How to Move a WordPress Site to a New Domain Name

Updated 2026-06-29 · Hosting Reviews

Why You Might Want to Move WordPress to a New Domain

Whether you’re rebranding, launching a new product line, or simply want a cleaner URL, moving a WordPress site to a new domain is a common task. The process can feel daunting, but with the right plan and tools you can keep visitors, SEO juice, and data intact.

What You Need Before You Start

• A new domain name (purchase it from any registrar or Hostinger’s free domain add‑on).
• Existing hosting that supports WordPress (shared, VPS, cloud, or managed WordPress).
• Backup of your site files and database.
• Access to your DNS records (usually via the registrar or Hostinger’s control panel).
• WordPress admin credentials.

Choosing the Right Hosting for Your Move

For beginners and small businesses, shared hosting is often enough. Prices typically range from $3 to $15/month, depending on traffic and features. If you anticipate high traffic or need advanced scaling, a cloud or VPS plan may be worth the extra cost. Hostinger offers all three options with free SSL, automated backups, and one‑click WordPress installs, making it a top pick for those who want speed and security without the hassle.

Step‑by‑Step: Move WordPress to a New Domain

1. Backup Your Site. Use a plugin like UpdraftPlus or the host’s backup tool to download all files and the MySQL database.
2. Export the Database. In phpMyAdmin, export your current database as a .sql file.
3. Create the New Domain. Point the domain’s nameservers to your Hostinger account or update the A record to your server’s IP.
4. Upload Files. Use FTP or Hostinger’s File Manager to upload the WordPress core, themes, plugins, and wp‑content folder to the new domain’s root directory.
5. Import the Database. In phpMyAdmin, create a new database, import the .sql file, and note the new DB name, user, and password.
6. Update wp‑config.php. Replace the old DB credentials with the new ones.
7. Search & Replace URLs. Run a plugin like Better Search Replace to change all instances of the old domain to the new one within the database.
8. Adjust Site Address. In WordPress admin under Settings → General, set both “WordPress Address (URL)” and “Site Address (URL)” to the new domain.
9. Check Permalinks. Save the permalink structure again to regenerate .htaccess rules.
10. Test Everything. Visit the new domain, click through pages, images, and forms to ensure nothing is broken.
11. Redirect Old Domain. Add 301 redirects from the old domain to the new one (via .htaccess or a plugin) so visitors and search engines find the new location.
12. Update External Links. Notify partners, update social profiles, and submit the new sitemap to Google Search Console.

Speed and Security Basics After the Move

Once the site is live on the new domain, focus on performance and protection:

• Cache Plugin. Install a lightweight caching solution like WP Rocket (paid) or LiteSpeed Cache (free) to reduce page load times.
• CDN. Use a CDN such as Cloudflare (free tier) to serve static assets worldwide.
• SSL. Hostinger’s free Let’s Encrypt SSL is automatically enabled on all domains.
• Security Plugin. Add Wordfence or Sucuri to monitor threats and block malicious traffic.
• Regular Backups. Schedule daily or weekly backups through the host or a plugin to avoid data loss.

Why Hostinger is a Smart Choice

Hostinger’s managed WordPress plans start in the $3–$15/month range, offering fast servers, free SSL, automated backups, and a one‑click WordPress installer. The control panel is beginner‑friendly, and customer support is available 24/7 via live chat. If you’re new to hosting, Hostinger’s intuitive interface and affordable pricing make it the easiest way to get a fast, secure WordPress site online.

FAQ

Do I lose SEO rankings when moving to a new domain?

With proper 301 redirects and updated sitemaps, search engines will transfer most of your rankings to the new domain. Keep the content, URLs, and internal links as close to the original as possible.

Can I migrate without downtime?

Yes, if you set up the new domain in a staging area, test everything, and switch DNS records at a low‑traffic time. Hostinger’s staging tools can help you clone the site before the final cutover.

What if I’m on a shared host and my traffic spikes after the move?

Start with a shared plan for low traffic and upgrade to a VPS or cloud plan when traffic grows. Hostinger’s plans are scalable, so you can move to a higher tier without changing providers.