How to Migrate WordPress to InterServer (Free Migration Guide)
How to Migrate WordPress to InterServer (Free Migration Guide 2026)
Last updated: April 19, 2026 | Migrations completed: 4 | Average downtime: Zero
Switching web hosts sounds scary, but migrating WordPress to InterServer is straightforward — and InterServer will even do it for free. We’ve migrated four sites from Hostinger, Bluehost, and GoDaddy to InterServer over the past 18 months. Here’s the exact process, including the free migration option and a manual DIY method.
Option 1: Free Migration by InterServer (Recommended)
InterServer offers free website migration for new customers. Their technical team handles the entire process — files, databases, email accounts, and DNS configuration. Here’s how to request it:
- Step 1: Sign up for InterServer hosting ($1 for 3 months with code TRYINTERSERVER)
- Step 2: Submit a support ticket with subject “Free Website Migration”
- Step 3: Provide your old host’s cPanel/login credentials (or FTP details + database access)
- Step 4: InterServer’s team migrates everything — usually within 24-48 hours
- Step 5: Verify your site works on InterServer using a temporary URL or hosts file edit
- Step 6: Update your domain’s nameservers to InterServer’s (ns1.interhostserver.net, ns2.interhostserver.net)
We used this method for two of our four migrations. Both were completed within 24 hours with zero issues. The support technician even verified our SSL certificates and tested WordPress admin login after the migration.
Option 2: DIY Migration with UpdraftPlus (Free Plugin)
If you prefer to handle the migration yourself, UpdraftPlus is the easiest free method. No command line knowledge required.
Step 1: Backup Your Existing Site
Install UpdraftPlus on your current WordPress site (Plugins → Add New → search “UpdraftPlus”). Go to Settings → UpdraftPlus Backups → click “Backup Now.” Select both “Include your database” and “Include your files.” Wait for the backup to complete — this creates a full downloadable backup of your site.
Step 2: Set Up WordPress on InterServer
Log into InterServer cPanel → Softaculous → Install WordPress on your domain. Use a temporary admin username and password — these will be overwritten during the restore.
Step 3: Restore from Backup
Install UpdraftPlus on the fresh WordPress installation on InterServer. Go to Settings → UpdraftPlus → “Restore” tab → upload the backup files from Step 1 → click “Restore.” UpdraftPlus will rebuild your entire site — theme, plugins, content, settings, and database.
Step 4: Update DNS
Once you’ve verified the site works correctly on InterServer, update your domain’s nameservers at your domain registrar to point to InterServer. DNS propagation takes 2-48 hours (usually under 4 hours).
Option 3: Manual Migration via cPanel
For advanced users who want full control:
- Export database: Old host cPanel → phpMyAdmin → Export → Quick → Go (downloads .sql file)
- Download files: Old host cPanel → File Manager → select all wp-content, wp-config.php → Compress → Download
- Create database on InterServer: cPanel → MySQL Databases → create new database + user
- Import database: InterServer cPanel → phpMyAdmin → select new database → Import → upload .sql file
- Upload files: InterServer cPanel → File Manager → upload and extract your compressed files
- Update wp-config.php: Edit database name, username, and password to match InterServer credentials
- Update DNS: Point nameservers to InterServer
Migration Checklist
- All pages and posts display correctly
- Images and media files load properly
- WordPress admin login works
- SSL certificate is active (https:// works)
- Contact forms send test emails
- Plugins are activated and functioning
- Permalink structure matches the old site
- 301 redirects from old URLs still work
- LiteSpeed Cache is installed and configured
- Email accounts are set up (if using hosting email)
Common Migration Issues (and Fixes)
| Issue | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| White screen after migration | PHP version mismatch | Match PHP version in cPanel → MultiPHP Manager |
| Broken images | Hardcoded old domain in database | Use “Better Search Replace” plugin to update URLs |
| SSL not working | Certificate not installed | cPanel → Let’s Encrypt → issue new certificate |
| Slow after migration | LiteSpeed Cache not active | Install and activate LSCache plugin |
| Email not working | MX records still pointing to old host | Update MX records in DNS zone editor |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does InterServer charge for website migration?
No. InterServer offers free migration for all new customers. Submit a support ticket after signing up and their team handles the entire process at no additional cost.
Will my site go down during migration?
Not if you do it correctly. Keep your old hosting active during the migration. Once the site is fully working on InterServer, update your DNS nameservers. The only “downtime” is DNS propagation (2-48 hours), during which visitors will see either the old or new server — both serving your site.
Can I migrate from any hosting provider to InterServer?
Yes. InterServer’s migration team supports migrations from any cPanel host, any custom panel host (Hostinger hPanel, SiteGround Site Tools), and even from WordPress.com or Squarespace. The process may vary slightly, but they’ve handled migrations from virtually every hosting platform.
Get InterServer — $1 for 3 Months + Free Migration
Code: TRYINTERSERVER | Free migration included
HostingConnector Editorial Team
Verified Hosting Experts | 50+ Hosts Tested Since 2020
Our team purchases and tests every hosting plan we review. We monitor uptime, measure server response times, contact support repeatedly, and track real costs over 12+ months. We are not paid to rank any host higher — our recommendations are based on data, not commissions.
