---
tags:
  - wordpress
  - migration
  - updraftplus
  - plugin
  - ubuntu
---

# Migrating a WordPress Site with UpdraftPlus

Moving a WordPress site from one server to another (e.g., from a local test environment to a live server) can be a complex task. UpdraftPlus simplifies this "migration" process by packaging your entire site into a set of files that can be easily restored on a new host.

## 1. Prerequisites

*   **Source Site:** A working WordPress site with the UpdraftPlus plugin installed and configured.
    *   **Reference:** [[Ubuntu-WordPress-Plugin-Backups|WordPress Backups with a Plugin]]
*   **Destination Site:** A brand new, empty WordPress installation on your target server.
    *   **Reference:** [[Ubuntu-WordPress-Setup|Installing WordPress on a LAMP Stack]]

## 2. On the Source Site (The "Old" Site)

The first step is to create a complete, up-to-date backup of the site you want to move.

1.  Log in to your source site's WordPress dashboard.
2.  Go to **Settings -> UpdraftPlus Backups**.
3.  Click the large **"Backup Now"** button.
4.  In the pop-up, ensure all checkboxes are ticked (Database, Files, Plugins, Themes, Uploads).
5.  Once the backup is complete, it will appear under **"Existing backups"**.
6.  For each component of the backup (Database, Plugins, etc.), click on it to download the `.zip` file to your local computer. You should have at least five files.

## 3. On the Destination Site (The "New" Site)

Now, we prepare the new, empty WordPress installation to receive the backup.

1.  Log in to your new site's WordPress dashboard.
2.  Install the **UpdraftPlus** plugin (Go to **Plugins -> Add New**, search for it, install, and activate).
3.  Navigate to **Settings -> UpdraftPlus Backups**.

## 4. The Migration and Restore Process

This is where the magic happens. We will upload the backup files from the old site to the new one.

1.  In the UpdraftPlus page on your new site, find the **"Existing backups"** section.
2.  Click the link that says **"Upload backup files"**.
3.  Drag and drop all the backup `.zip` files you downloaded from your old site into the upload area.
4.  Wait for all files to upload. Once complete, they will appear in the list of existing backups.
5.  Find the newly uploaded backup in the list and click the **Restore** button.
6.  A wizard will appear. Check all the boxes to restore every component (Plugins, Themes, Uploads, Database).
7.  Click **Next** and follow the prompts. UpdraftPlus will unpack the files, replace the new site's database with the old one, and reconfigure your settings.

> **Important:** During the restore, you will likely be logged out because UpdraftPlus is replacing the user database. You will need to log back in using the username and password from your **old** site.

## 5. Post-Migration Checks

After the restore is complete, your new site should be an exact clone of the old one.

1.  **Check Permalinks:** Go to **Settings -> Permalinks** and simply click **"Save Changes"** without changing anything. This rebuilds the URL structure and prevents "404 Not Found" errors.
2.  **Test Everything:** Browse your site. Check that images are loading, links work, and plugins are configured correctly.

You have now successfully migrated your WordPress site.