How to Migrate a Website from Localhost to WordPress Live Server

Migrate WordPress Website from Localhost to Live Server : Building a WordPress website on a localhost environment is a common practice for developers and beginners. It allows you to work on your website offline, make changes, and test functionality without impacting a live audience. Once your website is ready, the next step is to migrate it to a live server so it can go public.

Migrating a website may seem daunting, but with the right steps, it’s a straightforward process. In this guide, we’ll show you how to migrate your WordPress website from localhost to a live server effortlessly.

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Why Migrate from Localhost to a Live Server?

Developing your website locally offers advantages such as faster development and no hosting costs. However, to make your site accessible to the world, it must be hosted on a live server. Migration ensures your content, design, and settings transfer seamlessly from your local environment to a web hosting platform.

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Step-by-Step Guide to Migrate a Website from Localhost to Live Server

1. Prepare Your Localhost Website

Before starting the migration, ensure your localhost website is complete and working as intended.

• Test all functionalities, including forms, navigation, and plugins.
• Back up your local WordPress site files and database.

2. Choose a Reliable Web Host

Select a hosting provider that meets your website’s needs in terms of speed, storage, and security. Popular options include Bluehost, SiteGround, and HostGator.

3. Install a Migration Plugin

To simplify the process, use a WordPress migration plugin. Recommended plugins include:

• All-in-One WP Migration
• Duplicator
• UpdraftPlus

4. Export Your Localhost Website Files

• Using a Plugin:
  • Install the migration plugin on your localhost WordPress dashboard.
  • Use the plugin to create a backup or export package.
  • Save the exported file to your computer.
• Manually Exporting Files:
  • Locate your WordPress files in the localhost directory (e.g., htdocs in XAMPP).
  • Compress the files into a .zip archive.

5. Export Your Local Database

• Open phpMyAdmin on your localhost.
• Select your website’s database from the left sidebar.
• Click the Export tab and choose the Quick Export option.
• Save the .sql file to your computer.

6. Upload Your Website Files to the Live Server

• Log in to your hosting account’s control panel.
• Open the File Manager or use an FTP client like FileZilla to upload files.
• Transfer the .zip file (from Step 4) to your server’s root directory (e.g., public_html).
• Extract the files.

7. Import Your Database to the Live Server

• Access the hosting control panel’s phpMyAdmin.
• Create a new database and note the database name, username, and password.
• Go to the Import tab and upload the .sql file from Step 5.

8. Update the wp-config.php File

• Edit the wp-config.php file in your website’s root directory.
• Update the database name, username, and password to match your live server credentials.

9. Update URLs in the Database

• Use a plugin like Better Search Replace to replace localhost URLs with your live domain name.
• Example: Replace http://localhost/yourwebsite with https://yourdomain.com.

10. Test Your Live Website

• Open your live website in a browser to check if everything works correctly.
• Test navigation, forms, and functionality.

11. Final Tweaks and SEO Setup

• Update your WordPress permalinks by visiting Settings > Permalinks and clicking Save Changes.
• Install an SEO plugin like Yoast SEO or Rank Math to optimize your site.

Why WordPress is Better Than Other CMS Platforms in 2025

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Common Issues During Migration and How to Fix Them

Issue 1: Internal Server Errors

• Solution: Ensure all files are uploaded correctly and update file permissions.

Issue 2: Broken Links or Missing Images

• Solution: Use a search-and-replace tool to correct URLs in the database.

Issue 3: Database Connection Error

• Solution: Double-check the database credentials in the wp-config.php file.

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Benefits of Migrating to a Live Server

• Global Accessibility: Your website becomes available to users worldwide.
• Professional Presence: Hosting your site on a domain adds credibility.
• Search Engine Visibility: Search engines can index and rank your site.

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Conclusion

Migrating your WordPress website from localhost to a live server might seem complex, but by following this step-by-step guide, you can make the process smooth and hassle-free. Using tools like migration plugins and ensuring proper database configuration are key to a successful migration.

Once your website is live, take advantage of its global reach to grow your audience and achieve your goals. Remember, a well-migrated website not only ensures a seamless user experience but also sets the foundation for online success.