Seamless Transition: Easy Steps to Migrate Your WordPress Site with WordPress Duplicator

Want to copy your WordPress site with ease? The Duplicator plugin is an excellent way to back up or move your website. In this accessible guide, we will show you step-by-step instructions on how to use the Duplicator plugin. From installing the plugin to creating backups and moving your site, you’ll find it very simple to protect your website. Whether changing hosts or wanting a safety backup, this guide will help you start with Duplicator quickly.

What is the Duplicator Plugin?

The Duplicator plugin is a popular WordPress tool that allows you to copy, back up, or move your website quickly. It helps WordPress users create a whole website backup, including all files, databases, plugins, and themes. This is useful when moving your site to a new hosting service, making a complete backup, or even duplicating your site for testing.

With Duplicator, you can create a site package that includes an installer file and an archive file. The installer file helps you set up the copied website on another server, while the archive file contains all your website data. After you create this package, you can download it and use it later to restore your site if needed.

The plugin also supports migrating a WordPress website to a different server or domain. This makes it easier for users to move their websites without losing content. Duplicator is a reliable tool many WordPress users prefer because it makes backing up and moving websites simple and safe.

How to Log in to Your WordPress Dashboard

To access our live website’s WordPress dashboard, use www.domain.com/wp-admin. First, type in your username or email address in the joint field. Next, type in your password carefully. Add a tick mark in the “Remember Me” field to remain signed in. Finally, click the “Log in” button to enter your WordPress dashboard. This method helps you manage your site with ease from the admin panel.

How to Add a New Plugin in WordPress

The first step in copying your WordPress website is installing a plugin. From your WordPress dashboard, navigate to the Plugins section on the left-hand menu. Click on Add New to open the plugin directory, where you can search for and install the plugin you need.

How to Search and Install the Duplicator Plugin in WordPress

To copy your WordPress website, you’ll need the Duplicator plugin. Open your WordPress and follow this path: plugin>Add new>Add New Plugin. In the search bar, type Duplicator. Look for the Duplicator—Migration & Backup Plugin with over 1+ million activations and excellent reviews. Once you find it, click Install Now to add the plugin to your site. This plugin is highly trusted for quickly making website copies.

How to Activate the Duplicator Plugin in WordPress

After the installation, the Install Now button will change to Activate. Click the Activate button to enable the Duplicator plugin on your WordPress website. This is the final step in using the plugin to copy and back up your site. It’s quick and easy to get your plugin ready for use.

Duplicator Plugin Appears in WordPress Dashboard

Once activated, the Duplicator plugin will appear on the left-hand side of your WordPress dashboard. Here, you can switch all necessary options and settings to begin a backup or copy of your website. This is where you’ll manage the plugin and create backups easily.

How to Access Duplicator Plugin Settings in WordPress

To adjust your Duplicator plugin settings, navigate to the plugin on the left-hand side of your WordPress dashboard. Click on Settings under the Duplicator menu. From here, you can configure options for backups, site migration, and more. This is where you control how the plugin works for your website.

How to Adjust Backup Settings in Duplicator Plugin

To change the backup settings in the Duplicator plugin, go to the Backups tab in the plugin’s settings. Under the SQL Mode section, switch from Mysqldump to PHP Code. This setting makes it easier to create backups, even if your server can’t use Mysqldump.

How to Save Backup Settings in Duplicator Plugin

After adjusting your backup preferences, navigate to the end of the page and press the Save Backup Settings button. This step will save your backup configuration, allowing you to create and manage backups easily in the future. It’s an important step to finalize your Duplicator plugin setup.

How to Create a New Backup in Duplicator Plugin

To create a new backup, click on the Backups tab in the Duplicator plugin. This will allow you to generate a fresh backup of your WordPress site. It’s essential to protect your website data and make copies whenever needed.

How to Add a New Backup in Duplicator Plugin

Click the Create New button in the Duplicator plugin to add a new backup or package. This will start the process of generating a backup for your WordPress site. It’s a quick and easy way to secure a copy of your website.

How to Proceed to the Next Step in Duplicator Plugin

After clicking Create New to start a backup, scroll down slightly and click the Next button. This will take you to the next step in the backup process, allowing you to review and confirm the storage location and installer settings. Follow this step to make sure that your backup is configured correctly.

How to Build a Backup in Duplicator Plugin

Once you’ve reviewed the backup settings, After this, at the bottom of the page, you can click on the build button. This will start creating a complete backup of your WordPress site. The Duplicator plugin will run checks and ensure everything is in order before finalizing the backup.

