Migrating a WordPress website from one hosting provider to another may sound like a straightforward task—but for many website owners, WordPress website migration often turns into a technical headache. From PHP version mismatches to broken email functions and lost SEO value, there’s a lot that can go wrong during the process. If not done correctly, a site migration can affect your performance, search rankings, and even your customer trust.
In this blog, we’ll explore the most common WordPress website migration issues and provide practical solutions to ensure a seamless transition to your new hosting environment.
1. PHP Version Compatibility: The Silent Breaker
One of the most overlooked problems during migration is the PHP version mismatch. Many older websites were built on legacy PHP versions that are no longer supported by modern hosts like GoDaddy—unless you pay for additional tools or managed hosting. Some hosting providers, such as Hostinger, still offer support for older PHP versions.
Solution:
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Check the current PHP version on your old hosting before migration.
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Choose a host that allows you to select the required PHP version or update your WordPress theme and plugins to be compatible with newer versions.
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If needed, test everything on a staging site before going live.
2. Theme and Plugin Compatibility
Outdated themes and plugins can cause your site to break after migration, especially if they rely on deprecated PHP functions or older WordPress core versions.
Solution:
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Update all plugins and themes before migrating.
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Backup your current theme files and use a child theme if customization was done directly.
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Test compatibility in a local or staging environment.
3. Broken Emails After Migration
Emails not working after a migration is a common problem—especially with contact forms or notification emails. This usually occurs due to DNS issues, wrong SMTP settings, or conflicts with the new host’s email configuration.
Solution:
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Use SMTP plugins like WP Mail SMTP to manage outgoing emails.
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Verify and update MX records and DNS settings with your domain registrar.
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Test email forms and notifications immediately after the migration.
4. Incomplete File Transfer
Missing files or incomplete database imports can cause broken pages, media issues, or white screen errors.
Solution:
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Use a reliable migration plugin like All-in-One WP Migration, Duplicator, or UpdraftPlus.
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Manually verify that wp-content, wp-config.php, and .htaccess files are intact.
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Double-check the database import and permalinks settings.
5. SEO Breakdown: Don’t Lose Your Rankings
SEO often gets ignored during migration. Broken URLs, missing metadata, and plugin resets can significantly affect your Google rankings and traffic.
Solution:
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Install and configure a robust SEO plugin like Yoast SEO or Rank Math.
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Re-check meta titles, meta descriptions, alt text on images, and schema settings.
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Set up 301 redirects for any changed URLs to preserve your rankings.
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Submit the new sitemap to Google Search Console after migration.
6. Downtime and Broken Links
Extended downtime or site errors after migration can lead to poor user experience and negative SEO signals.
Solution:
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Use a staging server to test everything before going live.
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Schedule the migration during off-peak hours.
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Monitor the website post-migration with tools like Google Search Console and UptimeRobot.
Final Thoughts
Website migration isn’t just about moving files—it’s about protecting your site’s functionality, design, and visibility. From PHP compatibility to email fixes and SEO preservation, every detail matters.
If you’re planning a WordPress migration or have already started and run into trouble, don’t wait until your traffic or sales drop. Get expert help to ensure your website transitions smoothly and stays optimized for performance and growth.