Migrating your old WordPress website to a new hosting provider might seem challenging, but with the right steps, it’s easy and smooth. If you’ve already taken a full website backup and database backup from your previous hosting, you can easily restore your WordPress site on a new server. This guide explains the complete process — from uploading your backup files to updating your database configuration and domain links.

? Step-by-Step Process to Restore WordPress Backup on New Hosting

Step 1: Prepare Your Files and Database

Before starting the migration:

• Make sure you have your website files backup (ZIP folder containing wp-content, wp-admin, wp-includes, etc.).

• Have your database backup (.sql file exported from phpMyAdmin or WordPress plugin).

• Get access to your new hosting panel such as Hostinger, GoDaddy, or cPanel.

• Ensure your new domain or existing domain is properly pointed to the new hosting.

Step 2: Upload WordPress Files to the New Server

1. Log in to your hosting File Manager or connect via FTP.

2. Open the root folder — usually named public_html (or your domain folder).

3. Delete any default files if present.

4. Upload your backup ZIP file.

5. Extract the ZIP — you should now see:

   wp-admin
   wp-content
   wp-includes
   wp-config.php
   index.php
   

✅ Your website files are now uploaded successfully.

Step 3: Create a New MySQL Database

1. In your hosting control panel, go to MySQL Databases.

2. Create a new Database name (e.g., wp_newsite).

3. Create a Database User and assign a secure password.

4. Add the user to the database and grant all privileges.

5. Note down:

   • Database Name

   • Database Username

   • Database Password

   • Database Host (usually localhost)

Step 4: Import Database Using phpMyAdmin

1. Open phpMyAdmin from your control panel.

2. Select the new database you just created.

3. Click on the Import tab.

4. Upload your .sql database backup file.

5. Click Go and wait until the import completes successfully.
   ✅ Your WordPress database has been restored.

Step 5: Update the wp-config.php File

Now connect your restored WordPress files to the new database.

Open wp-config.php in the File Manager and find the following lines:

define('DB_NAME', 'your_new_database_name');
define('DB_USER', 'your_new_database_user');
define('DB_PASSWORD', 'your_database_password');
define('DB_HOST', 'localhost');

Replace the values with your actual database credentials and save the file.

Step 6: Update Old Domain Links (if changed)

If your website’s domain name has changed, update the URLs inside your database.

Option 1 — via phpMyAdmin:
Run these two SQL commands (replace your domains):

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';

Option 2 — via WordPress Plugin:
After login, install Better Search Replace plugin and replace:

• oldsite.com → newsite.com across all tables.

Step 7: Check and Test Your Website

• Open your new domain in a browser.

• Ensure all pages, images, and links work properly.

• If you face an error like “Error establishing a database connection,” recheck your database credentials in wp-config.php.

• Go to WordPress Dashboard → Settings → Permalinks → Save to regenerate .htaccess.

Step 8: Install SSL and Finalize

If your hosting provides free SSL:

• Activate SSL certificate.

• Install Really Simple SSL plugin to automatically force HTTPS.

✅ Your old WordPress website is now completely restored on your new hosting.

⚙️ Alternative: Using Migration Plugins

If your backup was taken using migration plugins like:

• All-in-One WP Migration

• Duplicator

• UpdraftPlus

Then simply:

1. Install a fresh WordPress on the new server.

2. Install the same plugin.

3. Import the backup file.

4. The plugin will automatically restore both files and database.

? Pro Tips

• Always take full backups before making changes.

• Keep your wp-content folder secure — it contains your themes, plugins, and uploads.

• Use UpdraftPlus or BlogVault for scheduled backups.

• Ensure your PHP version on the new host matches or exceeds the old one.

? Conclusion

Restoring an old WordPress website on new hosting is simple once you understand how to connect files and databases properly. By following the above steps, you can migrate your site safely without losing data, SEO ranking, or functionality. Always verify your domain, database settings, and URL structure for a seamless transition.