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Migrating a WordPress installation to IONOS

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This article explains how to migrate a WordPress installation from another provider to IONOS.

Multiple options for the move

The two most frequently used methods for moving a WordPress website to IONOS are:

  • Migration using a WordPress plugin: Suitable for users with little technical knowledge.
  • Manual migration: Suitable for experienced WordPress users with database knowledge

Basically, there are two main WordPress components to consider during a migration:

  • Files in the webspace: The WordPress core files along with plugins, templates, graphics, photos, etc.

  • Database: Contains text and individual settings. Usually, MySQL or MariaDB database systems are used.

Domain change or server migration?

In addition to how you perform your WordPress migration (plugin or manual), it is important to determine how your WordPress site should be accessible at IONOS:

  • Domain change: If the domain (address) under which your WordPress installation is accessible is changing. In this case, set up domain forwarding so that you do not lose any visitors and search engine rankings. The IONOS Digital Guide article "How do domain redirects work?" provides you with information about the options.
  • Server migration: If the domain remains the same, but the web server on which your WordPress is stored is changing. This is always the case, for example, if you switch from another provider to IONOS.

Please note that in some cases it also makes sense to transfer the domain to IONOS. You can find detailed information on this in the Help Centre section "Transferring Domains to IONOS". In this case, please also take into account the time required for a domain transfer.

Backup of the previous WordPress installation

Regardless of which migration method you choose: Create a complete backup (database and files) of the WordPress installation with your previous provider in advance. The IONOS Digital Guide "How to back up your WordPress site" will help you with this.

Migration with a WordPress plugin

There are various specialised WordPress plugins that can help you with the migration, e.g. Duplicator, All-in-One WP Migration or UpdraftPlus. Below you will find a rough overview of a migration with the help of the "Duplicator" plugin.

  • Install Duplicator in your existing WordPress installation. The Help Centre article "Installing plugins and themes in WordPress" explains how.

  • Activate the plugin and use it to create a backup of your website.

  • Create a WordPress project at IONOS, as described in the Help Centre article "Creating a WordPress project".

  • Install Duplicator in your IONOS WordPress.

  • Upload the created backup file to the root directory of your IONOS web space using FTP. The Help Centre article "Transferring files securely with FTPS and SFTP" provides information on how to do this.

  • Use Duplicator to import the backup file from step 5 into your IONOS WordPress .

Manual migration

The IONOS Digital Guide "How to carry out WordPress migration step by step" describes all the steps involved in a manual migration in detail.

Support in the Help Centre

The IONOS Help Centre offers you additional information on the structure and design of your new WordPress site. You can find this information in the WordPress section(Help Centre >WordPress).

Additional information

  • Website builder: You can find out how to switch to IONOS with an existing website builder from another provider in the Help Centre article "Migrating your website to MyWebsite Now".
  • Web hosting: To find out how to switch to IONOS with an existing web hosting application from another provider, read the Help Centre article "Migrating to IONOS with an existing web hosting installation". You have usually installed or uploaded web hosting applications to the external provider's webspace yourself.

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