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Migrating a WordPress installation with MainWP installed works the same as migrating any WordPress site. You can use migration plugins, hosting migration tools, or manually copy files and the database. MainWP functionality continues after migration without requiring reconfiguration in most cases.

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What You’ll Learn

  • How to prepare for migration
  • What to verify after migration
  • How to handle domain changes
  • How to reconnect child sites
For general WordPress migration guidance, see the official documentation: Moving WordPress.

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Before Migration

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Document Your Setup

ItemWhy It Matters
Dashboard URLChild sites use this to communicate with the Dashboard
Extension license keysRequired if reactivation is needed after migration
Extension settingsExport using built-in import/export features where available
Sync all child sites before migration to ensure the database contains current information.

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Create Backups

Create backups before starting migration.
Backup TypeContents
DatabaseFull database backup of the Dashboard site
FilesComplete backup including wp-content
ConfigurationDocument wp-config.php constants and .htaccess rules

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During Migration

Use any standard WordPress migration method:
MethodExamples
Migration pluginsDuplicator, All-in-One WP Migration, UpdraftPlus
Hosting toolsMany hosts offer one-click migration
Manual migrationExport database, copy files, update wp-config.php
If changing domains during migration, see Changing the Domain of Your MainWP Dashboard for important considerations about search-replace operations.

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After Migration

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Verify Dashboard Access

1

Log in

Access your MainWP Dashboard at the new location.
2

Check status

Navigate to MainWP > Info > Server to confirm the Dashboard is functioning.
3

Verify extensions

Confirm all extensions appear and are activated.

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Reconnect Extensions

If extensions show as deactivated, go to MainWP > Extensions, enter your API credentials, and reactivate any extensions that require license verification.

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Verify Child Site Connections

1

Open Manage Sites

Navigate to MainWP > Sites > Manage Sites.
2

Sync all sites

Click Sync All to verify connections.
3

Check connection status

Verify each site shows as connected.

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Reconnect Disconnected Sites

When the Dashboard URL changes, child sites may not automatically find the new location.
1

Access child site

Visit the child site’s wp-admin directly.
2

Update Dashboard URL

Go to Settings > MainWP Child and update the Dashboard URL if it shows the old address.
3

Reconnect

Reconnect from your new Dashboard location.
If using the same domain, ensure DNS has propagated, clear any CDN or caching layers, and force a sync from the Dashboard.

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Test Core Functionality

Verify these features work after migration:
TestAction
Site accessJump to WP Admin for several child sites
Data syncSync site data successfully
Updates viewView updates across your network
Update testRun a test update on a non-critical site

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Domain Changes During Migration

When your Dashboard domain changes (for example, olddashboard.com to newdashboard.com):
  1. Avoid running search-replace operations on MainWP tables
  2. Child sites will need reconnection to the new Dashboard URL
  3. See Changing the Domain of Your MainWP Dashboard for detailed guidance

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Keeping the Same Domain

When migrating to a new server while keeping the same domain:
1

Update DNS

Point DNS to the new server.
2

Wait for propagation

DNS propagation may take up to 48 hours.
3

Verify connections

Child site connections should resume automatically once DNS resolves to the new server. Use Jump to WP Admin or sync operations to confirm.
No reconfiguration is typically needed when the domain stays the same.

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Self-Check Checklist

  • Backup created before migration
  • Extension license keys documented
  • Dashboard accessible at new location
  • Extensions activated and functioning
  • All child sites connected and syncing
  • Core functionality tested