Overview
This article explains how to move a WordPress website from one DreamHost account to another.
WordPress Content Move Service
As an alternative to the steps below, DreamHost offers a paid Content Move Service. This is provided by DreamHost's WordPress Support team to move your WordPress site between accounts for you.
Restrictions
The following restrictions apply to the panel move service:
WordPress sites only
For non-WordPress installations, see this article instead for instructions on manually moving your website data.
DreamHost WordPress installs only
The instructions in the following section only apply to WordPress installations created using the DreamHost WordPress installer. Additionally, the installation must be configured on the root domain (e.g., example.com).
If you previously installed WordPress manually and would like to use these steps, contact support to have it converted into a DreamHost installation.
Managing subdomains
Subdomains must be removed before initiating the move. If a subdomain needs to be added back for any reason, the new account owner must add it within their panel.
If you installed WordPress on a subdomain, you must rename it to a temporary dreamhosters.com subdomain before using the steps below. See this article to learn more about changing the domain of a WordPress site.
This option is not available on DreamPress websites. Please contact support for assistance in moving a DreamPress site.
Moving your WordPress site
This process will move the following items:
- Domain registration
- Custom DNS records
- Hosting control
- Website content
- Email accounts
- Announcement lists
- Discussion lists
After the move is complete, the website and related services will be controlled from the new account. This means you will no longer have access to manage or edit the site.
Only the new account owner will have access to manage the domain and website after the move.
Back up your website data
This step backs up your domain's data to your home computer. This ensures you always have a backup of your website to restore if needed.
The following articles provide information on how to back up your website files, database, and email:
- Website files — Use an FTP client to log in to your DreamHost server and download your website files.
- Database files — See this article for various database backup options.
- Email — See this article for instructions on how to back up your email to your computer using an email client with a POP connection.
Full account backup
You can also run a full account backup in the panel, which includes website files, databases, and email.
Start the move in the panel
- Navigate to the Manage Websites page.
- Click the Manage button to open Website settings, which allows you to modify various configurations for your site.
- Click the Content tab.
- Scroll to the Account-to-Account Site Move section.
- Click the Start Move button to the right.
Enter the recipient's information
- Start the move by entering the primary email address of the recipient’s DreamHost account.
- Check the box to confirm the domain registration transfer.
- Click Continue.
Generate the Account Move Key
- Click the Get Account Move Key button to generate a unique key.
- Click Continue.
- Check the box to confirm the information is correct, and then click the Complete Move button.
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Copy the move key and share it with the recipient along with your DreamHost primary email address.
You can return to this section in the panel to view or track a move that is in progress.
Accept the move (Recipient)
After the move key is shared, the recipient will receive a notification via email and in their panel.
To accept the move:
- Navigate to the Manage Websites page and click Add website.
- Click Continue next to the "Your domain.com is ready to be moved" prompt.
- Enter the sender's email address and the Account Move Key.
- Check the box to accept the Domain Registration Terms and Proxy Protection Agreement, and then click Continue.
- Select a hosting server and FTP user for this site.
- Click Continue to confirm your selections.
The recipient has 48 hours to accept the move. Once accepted, the site content and related services will be moved, and a confirmation email will be sent when the process completes.
If the move is not accepted within 48 hours, the sender must start the process over again.