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How to Do a Manual WordPress Migration to Bluehost Cloud

Migrating your WordPress site manually to Bluehost Cloud may seem daunting, especially if you're working with backup files and no automated tools. Fortunately, with a structured approach, you can complete the migration process confidently and avoid common pitfalls. This guide walks you through manual WordPress migration to Bluehost Cloud—from uploading files to verifying the site—to successfully transfer your WordPress site to Bluehost Cloud.

Before You Begin​

Ensure the following prerequisites are in place before beginning the manual migration:

Domain​

Make sure your domain is registered and pointed correctly. A domain is a memorable link or shortcut to an IP address, making it easier to access a website without remembering its numeric address.

  • Learn more about domains: About Domain Names.
  • Transfer your domain: How to Transfer a Domain to Us.

Bluehost Cloud Plan​

Bluehost Cloud is a managed WordPress hosting service that ensures fast page loading times and reliable uptime. It can handle growth and is built to keep your website running smoothly. Bluehost works closely with WordPress creators to provide top-notch support backed by a strong global server network.

Website Files and Database​

The compressed archive of the site's wp-content folder and the site's database file (usually a .sql file) are essential website components. The files include all the code, images, and other assets that constitute the website. Meanwhile, the database stores all the information needed to operate the website effectively. These two components work harmoniously to ensure the website functions correctly and delivers a seamless user experience. You will receive these files in one of two ways:

  • SFTP Upload: The user will upload the files to the ~/htdocs/tmp directory on the Cloud server via SFTP.
  • Direct Download Link: The user may provide direct download links from services like Dropbox or AWS S3 (for example, https://www.dropbox.com/s/xxx/wp-content-file-name.zip). Note: Services like Google Drive or WeTransfer don't provide direct download links and may not work.

FTP Client​

An FTP client is a software application that allows users to transfer files to and from a remote server. It facilitates the easy uploading, downloading, and management of files on the server. Typically, users must enter their username and password to access the remote server.

Manual WordPress Migration to Bluehost Cloud​

Important: Imports can be risky, and mistakes can be hard to undo. To avoid issues, work from the ~/htdocs/tmp directory when migrating a site. This lets you make changes without affecting the live site or exposing files to the public. Pre-Import Steps: If the site is live (not a fresh install), always use wp db export to back up the database before starting. This backup will help you recover if something goes wrong during the import.

Step 1: Upload the Backup Files​

  • Option 1: SFTP Upload - Upload the files to the ~/htdocs/tmp directory on the Cloud site via SFTP.
  • Option 2: Dropbox/Direct Download Link
  1. SSH into the site: Log in via SSH and navigate to the ~/htdocs/tmp directory:

cd ~htdocs/tmp


2. Run `wget` to download the files. Sometimes, you'll see one archive for the file system and database or separate ones. Example: 
> ```
wget https://www.dropbox.com/s/xxx/wp-content-file-name.zip
  1. Check Database Size: Confirm the size of the database file by running:

du --apparent-size -sh database.sql


**Important:** If it's over 10GB, the import could be slow or problematic.

**Handle Large wp-content Files:** Remove any specific files or folders from the wp-content directory that are not necessary to speed up the migration.
**Remove WordPress Core Files:** If you have a backup that includes WordPress core files, remove them. Bluehost WordPress Cloud already provides and maintains these core files for hosted sites.
### Step 2: Prepare the Files
1. Uncompress the Files: 
* For `.zip` files: ```
unzip file-name.zip
  • For .bz2 or .tar files: ``` tar -xvf file-name.bz2

* For `.gz` files: ```
gunzip file-name.gz
  1. Provided that you have correctly followed the steps and uploaded only the wp-content directory to the ~/htdocs/tmp folder, extracting the compressed file will restore all required files.
    Confirm the extracted wp-content folder is located in the ~/htdocs/tmp folder by using

ls -lah


3. In case you have followed the instructions, the wp-content directory should already be located in the `~/htdocs/tmp` folder. Simply extracting the compressed file will restore all necessary files.
4. Handle Additional Files: If you need other files or folders to be imported, move them to ` ~/htdocs/tmp`.

### Step 3: Import the Files
1. Sync the wp-content Folder: Use the following command to copy the `wp-content` folder from ` ~/htdocs/tmp` to your site's `htdocs` folder: 
> ```
rsync -zavhP ~/htdocs/tmp/wp-content/ ~/htdocs/wp-content/

And add --exclude= to exclude folders like mu-plugins to prevent errors, as they are pre-installed. 2. Check the Database Prefix: Before importing the database, open the .sql file to check the database prefix.

  • The default prefix for new sites on WP Cloud is wp_.
  • If the prefix in the _.sql_file differs, you must update it in thewp-config.php file.
  1. Update the Database Prefix (if needed):
  • Open wp-config.php (located in the root directory of your site).
  • Look for this line:

php $table_prefix = 'wp_';


* If the prefix in your database differs, change `'wp_'` to match the one in the `.sql` file.
4. Once the prefix is set correctly, import the database using the command: ```
wp db import file-name.sql
  1. Move Additional Files/Folders: If other files or folders exist, move them to the appropriate location in the site's file structure.

Step 4: Verify the Site​

Visit the site to ensure everything is imported correctly and loads as expected.

Step 5: Clean Up​

After the import, remove any unnecessary files ~/htdocs/tmp to keep things tidy.

  • To remove individual files:

rm file-name.sql


* To remove folders: 
> ```
rm -rf wp-content

If you're unsure about deleting files, leave them as they are—they're not harming the site.

Troubleshooting: Database Import Errors​

Common Issue: Large .sql files timing out or failing to import. Solutions:

  • Partition Tables : Break down large tables into smaller ones by date or category.
  • Export in Chunks : Use tools like mysqldump to export only necessary tables.
  • Optimize Timing : Schedule imports during low-traffic hours.

Also, ensure the database was exported with the correct permissions and no corrupt entries.

Alternative: Use an Automated Migration Tool​

If you prefer not to do it manually, try Bluehost Cloud Migration Tool for a quicker, less technical process.

Summary​

Completing a manual WordPress migration to Bluehost Cloud involves transferring your site's files and database without plugins or automation tools. By carefully following the outlined steps—preparing files, syncing content, and verifying the site—you can achieve a seamless migration and enjoy the full benefits of Bluehost Cloud hosting. Whether restoring from backup or migrating from another provider, this guide empowers you to take control of your website move.