WordPress migration common errors and solutions (newbie must see)

For many webmasters, WordPress migration is an inevitable step. Whether it's changing hosts, adjusting your domain name, or upgrading to a higher performance server, you'll need to relocate your original website in its entirety.
The migration process involves Databases, Files, Plugins, Themes, SEO Settings There are a number of aspects, such as the slightest negligence may lead to the website can not be accessed normally.

1. Domain names and URLs not correctly replaced

common error

After migration, the site still points to the old domain name or old path, resulting in images not being displayed, links not working, and page jump errors.

prescription

• Update the domain name in the database:
  utilization phpMyAdmin or command line to execute the following SQL statement:
• Use the plugin to batch replace:
  testimonials Better Search Replace Plugin to quickly update old domains in the database.

UPDATE wp_options SET option_value = 'https://newdomain.com' WHERE option_name = 'siteurl'; UPDATE wp_options SET option_value = 'https:// newdomain.com' WHERE option_name = 'home'; UPDATE wp_options SET option_value = '' WHERE option_name = 'siteurl'

2. Incomplete database import/export

common error

The database file is too large and the import is interrupted, resulting in missing tables or partial data loss.

prescription

• Use command line migration: mysqldump -u root -p old_db > backup.sql mysql -u root -p new_db < backup.sql
• Large file handling: Split the SQL file and import it to avoid timeout.
• With the help of plug-ins: e.g. WP Migrate DB maybe All-in-One WP Migration, supports automatic slicing.

3. Incomplete migration of documentation

common error

The migration only transfers wp-contentBut the omission of wp-config.php maybe .htaccess, causing the site to become inoperable.

prescription

• Ensure that the following directories are fully migrated:
  • wp-content(themes, plugins, uploading files)
  • wp-includes(core document)
  • wp-admin(Back-office administration files)
  • in the root directory of the .htaccess,wp-config.php
• Using FTP software (FileZilla) or command line rsync Perform synchronization.

4. Wrong permissions and folder settings

common error

After migration, images could not be uploaded and plugins did not work due to improperly set file permissions.

prescription

• Directory permissions: 755
• File permissions: 644
• Use the command Fix:

find /var/www/html -type d -exec chmod 755 {} \; find /var/www/html -type f -exec chmod 644 {} \;.

5. SSL certificate not properly configured

common error

After migrating to a new server, an HTTPS error is reported with the message "Unsecured connection".

prescription

• Installation and configuration Let's Encrypt Free CertificatesThe
• In the WordPress backend, enable the Force HTTPS(plugins such as Really Simple SSL).
• probe .htaccess Whether the following rules are included:

 RewriteEngine On RewriteCond %{HTTPS} ! =on RewriteRule ^ https://%{HTTP_HOST}%{REQUEST_URI} [L,R=301]

6. Plug-in or theme incompatibility

common error

After migration some functions are not working, the background reports errors and white screen.

prescription

• Update all plugins and themes to the latest version before migration.
• Temporarily disable the plug-in when a white screen appears: mv wp-content/plugins plugin_backup
• Enable plug-ins in batches to troubleshoot sources of conflict.

7. Cache and CDN not updated

common error

After migration, users still see the old site content or some pages load abnormally.

prescription

• Clear WordPress cache plugins (such as W3 Total Cache(WP Rocket).
• Clear CDN cache (Cloudflare, AliCloud CDN, etc.).
• Force refresh on the browser side (Ctrl+F5).

8. Mail function anomalies

common error

After migration, order notification emails and registration emails cannot be sent normally.

prescription

• mounting WP Mail SMTP plugin to configure the SMTP server.
• Use a third-party mail service (e.g., SendGrid, Amazon SES).

9. Missing SEO settings

common error

After the migration, the URL structure changed and search rankings dropped.

prescription

• Make sure the fixed link settings are the same as the old site (WordPress backend → Settings → Fixed Links).
• utilization Redirection plug-in (software component) Setting up 301 jumps.
• Check if robots.txt and sitemap.xml are working.

10. Neglect of backup and testing

common error

Migrating directly without backups, in case of failure, website data is lost.

prescription

• Backup your database + files using the UpdraftPlus plugin or manually.
• Run the migration process in a test environment (Staging Site) first to confirm that there are no errors before going live.

Recommended Migration Tools

• All-in-One WP Migration: One click import and export, perfect for the little guy.
• Duplicator: Supports complete packaging for medium-sized sites.
• WP Migrate DB Pro: Professional migration database, commonly used by developers.
• Rsync + SSH: For users with a technical base, efficient and secure.

Summary: Making WordPress Migration Safer

WordPress migration may seem complicated, but it can be done easily with the right approach and avoiding common mistakes.
Newbie webmasters must do the following three things before migrating:

Full Backup: Database + documentation
Correct replacement of domain name: Avoiding Dead and Wrong Links
step by step testing: Step-by-step review of front- and back-office functionality after migration

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