WP Squared

Migrate an existing WordPress site to WP Squared

Move a WordPress site from cPanel or another host into WP Squared: prepare an export, create the target site, import files and database, test privately and switch DNS.

IntermediateWP Squared3 min read

Because WP Squared runs standard self-hosted WordPress, any WordPress site can be moved into it. The job is the same as any WordPress migration (files plus database), but the target is a site created in the WP Squared dashboard. Plan it so visitors never see a broken site.

Before you start

  • Access to the old site's WordPress admin, and ideally its cPanel, FTP or SFTP and phpMyAdmin.
  • Access to the WP Squared dashboard from MdmHost dashboard → Services.
  • Note the old site's WordPress and PHP versions under Tools → Site Health → Info.
  • For a large or busy shop, consider asking our team for help: open a ticket at Support → New ticket.

Choose a method

MethodBest for
Migration plugin (export on old, import on new)Small to medium sites, no server access needed
Manual files and database copyLarge sites, full control
MdmHost assisted moveBusiness-critical sites and shops

Create the target site

  1. In WP Squared create a new site for the domain. If the domain still points to the old host, that is fine; you will test before switching DNS.
  2. Note the new site's admin login. The fresh install will be overwritten by your imported site, including its users.

Method A: migration plugin

  1. On the old site install a migration plugin that supports export and import archives (for example All-in-One WP Migration or Duplicator) and create an export.
  2. On the new WP Squared site install the same plugin from the WP Squared plugin manager or Plugins → Add New.
  3. Import the archive. Afterwards log in with the old site's administrator credentials.
  4. Re-save Settings → Permalinks.

Free versions of some plugins limit the import size. If yours is too large, use the manual method.

Method B: manual copy

  1. Download the old site's wp-content folder and export the database as SQL.
  2. Upload wp-content to the new site, replacing the default one, using the file tools your WP Squared service provides or SFTP.
  3. Import the SQL into the new site's database, replacing its tables.
  4. Make sure the table prefix in the new wp-config.php matches the imported tables.
  5. If the domain or protocol changed, run a serialisation-safe search and replace.

Test before switching DNS

Point the domain to the WP Squared server on your own computer only, using the hosts file (C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts or /etc/hosts), with the new server's IP. Check pages, forms, logins and checkout. Remove the line afterwards.

Switch DNS

  1. Lower the TTL in advance if possible.
  2. Update the A record (or nameservers) to the WP Squared server.
  3. Avoid content changes on the old site during propagation, or repeat a final database export just before switching.
  4. Once DNS resolves, confirm the SSL certificate is issued and the padlock shows.
  5. Keep the old hosting for a few days as a fallback.

Troubleshooting

  • Database connection error: wp-config.php was overwritten with the old host's credentials; keep the new site's database settings.
  • Links point to a temporary address: run search and replace for the old URL.
  • Plugins fail on the new PHP version: update them, or check the PHP version setting for the site.
  • Old caching plugin errors: remove caching plugins from other hosts and use LiteSpeed Cache.

Next steps

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