How To Migrate From WP Engine To Hostinger: A Step-By-Step Guide For Seamless Website Transfer

Switching your website from WP Engine to Hostinger might seem daunting, but it’s simpler than you think. Whether you’re looking for cost-effective hosting or better features, migrating can unlock new opportunities for your site. With the right steps, you can ensure a smooth transition without losing data or disrupting your website’s performance.

Why Migrate From Wpengine To Hostinger?

Switching from WP Engine to Hostinger offers several advantages, from cost efficiency to enhanced features. If you’re aiming for more control, scalable solutions, or improved affordability, the migration can significantly benefit your website’s performance and budget.

Cost Savings: Hostinger provides affordable hosting plans compared to WP Engine’s premium pricing. For example, Hostinger’s shared hosting plans start from $2.99/month, significantly lower than WP Engine’s starting price of $20/month for managed WordPress hosting.
Performance Optimization: With Hostinger, you can benefit from LiteSpeed servers, optimized caching, and a global CDN for faster website loading. Hostinger’s infrastructure supports high-speed performance, even under heavy traffic.
Scalable Hosting Plans: Hostinger’s plans cater to different needs, including shared, cloud, and VPS hosting. If your website’s traffic grows, you can scale up seamlessly without incurring high costs.
Improved Control: Hostinger offers a user-friendly hPanel for managing domains, emails, and backups. Its intuitive design simplifies tasks that require more technical knowledge on WP Engine.
Freebies And Add-Ons: Hostinger includes free SSL certificates, daily or weekly backups, and unlimited bandwidth in several plans. These features often come with additional charges on WP Engine.
Global Data Centers: Hostinger has multiple data centers in the US, Europe, Asia, and South America. This allows you to choose a location closer to your target audience for improved latency and performance.

These reasons highlight why migrating to Hostinger can be an appealing choice for website owners looking for budget-friendly and high-performance hosting solutions.

Preparing For The Migration

Effective preparation ensures a seamless website migration from WP Engine to Hostinger. Begin by securing existing data and understanding new hosting requirements.

Backing Up Your Wpengine Website

Prioritize creating a full backup of your website to safeguard data during the transfer process. WP Engine provides tools like phpMyAdmin for database backups and SFTP for file downloads.

Access Backup Point: Log into your WP Engine dashboard, select your website, and create a backup point under the “Backup Points” section.
Download Files: Use an SFTP client (e.g., FileZilla) to download all website files, including the wp-content folder.
Export Database: Navigate to phpMyAdmin in the WP Engine dashboard, choose your database, and export it as a .sql file.

Verify the downloaded backup files and database to ensure no data corruption before proceeding.

Understanding Hostinger’s Requirements

Familiarize yourself with Hostinger’s hosting specifications to align your website’s configuration.

Choose Hosting Plan: Select a Hostinger hosting plan, such as their Premium Shared Hosting or Cloud Hosting, based on your website’s size and traffic needs.
Domain Preparation: Update your domain’s DNS records if your domain is registered on a third-party platform. Use Hostinger’s nameservers provided in their hPanel.
PHP Compatibility: Ensure your WordPress website’s PHP version matches Hostinger’s supported versions (usually PHP 7.4 or higher) to avoid compatibility issues.
Create MySQL Database: Use Hostinger’s hPanel to create a MySQL database; note the credentials for later steps.

These steps set the foundation for transitioning your WP Engine website to Hostinger.

Transferring Your Website Files

Transferring your website files ensures all content, themes, and plugins move seamlessly from WP Engine to Hostinger. The process involves exporting files from WP Engine and then importing them to Hostinger.

Exporting Files From WP Engine

Access WP Engine File Manager: Log in to the WP Engine user portal. Use the SFTP credentials provided in the portal to connect to your server through an SFTP client like FileZilla.
Download Website Files: Navigate to the root directory of your website (commonly named public_html or wp-content) and download all files to your local system. Focus on folders such as themes, plugins, and uploads to ensure your website’s core assets are included.
Export Database: Open phpMyAdmin from the WP Engine control panel. Select the database associated with your website and click the “Export” tab. Choose the “Quick” export method and ensure the format is set to SQL. Download the database file to your system.
Verify Files and Backup: Cross-check the downloaded files and database to confirm their completeness. Save copies in a secure location for backup purposes.

