How to migrate WordPress site on Cloudways
Quick Answer
Create a new WordPress app on Cloudways, install the Cloudways WordPress Migrator plugin on your source site, enter SFTP and app details to migrate files/database automatically. Test via temporary URL, add domain, update DNS records, install SSL, and re-enable caching after propagation.
Prerequisites
- Cloudways account with provisioned server and new empty WordPress application
- Access to source WordPress site admin dashboard and full backup
- Cloudways login credentials including SFTP details (public IP, username, password)
- Domain DNS access for post-migration updates
- Site maintenance plugin to prevent data loss during migration
Step-by-Step Instructions
1
Create Cloudways Account and WordPress Application
Sign up for a Cloudways account if needed, then navigate to Servers > select server > Add Application > choose WordPress, enter app name, and launch. Note the Application URL (e.g.,
http://your-app-id-123456.cloudwaysapps.com), Public IP, Database name, and create or note SFTP master username/password from server overview or application credentials.[1][2][3] Choose a server provider like DigitalOcean and size matching your site needs.
2
Prepare Source Site
Backup your source WordPress site fully (files + database) using UpdraftPlus or hosting tools. Clean up by deleting deactivated plugins/themes, install a maintenance mode plugin to take site offline, and optionally add Server IP & Memory Usage Display plugin for monitoring.[1][2][3]
Prevent lost data like orders/comments by enabling maintenance mode before starting.
3
Install Cloudways Migrator Plugin
On source site, go to Plugins > Add New, search for
Cloudways WordPress Migrator, install and activate. This adds a Cloudways Migrate menu item in the admin sidebar.[1][2][3][4]4
Launch Migration Wizard
Click Cloudways Migrate, enter your Cloudways account email (matching dashboard login), agree to terms, and click Migrate.[1][2]
5
Enter Destination Details and Start Migration
Fill in: Destination Site URL (Cloudways app URL), SFTP Host (Public IP), Database Name, SFTP Username/Password (master or app-specific). Optionally specify non-WordPress root directories. Click Start Migration; process takes minutes to hours based on site size.[1][2][3][4]
Create app-specific SFTP user in Cloudways for security instead of master credentials.
6
Monitor and Test Migration
Wait for 'Migration is complete' message, then test site functionality using the temporary Application URL in Cloudways. Check pages, forms, and plugins.[1][2][3]
7
Add Domain to Cloudways
In Cloudways, go to Applications > select app > Domain Management > enter domain (e.g.,
example.com) as Primary Domain and save. Cloudways performs search/replace for URLs.[1][2][3] Disable Varnish caching and pause Cloudflare/CDN before DNS changes to avoid issues.
8
Update DNS Records
At your domain registrar, update A record to Cloudways server IP and CNAME for www if needed. Use tools like WhatsMyDNS to check propagation (1-48 hours).[1][2][3]
9
Install SSL Certificate
In Cloudways Application Management > SSL Certificate, enter domain to generate free Let's Encrypt SSL and enable HTTPS redirection.[1][2][3]
10
Finalize and Test
Re-enable caching (Varnish), clear all caches, save permalinks (Settings > Permalinks), test thoroughly with live domain, deactivate maintenance mode, and set real cron job via Cloudways (e.g.,
wp-cron.php?doing_wp_cron every minute).[1][2][3] Use Widget Importer/Exporter for missing widgets post-migration.
Common Issues & Troubleshooting
404 errors or broken links after DNS switch
Save permalinks in <strong>Settings</strong> > <strong>Permalinks</strong>, clear all caches, and wait for full DNS propagation.
Missing widgets or theme issues
Install Widget Importer/Exporter plugin, export from source and import to migrated site.
Caching conflicts during migration
Disable Varnish in Cloudways, pause Cloudflare CDN/caching until DNS propagates, then re-enable.
Migration fails or times out
Verify SFTP credentials, ensure source site is online, clean up large files/plugins, or contact Cloudways free migration service.
Site slow or cron issues post-migration
Set real cron job in Cloudways cron settings and monitor with Server IP & Memory Usage plugin.