How to Migrate a WordPress Site to HostGator (Free Self-Service Tool)

HostGator includes a free self-service migration tool, powered by InstaWP, that copies a WordPress site from another host. You start it from the HostGator portal and approve the connection from your old WordPress admin.

What you need

• An active HostGator hosting plan. See how to sign up for HostGator if you need one.
• A working WordPress site at your current host and its admin login.
• A fresh backup of the old site.

HostGator aims for a high success rate but does not guarantee every migration.

Step 1: Start a transfer

1. In the HostGator portal, click the Hosting tab in the left menu.
2. Click ADD SITE.
3. Select Transfer an existing WordPress and click CONTINUE.
4. When your account is ready, click START TRANSFER.

Already installed WordPress on HostGator? Click EDIT SITE on that site to log in, then choose Import a WordPress Site and continue from Step 2.

Step 2: Connect your old site

1. Enter the URL of the site you are moving and click Connect.
2. Log in to the old WordPress site with its username or email and password.
3. Click Yes, I approve of this connection.

Step 3: Let the copy run

The tool installs the Insta WP Migration plugin on your old site and copies its files, content, and database. Copying starts at the 50% mark. You can close your browser; the migration keeps running on the server. HostGator emails you when it starts and when it completes or fails.

When you see Your migration is complete, click Go to site.

Step 4: Test, then switch DNS

Check the new copy thoroughly while your old site is still live. HostGator's article ends at Go to site, so the DNS switch is up to you: update your domain's nameservers or A record to HostGator at your registrar, then keep the old hosting active until the change has spread (usually a few hours, up to 48).

If the transfer fails

You can buy HostGator's paid professional migration, or submit the InstaWP support form. HostGator also documents a manual move using phpMyAdmin and FTP.

After the move

• Recreate email accounts if your email lived at the old host.
• Cancel the old host only after DNS has switched and email works.

See what HostGator costs once the intro term ends on the HostGator renewal price page.

Source: WordPress Self-Service Migration Tool (HostGator Help).