Login to Hostinger hPanel: Access your Hostinger account and go to the hPanel dashboard for the target domain.
Upload Website Files: Open the File Manager in hPanel. Navigate to the root directory (commonly public_html) and upload the previously downloaded files using the drag-and-drop interface or an FTP client.
Create and Import the Database: Use the MySQL Databases section in hPanel to create a new database. Take note of the database name, user, and password. Access phpMyAdmin, select the new database, and use the “Import” tab to upload the SQL file from WP Engine.
Update wp-config.php File: In the root directory of your uploaded website files, locate and edit the wp-config.php file. Replace the database name, username, and password fields with the new Hostinger credentials.
Test Website Functionality: Open your website’s URL to verify everything is working correctly. If errors occur, review the file paths, database configuration, and DNS settings.

Proper file transfer is essential to maintain your website’s integrity and functionality post-migration.

Migrating The Database

Migrating the database ensures all website data, like posts, user details, and configurations, is transferred from WP Engine to Hostinger. Follow these steps to maintain website functionality and prevent data loss.

Exporting The Database From Wpengine

Access phpMyAdmin: Log in to your WP Engine dashboard. Under the “Environment” menu, find and click the “phpMyAdmin” link in the Database Access section.
Select Your Database: In phpMyAdmin, choose the database associated with your website from the left-hand sidebar. Verify the selected database to ensure it’s the correct one.
Export The Database: Navigate to the “Export” tab at the top menu. Select the preferred export method:

Choose Quick for a standard export.
Choose Custom if advanced configurations like selecting specific tables are needed.

Select the file format as SQL, then click the “Go” button. This downloads the database file to your local system.

Confirm the Download: Check the exported file on your device. Ensure it’s a complete SQL file to avoid errors during the import process.

Access hPanel: Log in to your Hostinger hPanel account. Go to the “Databases” section and open “phpMyAdmin.”
Prepare The Database: Create a new MySQL database in hPanel if not already done. Note down the database name, username, and password, as this information will be required later.
Upload The Database File: In phpMyAdmin, select the new database on the left panel. Click the “Import” tab on the top menu.
Import Process: Under “File to Import”, click “Choose File” and upload the SQL file you exported from WP Engine. Ensure the file format remains as SQL before proceeding. Click “Go” to begin the import.
Verify Successful Import: Check the database for completeness by reviewing the imported tables. Confirm that essential data like posts, user information, and settings are intact.
Update wp-config.php: Use an FTP client to locate the wp-config.php file in your website’s root directory on Hostinger. Update the database host, name, username, and password to match the new database credentials from Hostinger. Save your changes.

Adhering to these steps ensures the database migration process is efficient and avoids common issues like file corruption or incomplete data transfers.

Updating Domain Settings

Updating domain settings is critical when migrating from WP Engine to Hostinger. Proper configuration ensures that visitors can access your site seamlessly after the migration.

Pointing Your Domain To Hostinger

To redirect your domain to Hostinger, update its nameservers. Log in to your domain registrar’s control panel (such as GoDaddy or Namecheap) and locate the DNS settings. Replace the current nameservers with Hostinger’s:

ns1.dns-parking.com
ns2.dns-parking.com

Save the changes before exiting. If you’re using a custom DNS setup, ensure you manually add the correct A and CNAME records pointing to Hostinger’s IP address.

Verifying DNS Propagation

After updating the nameservers, verify that the DNS changes are fully propagated. Use tools like whatsmydns.net or DNS Checker to confirm synchronization across all global servers. DNS propagation may take between 24-48 hours. Testing reveals if the domain correctly resolves to Hostinger’s servers. Keep monitoring your site during this window to ensure uninterrupted access.

Testing Your Website On Hostinger

After completing the migration, verifying your website’s functionality on Hostinger ensures everything works as intended. Thorough testing helps identify and address any issues that may have occurred during the migration process.

