sure you have it saved in an easily accessible location on your computer, as you’ll need it in the next step.
Step 2: Installing the Updraft Plus Plugin
To install the Updraft Plus plugin on your WordPress websites, follow these detailed steps:
- Log in to Your WordPress Website: Begin by logging into the admin area of your WordPress site. You can do this by going to
yoursite.com/wp-adminand entering your login credentials. - Navigate to Plugins: On the navigation bar, find the Plugins section and click on Add New.
- Upload Plugin: Instead of searching for a plugin, click on Upload Plugin at the top of the page.
- Browse for the Plugin: Click on Choose File and browse to the folder where you downloaded the Updraft Plus premium plugin.
- Install the Plugin: Select the plugin file and click on Install Now. WordPress will automatically upload and install the plugin for you.
- Activate the Plugin: Once the installation is complete, click on Activate Plugin to enable Updraft Plus on your website.
Step 3: Migrating Your WordPress Website to Another Domain
With the Updraft Plus plugin installed on both websites, you’re ready to start the migration process. This step involves creating a backup on the old website and then restoring it on the new website.
- Access Updraft Plus Settings: On the navigation bar under Settings, find Updraft Plus Backups and select it.
- Initiate Migration/Clone: Click on Migrate/Clone to start the migration process.
- Send a Backup: Select Send a backup to another site and then click on Add a site.
- Enter Site Key: You will be prompted to enter a site key. This key allows the two websites to communicate and transfer data securely.
- Access Updraft Plus Settings: On the navigation bar under Settings, find Updraft Plus Backups and select it.
- Initiate Migration/Clone: Click on Migrate/Clone.
- Receive Backup: Select Receive backup from a remote site.
- Create Site Key: Click on Create Key to generate a unique key for your new site. Copy this key.
- Enter the Site Key: Go back to the old website and paste the copied key into the site key field. Then, click on Add Site.
- Send the Backup: Once you see a notification saying your website was successfully added, click on Send.
- Choose Backup Options: You will be asked whether you want to send an existing backup or create a new backup. If you don’t have an existing backup, click on Create and send a new backup.
- Select Backup Content: Decide what you want to include in the backup. To migrate the entire website, leave the default options unchanged and click on Send.
The backup process will begin, and the data will be sent to the new site. This process typically takes less than a minute, but it may take longer depending on the size of your website.
Restoring the Backup on the New Website
- Access Updraft Plus Settings: On the navigation bar under Settings, find Updraft Plus Backups and select it.
- Backup/Restore: Click on Backup/Restore.
- Restore the Backup: Scroll down to see your backup, then click on Restore.
- Select Restoration Options: Choose all the given options to ensure a complete restoration. Then, click on Restore.
- Finalize the Restoration: Follow any additional prompts to complete the restoration process.
Once the restoration is complete, navigate to your new website. You should now see that it mirrors the old website exactly. This means you have successfully migrated your website to a new domain.
Final Checks and Tips
After completing the migration, take some time to thoroughly check your new website. Ensure that all pages, posts, images, and functionalities are working as expected. Here are a few tips to help you finalize your migration:
- Permalinks: Go to Settings > Permalinks and resave your permalink structure to ensure all links work correctly.
- Check for Broken Links: Use a plugin like Broken Link Checker to scan your site for any broken links that may have occurred during the migration.
- Update DNS Settings: If you haven’t already, update your domain’s DNS settings to point to the new website.
- Test Forms and Functionality: Test all contact forms, e-commerce functionality, and other interactive features to ensure they are working properly.
Video Tutorial
By following these steps and tips, you can ensure a smooth transition to your new domain. Congratulations on successfully migrating your WordPress website!
