MAMP.ONE: A Digital Safari

Migrating a WordPress Site to a Server with MAMP PRO

WordPress migration

Migrating a WordPress site to a new server and/or a new hosting service can be complex, but with MAMP PRO, the process becomes quite simple. With MAMP PRO you can import, test, and transfer your WordPress site to the new server / hosting service. One key advantage is that no login credentials are stored on third-party servers during the migration, ensuring enhanced security. Here’s a step-by-step guide to migrating your WordPress site to a new server using MAMP PRO.

Step 1: Import your WordPress Site from your old server

The first step is to import your existing WordPress site into MAMP PRO for local development and testing.

  1. Open MAMP PRO and create a new site.
  2. During setup, choose the “Import” option.
  3. Choose a name and select the site folder.
  4. Complete all steps of the setup wizard.
  5. Your site will now be imported.

You now have a full local copy of your WordPress site to work on and test before transferring it to the new host.

Import Site
Transfer Settings

Step 2: Test the Imported WordPress Site Locally with MAMP PRO

Once your WordPress site is imported, you should test it locally to ensure it works as expected. Here’s how:

  1. Run your site locally by starting the servers in MAMP PRO.
  2. Open your site in your browser and verify that all pages, plugins, and custom functionality are working correctly.
  3. If necessary, make adjustments and resolve any issues locally.

Check and Match PHP Versions

A crucial part of the migration process is ensuring that the PHP version on your new server matches the one you are using locally. PHP version mismatches can lead to compatibility issues. Here’s what to do:

  • Check the PHP version used by your new hosting provider and ensure it’s compatible with your site.
  • If the required PHP version is missing, open the settings and install it under “Languages” → “PHP”.
  • Set the PHP version in MAMP PRO to match that of your new server. In MAMP PRO, navigate to the General tab of your site, and select the appropriate version. This ensures your local environment mirrors the server environment and helps prevent issues after migration.

Step 3: Use the Transfer Function to Migrate the WordPress Site to a new server

Once your site is running smoothly on your local environment, you can use the Transfer function in MAMP PRO to migrate the site to your new hosting provider.

  1. Open the Transfer Tab of your site in MAMP PRO.
  2. Configure your new hosting provider’s details, such as:
    • Server type (e.g., Apache or Nginx).
    • Database credentials
    • FTP/SFTP credentials to connect to your server.
    For detailed instructions on configuring the transfer, refer to the MAMP PRO Transfer Documentation.
  3. After configuring the settings, click “Publish” to transfer your site to your new server.
Move WordPress to a new server

Security: No Storage of Login Credentials on Third-Party Servers

One of the standout advantages of using MAMP PRO for migration is that no login credentials are stored on third-party servers. MAMP PRO only uses the credentials temporarily to connect to your new hosting provider, meaning your FTP and database login details are never stored externally. This keeps your sensitive information secure, unlike other tools that may store credentials on external servers.

Step 4: MAMP PRO Automatically Adjusts WordPress Settings

A key feature of MAMP PRO during the publishing process is its ability to automatically adjust all necessary WordPress settings if your site’s domain name or server configuration changes during migration. For example, if you’re moving your site to a new domain, MAMP PRO ensures that all internal URLs, links, and settings within WordPress are updated accordingly.

This automatic adjustment eliminates the need to manually update the database or search for old URLs throughout your WordPress site, saving time and preventing errors. Whether it’s a domain name change or server path modification, MAMP PRO handles these critical tasks for you, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free transition.

Step 5: Verify the Live Site

After the transfer, visit the live version of your WordPress site on the new hosting provider. Perform the same checks as you did locally to ensure everything is working perfectly. Verify that pages, plugins, and custom functionalities are running smoothly, and that the migration was successful.