Checking Website Functionality

Access your website through the Hostinger domain or temporary URL to begin functionality testing. Ensure all pages load correctly, including the homepage, internal links, contact forms, and blog posts. For dynamic elements such as plugins or custom scripts, confirm they work as intended.

Test website performance using tools like GTmetrix or Google PageSpeed Insights. Compare results with your previous hosting setup to confirm similar or improved performance. Use multiple devices and browsers to verify cross-platform compatibility and detect display issues.

Check admin panel access by logging into the WordPress dashboard. Review plugins, themes, and widgets for compatibility. Update them in the dashboard if any are outdated or not functioning properly on Hostinger.

Resolving Common Migration Issues

Address broken links by using tools like Broken Link Checker to scan your website. Update URLs within WordPress settings or in your database using plugins like Better Search Replace.

Fix database connection errors by reviewing the wp-config.php file. Ensure the database name, username, password, and host details match your Hostinger database credentials.

Resolve missing images or media by verifying your “wp-content/uploads” folder is intact. Re-upload files via the File Manager or SFTP if any are missing.

Handle theme or plugin conflicts by disabling problematic plugins or switching to a default theme like Twenty Twenty-Three. Gradually re-enable plugins to identify and resolve compatibility issues.

For unresolved issues, contact Hostinger’s support team through their live chat or access their knowledge base for specific troubleshooting guides. Utilize these resources for quick, effective solutions.

Conclusion

Migrating from WP Engine to Hostinger can feel like a daunting task, but with the right preparation and steps, it’s entirely manageable. By taking advantage of Hostinger’s affordable plans, performance-focused features, and user-friendly tools, you’re setting your website up for success.

Remember to back up your data, follow the migration steps carefully, and test your site thoroughly once the process is complete. If you encounter any challenges, Hostinger’s support team is always ready to help. With patience and attention to detail, you’ll enjoy a smooth transition and the benefits of your new hosting environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why should I migrate my website from WP Engine to Hostinger?

Migrating to Hostinger can save you money, with plans starting at $2.99/month compared to WP Engine’s $20/month. Hostinger offers performance benefits like LiteSpeed servers, a global CDN, and scalable hosting. It also includes freebies like SSL certificates and backups, making it a budget-friendly and high-performance hosting option.

2. Will I lose any data during the migration from WP Engine to Hostinger?

No, if you follow the correct steps, such as backing up files and databases, you won’t lose any data. Ensuring the integrity of the backup and verifying the website after migration will help maintain all content and functionality.

3. How do I back up my website before migration?

To back up your website, use tools like phpMyAdmin and SFTP to create a full backup of your files and database. Download the files to your local computer to ensure you have a secure copy of your website.

4. What hosting plan should I choose on Hostinger?

Choose a plan that fits your website’s needs. For small to medium sites, the Premium Shared Hosting plan is a great starting point. For larger sites, Cloud Hosting plans offer scalability and enhanced performance.

5. How do I transfer my website files from WP Engine to Hostinger?

Export your website files from WP Engine using the File Manager and phpMyAdmin tools. Then, upload these files to Hostinger using hPanel’s File Manager and import your database into a new MySQL database.

6. How do I update my domain settings after migration?

Update your domain’s nameservers to Hostinger’s nameservers through your domain registrar’s control panel. After making these changes, verify DNS propagation using tools like whatsmydns.net.

7. How long does DNS propagation take?

DNS propagation typically takes 24-48 hours. During this period, your domain may not resolve immediately, so keep monitoring your website to confirm it resolves to Hostinger’s servers.

8. What should I do if my website doesn’t work properly after migration?

Check for issues such as broken links, database connection errors, or missing media. Review plugins and themes for compatibility. If problems persist, contact Hostinger’s support team for assistance.

9. How can I test my website after migrating to Hostinger?

Use tools like GTmetrix or Google PageSpeed Insights to check website performance. Additionally, access the WordPress dashboard to review functionality and ensure all plugins and themes are working correctly.

10. Can I migrate a large website to Hostinger smoothly?

Yes, you can migrate large websites to Hostinger. Opt for scalable hosting options like Cloud Hosting. Follow proper backup, file transfer, and database migration steps to ensure a seamless transition.