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.
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.
Before Migration
Document Your Setup
| Item | Why It Matters |
|---|
| Dashboard URL | Child sites use this to communicate with the Dashboard |
| Extension license keys | Required if reactivation is needed after migration |
| Extension settings | Export using built-in import/export features where available |
Create Backups
Create backups before starting migration.
| Backup Type | Contents |
|---|
| Database | Full database backup of the Dashboard site |
| Files | Complete backup including wp-content |
| Configuration | Document wp-config.php constants and .htaccess rules |
During Migration
Use any standard WordPress migration method:
| Method | Examples |
|---|
| Migration plugins | Duplicator, All-in-One WP Migration, UpdraftPlus |
| Hosting tools | Many hosts offer one-click migration |
| Manual migration | Export database, copy files, update wp-config.php |
After Migration
Verify Dashboard Access
Log in
Access your MainWP Dashboard at the new location.
Check status
Navigate to MainWP > Info > Server to confirm the Dashboard is functioning.
Verify extensions
Confirm all extensions appear and are activated.
Reconnect Extensions
If extensions show as deactivated, go to MainWP > Add-ons, enter your API credentials, and reactivate any extensions that require license verification.
Verify Child Site Connections
Open Manage Sites
Navigate to MainWP > Sites > Manage Sites.
Sync all sites
Click Sync All to verify connections.
Check connection status
Verify each site shows as connected.
Reconnect Disconnected Sites
When the Dashboard URL changes, child sites may not automatically find the new location.
Access child site
Visit the child site’s wp-admin directly.
Update Dashboard URL
Go to Settings > MainWP Child and update the Dashboard URL if it shows the old address.
Reconnect
Reconnect from your new Dashboard location.
Test Core Functionality
Verify these features work after migration:
| Test | Action |
|---|
| Site access | Jump to WP Admin for several child sites |
| Data sync | Sync site data successfully |
| Updates view | View updates across your network |
| Update test | Run a test update on a non-critical site |
Domain Changes During Migration
When your Dashboard domain changes (for example, olddashboard.com to newdashboard.com):
- Avoid running search-replace operations on MainWP tables
- Child sites will need reconnection to the new Dashboard URL
- See Changing the Domain of Your MainWP Dashboard for detailed guidance
Keeping the Same Domain
When migrating to a new server while keeping the same domain:
Update DNS
Point DNS to the new server.
Wait for propagation
DNS propagation may take up to 48 hours.
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.
Self-Check Checklist
