How to migrate a WooCommerce store to a new host
Updated · Anagathacommerce
Quick answer
To migrate a WooCommerce store, export a full backup (files and database) with a plugin such as All-in-One WP Migration, upload it to the new host, let it restore and check the site, then point your domain to the new server. Pause orders briefly during the switch so no sales are lost between the backup and the domain change.
Before you start
- Note your WordPress admin username, and make sure you can change your domain’s DNS.
- Choose a quiet time — the move itself takes minutes to an hour depending on size.
- Remove old backups and cache files from wp-content to make the archive smaller.
Steps on Anagathacommerce
- Export a backup. In WP Admin of your current site install All-in-One WP Migration, choose Export → File. A .zip or .tar.gz of the whole site (with database.sql) also works.
- Start the migration. In the dashboard choose *Migrate a store*, enter your domain and upload the file.
- Wait for the checks. The backup is restored, URLs are rewritten for your domain, plugins are re-activated, and the database and home page are verified automatically.
- Point your domain. Add the CNAME record shown in the dashboard at your DNS provider. SSL is issued automatically.
- Check and go live. Place a test order and confirm emails arrive. Your old host can be cancelled once you are happy.
Avoiding lost orders
Orders placed on the old site after you exported the backup are not in the copy. Either put the old store in maintenance mode while you migrate, or export again just before switching the domain.
Common problems
- Upload too large: exclude caches and old backups when exporting.
- Images missing: make sure the backup includes the uploads folder.
- Old domain links: the restore rewrites links to your domain automatically.
Step by step
- 1Export a backupExport the whole site (files and database) with All-in-One WP Migration, or as a .zip/.tar.gz containing database.sql.
- 2Upload itIn the Anagathacommerce dashboard choose Migrate a store, enter your domain and upload the backup.
- 3Let it restore and verifyThe site is restored, URLs are rewritten, plugins re-activated and the database and home page checked.
- 4Point your domainAdd the CNAME record shown in the dashboard at your DNS provider; SSL is issued automatically.
- 5Test and go livePlace a test order, confirm emails arrive, then cancel the old host.
Frequently asked questions
Will my orders and customers move too?
Yes. They are in the database, which is part of the backup.
Is there downtime?
Your old site keeps running until you change the domain’s DNS, so visitors see no downtime. Pause orders during the switch to avoid missing any.
What if the migration fails?
Nothing is published to your domain. You can retry, upload a different backup, or ask for help.
Try the dashboard with a sample store
No sign-up needed.