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How to Move Your Localhost WordPress Site to a Live Server Without Hassle

How to Move Your Localhost WordPress Site to a Live Server Without Hassle

A Step-by-Step Guide to Seamlessly Transition Your WordPress Site from Local Development to Live Hosting

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Tannu
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3 min read

Developing a WordPress site on localhost is a great way to build and test your website in a controlled environment. But once it’s ready, the next step is to move it to a live server for public access. This process can seem daunting, but with the right steps, you can avoid complications and make the transition seamless.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to move your WordPress site from localhost to a live server without hassle.

Step 1: Prepare Your Local WordPress Site

Before moving your site, ensure everything is in order:

  1. Backup Your Local Files: Create a backup of your entire WordPress folder, including the database.

  2. Test Your Site: Verify that all plugins, themes, and customizations are functioning correctly.

Step 2: Choose a Hosting Provider and Domain Name

Select a reliable hosting provider that meets your needs and set up a domain name for your website. Most hosting services come with user-friendly tools for WordPress setup.

Step 3: Export the Local Database

  1. Use phpMyAdmin or a similar tool to export your WordPress database.

  2. Save the SQL file to your local machine.

Step 4: Upload Files to the Live Server

  1. Use an FTP client (e.g., FileZilla) to upload your WordPress files to the public_html or root directory of your live server.

  2. Ensure all files, including themes and plugins, are uploaded correctly.

Step 5: Create a Database on the Live Server

  1. Access your hosting control panel and create a new database.

  2. Note down the database name, username, and password for future reference.

Step 6: Import the Local Database to the Live Server

  1. Use phpMyAdmin on the live server to import the SQL file you exported earlier.

  2. Ensure the import process completes without errors.

Step 7: Update the wp-config.php File

  1. Edit the wp-config.php file in your WordPress directory.

  2. Update the database name, username, and password to match your live server credentials.

Step 8: Update Site URLs

  1. Use phpMyAdmin to update the siteurl and home fields in the wp_options table to reflect your live domain.

  2. Alternatively, use a plugin like Velvet Blues Update URLs to handle this step.

Step 9: Test Your Live Site

  1. Visit your domain to ensure your site is live and functioning correctly.

  2. Test all links, forms, and features to verify they work as expected.

Step 10: Enable SSL and Optimize for Speed

  1. Set up an SSL certificate to secure your site with HTTPS.

  2. Use caching plugins and a Content Delivery Network (CDN) to enhance performance.

Conclusion

Migrating your WordPress site from localhost to a live server may seem overwhelming, but with this step-by-step guide, you can achieve it with ease. Careful preparation, accurate file transfers, and thorough testing are key to a successful transition.

By moving your site to a live server, you’re opening it up to the world—making your hard work visible and accessible to your audience.

WordPressGuideLocalhostToLiveServerwordpress tipswebsitedevelopmentWordPressMigration