Monitor the Backup Progress in the Duplicator Plugin

While the backup is being created, you can see the progress on the screen. The Duplicator plugin will display a percentage showing how much the backup has been completed. Wait for the process to reach 100% before moving on to the next step.

How to Download Backup Files in Duplicator Plugin

Once the backup build is complete, click Download Both Files to get the Installer and Archive files. These files are necessary to restore or move your WordPress site. Make sure to download and save them securely for future use.

How to Create a Database in DirectAdmin

To add a new database for your WordPress site, open your DirectAdmin and type “database” in the search bar. Then, click on Databases from the results. This will take you to the section where you can set up and manage your databases for website installation or migration. In this tutorial, we are logging in through DirectAdmin, but if you prefer cPanel, you can easily create the database using cPanel and phpMyAdmin.

How to Create a New Database in DirectAdmin

To create your new database, fill in the form’s Database Name, Username, and Password fields. Once filled, click the Create button to complete the setup. This process is essential for setting up your website or migrating your data to a new server using DirectAdmin.

Database Successfully Created in DirectAdmin

After the setup, you’ll receive confirmation that your database has been created successfully. The details, including the database name, username, and password, will be displayed. Save this information securely when connecting your website or restoring backups.

How to Access File Manager in DirectAdmin

To access your File Manager, type “file” in the DirectAdmin search bar and select File Manager from the dropdown menu. This tool enables you to manage your site’s files via the hosting control panel, including backup, upload, and more.

How to Access public_html in File Manager

In the File Manager, locate and click on the public_html folder. This is the leading directory where your website files are stored. You can manage, upload, or modify files in this folder to control your website content.

How to Drag and Drop Files in File Manager

To upload your backup files, drag and drop both the Installer and Archive files into the public_html folder in your File Manager. This will upload the necessary files to restore or migrate your WordPress site.

How to Open Installer.php for WordPress Migration

To run the installer, open a new tab in your browser and type example.com/installer.php (replace “example.com” with your actual domain name). Press Enter to load the installer, guiding you through restoring or migrating your WordPress site.

How to Create a Database Connection for WordPress Migration

To create a database connection, enter your Database Name, Username, and Password in the required fields. After entering the details, click the Validate button to check the connection. This step will ensure your database is correctly linked to your WordPress site during migration.

How to Accept Terms and Conditions in Duplicator Plugin

To proceed to the next step, you must agree to the Terms and Conditions by ticking a checkbox. After receiving it, click the Next button to proceed with the migration or backup process. This step is required to continue using the Duplicator plugin.

How to Confirm Installation in Duplicator Plugin

Review the Site and Database Settings in the confirmation window to finalize the installation. Once you’ve checked the details, click OK to install. This will complete the migration or backup process using the Duplicator plugin.

How to Log in as Admin in Duplicator Plugin

After installing, click Admin Login to access your WordPress dashboard and finalize the setup. Read the critical message about removing the installer files to prevent security issues. This step will ensure your website is secured correctly after using the Duplicator plugin.

After Finish the Migration

To access your new WordPress installation, enter your username or email address and type in your password. Check the Remember Me box if you want to stay logged in, then click Log In to enter. This step will take you to the dashboard, where you can manage your site.

Site Successfully Migrated Using Duplicator Plugin

A confirmation message states, “This site has been successfully migrated.” This indicates that your WordPress site has been transferred or copied without issues.

How to Visit Your Site After Migration

After successfully migrating your site, click Visit Site in the Duplicator plugin to view your WordPress website. This is the final step to ensure everything has been transferred correctly and your site is live and functional.

Website Moved Successfully Using Duplicator

Your website has been moved with the Duplicator plugin. You can now see your live site and ensure it works well. This means your website is ready to use in its new location.

Read Our Step-by-Step Guide on the All in One Migration Tool

We have a step-by-step guide for the “All in One Migration” tool for WordPress websites. If you’d like to read that guide, click All in One Migration, and you can view the full article. This helpful guide describes all the steps to make the migration process straightforward.

Conclusion

Copying or backing up your WordPress site is easy with the Duplicator plugin. This guide has shown you how to create a copy of your site and move it without any trouble. The Duplicator plugin is a trusted tool for protecting your site. If you do so, your website will be ready to go wherever you need it to be at the particular time you need it. Now, your site is backed up and secure, giving you peace of mind.

About Author

This article was written by Haider Aftab Abbasi. If you’re looking for more insightful content or professional collaborations, feel free to connect with Haider on LinkedIn using the provided link.