Migrate a WordPress Site from One Shared Hosting to Another Without SSH

Why Migrate Without SSH?

Migrating a WordPress site from one shared hosting to another can be a complex task, especially when SSH access is not available. Many shared hosting providers restrict SSH access for security reasons, which can complicate the migration process. Fortunately, tools like WP Migrate Toolkit can simplify this task.

Preparing Your Migration

Export Your Files and Database

Start by backing up your entire site. This includes your WordPress files and your database. You can use an FTP client like FileZilla to download your files. For the database, the phpMyAdmin tool is usually available in your hosting control panel. Export your database in SQL format.

Set Up the New Hosting

After exporting your data, set up your new hosting. Create an empty database and an associated user with all privileges. This will allow you to import your existing database.

Using WP Migrate Toolkit

WP Migrate Toolkit offers an effective solution to migrate your site without the need for SSH access. You can use the plugin for a graphical user interface or the CLI for more advanced command-line control.

Migrate with the Plugin

1. Install the plugin on both your WordPress instances, on the old and new hosting.
2. Under the "Migrate" tab, select "Export" on the old site and "Import" on the new one.
3. Follow the instructions to transfer the database and media files.

Migrate with the CLI

1. Install the CLI tool on your local machine.
2. Use the commands to export data from the old site to a file.
3. Then, import this file to the new hosting using the CLI options to specify the database connection details.

Post-Migration Verification

After transferring your files and databases, check that the site functions correctly. Test all pages and features. Also, verify specific hosting configurations, such as permalinks and cache settings.

Conclusion

Migrating a WordPress site without SSH is perfectly achievable with proper preparation and the right tools. WP Migrate Toolkit simplifies the process, making migration accessible even to users without advanced server administration skills. Try WP Migrate Toolkit to ease your next migration, and download the plugin or the CLI now to get started.