How to Migrate WordPress to GoZen Host

Moving your WordPress site to GoZen Host doesn’t have to be stressful. This guide walks you through three migration methods, from the easiest to the most hands-on, so you can pick whichever fits your comfort level.

Before You Start link

Before beginning the migration, make sure you have:

• Your GoZen Host cPanel or Enhance login credentials
• Access to your current hosting account (cPanel, FTP, or similar)
• A backup of your current site (files + database)
• Your domain’s registrar login (to update DNS later)

Lower your TTL first. If you can access your domain’s DNS settings, lower the TTL to 300 seconds (5 minutes) at least 24 hours before migration. This makes the DNS switch happen faster. See DNS Propagation Explained for details.

Method 1: Migration Plugin (Easiest) link

This is the recommended method for most users. A plugin handles everything automatically.

Using All-in-One WP Migration link

1. On your current site, install and activate All-in-One WP Migration
2. Go to All-in-One WP Migration > Export
3. Choose Export To > File
4. Wait for the export to finish, then download the .wpress file

On GoZen Host link

1. Log in to cPanel > Softaculous > install a fresh WordPress on your domain
2. Log in to the new WordPress installation
3. Install and activate All-in-One WP Migration
4. Go to All-in-One WP Migration > Import
5. Upload your .wpress file
6. Wait for the import to complete
7. Go to Settings > Permalinks and click Save Changes (without changing anything) to rebuild the rewrite rules
8. Done. Your site is now running on GoZen Host.

File size limit: The free version of All-in-One WP Migration has a 512MB import limit, which covers most sites. For larger sites, consider the Unlimited Extension or use Method 2.

Alternative Plugin: Duplicator link

Duplicator is another solid option:

1. Install Duplicator on your current site
2. Go to Duplicator > Packages > Create New
3. It generates two files: an archive (your site) and an installer (PHP script)
4. Upload both files to your GoZen Host account via File Manager or SFTP
5. Visit yourdomain.com/installer.php in your browser
6. Follow the wizard (enter your new database credentials from cPanel)
7. Duplicator rebuilds your site on GoZen Host

Method 2: Manual Migration (Full Control) link

Best when plugins hit size limits or you want complete control over the process.

Step 1: Export the Database link

On your current host:

1. Open phpMyAdmin (usually found in cPanel)
2. Select your WordPress database
3. Click Export > Quick > SQL format
4. Download the .sql file

Step 2: Download All Files link

Download your entire WordPress installation:

Via cPanel File Manager:

1. Navigate to your site’s root folder (public_html/ or similar)
2. Select all files > Compress > download the .zip

Via SFTP:

  # Using an SFTP client or command line
sftp user@oldhost.com
get -r public_html/ ./wordpress-backup/
  

Step 3: Create a Database on GoZen Host link

1. Log in to cPanel on GoZen Host
2. Go to MySQL Databases
3. Create a new database (e.g., yourdomain_wp)
4. Create a new database user with a strong password
5. Add the user to the database with All Privileges

Step 4: Import the Database link

1. Open phpMyAdmin on GoZen Host
2. Select the new database you created
3. Click Import > choose your .sql file > click Go

Step 5: Upload Files link

Upload your WordPress files to GoZen Host:

Via File Manager:

1. Navigate to public_html/ (or the correct document root)
2. Upload your .zip file
3. Extract it

Via SFTP:

  sftp user@your-gozen-server
put -r ./wordpress-backup/* public_html/
  

Step 6: Update wp-config.php link

Edit wp-config.php to match your new GoZen Host database:

  define('DB_NAME', 'yourdomain_wp');          // your new database name
define('DB_USER', 'yourdomain_wpuser');      // your new database user
define('DB_PASSWORD', 'your-new-password');   // your new password
define('DB_HOST', 'localhost');               // usually stays localhost
  

Step 7: Update URLs (if domain stays the same) link

If you’re using a temporary URL during migration, update the WordPress URLs in the database:

  -- Run this in phpMyAdmin on GoZen Host
UPDATE wp_options SET option_value = 'https://yourdomain.com' WHERE option_name = 'siteurl';
UPDATE wp_options SET option_value = 'https://yourdomain.com' WHERE option_name = 'home';
  

Step 8: Test Before Going Live link

Before updating DNS, test your site:

1. Edit your local hosts file to point your domain to GoZen’s server IP:

   • Windows: C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts
   • Mac/Linux: /etc/hosts

   Add: YOUR_GOZEN_IP yourdomain.com www.yourdomain.com

2. Visit your domain in a private/incognito window

3. Check that all pages, images, and forms work correctly

4. Remove the hosts file entry when done

Method 3: Managed Migration (We Do It for You) link

Don’t want to deal with any of this? GoZen Host offers managed migration assistance:

1. Open a support ticket at support.gozenhost.com
2. Provide your current hosting login details
3. Our team migrates your site and verifies everything works
4. You update DNS when ready

This is the best option for complex sites, WooCommerce stores, or multisite installations.

Switching DNS to GoZen Host link

Once your site is tested and working on GoZen Host:

1. Log in to your domain registrar
2. Update your nameservers to:

  ns1.gozenhost.com
ns2.gozenhost.com
ns3.gozenhost.com
zen.gozenhost.com
  

Or point your A record to your GoZen server’s IP address. See Pointing Your Domain for details.

3. Wait for DNS propagation (usually 1-4 hours)

Post-Migration Checklist link

After migration is complete and DNS has propagated:

• Verify your SSL certificate is active (check GoZen SSL Auditor)
• Test all pages, forms, and checkout flows
• Check email is working (update MX records if needed)
• Clear all caches (browser, WordPress, LiteSpeed)
• Install LiteSpeed Cache if not already active
• Run a speed test at GTmetrix or PageSpeed Insights
• Update any hardcoded URLs in your content
• Check Google Search Console for crawl errors after a few days
• Cancel your old hosting account (but keep a backup for 30 days)

Common Migration Issues link

Related Articles link

• DNS Propagation Explained
• Pointing Your Domain to GoZen Host
• Installing WordPress on GoZen Host
• LiteSpeed Cache for WordPress
• Fix WordPress White Screen of Death
• Request Free Migration - prefer to let us handle it? We migrate WordPress sites for free