How to Migrate a WooCommerce Store to Another Server?

Feb 19, 2025

Migrating a WooCommerce store to another server might seem like a daunting task, but with the right approach, it can be a smooth and hassle-free process. 

Whether upgrading to a better hosting provider, moving to a custom WordPress design, or simply requiring a more optimized environment, proper planning ensures data integrity and minimal downtime. This guide walks through the essential steps to transfer a WooCommerce store efficiently.

Why Migrate a WooCommerce Store?

Several reasons might necessitate moving your WooCommerce store to a new server, such as:

  • Improved Performance: Faster loading speeds and better resources.
  • Scalability: Upgrading to a hosting provider that supports growing traffic.
  • Security Enhancements: Enhanced security features and compliance.
  • Customization Needs: A custom WordPress design requiring a more suitable environment.
  • Cost-Effectiveness: Finding a hosting solution that offers better value.

Whatever the reason, following a structured approach ensures the migration process is successful.

Preparing for the Migration

1. Backup Your WooCommerce Store

Before initiating migration, create a complete backup of your WooCommerce store, including:

  • Database: Contains orders, products, customer details, and site settings.
  • Files: Includes themes, plugins, media files, and core WordPress files.

To manually back up:

  1. Access your hosting control panel and navigate to phpMyAdmin.
  2. Select your database, click Export, and choose the SQL format.
  3. Download all website files via FTP/SFTP using tools like FileZilla.

Using a staging environment, such as InstaWP’s staging tool, allows you to test the migration safely before making changes live.

2. Set Up the New Server

Prepare the new hosting environment before transferring your store:

  1. Install WordPress on the new server.
  2. Ensure PHP, MySQL, and other necessary configurations match WooCommerce requirements.
  3. Create a new database using the hosting control panel.

For those using pre-configured templates, InstaWP simplifies setup with one-click deployment, ensuring a ready-to-use environment.

Migrating WooCommerce to the New Server

 

From here, you can either follow all the steps till point 8 or use the WordPress Migration tool to handle the task for you. Using this tool, you will just have to pass the source and destination URLs to proceed with the WooCommerce migration.

3. Transfer Files to the New Server

After preparing the new hosting environment, migrate the site files:

  1. Connect to the old server using FTP/SFTP.
  2. Download all WordPress files from the public_html directory.
  3. Upload these files to the public_html directory of the new server.

4. Import the WooCommerce Database

Once the files are in place, restore the database:

  1. Access phpMyAdmin on the new server.
  2. Select the new database and choose Import.
  3. Upload the previously exported SQL file and execute the import.

5. Update wp-config.php File

Modify the wp-config.php file to reflect new database credentials:

  • Locate the file in the root directory.

Update values for:
define(‘DB_NAME’, ‘new_database_name’);

define(‘DB_USER’, ‘new_database_user’);

define(‘DB_PASSWORD’, ‘new_database_password’);

  • define(‘DB_HOST’, ‘new_database_host’);
  • Save and close the file.

6. Update Site URLs

If changing domains, update the site URLs to prevent broken links:

  1. Access the database in phpMyAdmin.
  2. Open the wp_options table and modify siteurl and home values.

Use a search-and-replace tool (or run an SQL query) to update URLs across the database:
UPDATE wp_options SET option_value = ‘https://newwoodomain.com’ WHERE option_name = ‘siteurl’;

  1. UPDATE wp_options SET option_value = ‘https://newwoodomain.com’ WHERE option_name = ‘home’;

7. Test the WooCommerce Store

Before switching the domain’s DNS settings, thoroughly test the site:

  • Verify that products, orders, and customer details are intact.
  • Check permalinks, images, and functionalities such as the checkout process.
  • Ensure that email notifications and payment gateways work correctly.

A staging environment with collaborative features, like the one InstaWP provides, helps teams review the site before making it live.

8. Update DNS Settings

To make the new server live:

  1. Access your domain registrar’s control panel.
  2. Update A records to point to the new server’s IP address.
  3. If using a CDN, update settings accordingly.
  4. Allow DNS propagation (which can take up to 48 hours).

Post-Migration Checks

Once the WooCommerce store is live on the new server, perform final checks:

  • SSL Certificate: Ensure HTTPS is active and working.
  • Performance Optimization: Optimize caching and enable a CDN.
  • SEO Settings: Check that SEO metadata and permalinks are correct.
  • Customer Notifications: Verify order confirmation emails are functioning.
  • Backup Configuration: Set up automated backups for future security.

Simplify WooCommerce Migration with InstaWP

Migrating a WooCommerce store can be complex, but using the right tools can simplify the process. InstaWP’s staging tool allows testing before migration, while pre-configured templates offer a seamless setup for a new hosting environment. Additionally, its demo feature enables store owners to preview changes before going live.

By following this structured approach, store owners can ensure a smooth migration with minimal downtime and data loss. Whether upgrading for better performance, security, or customization, the right strategy ensures a hassle-free transition.

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