How to Migrate from WP Engine to WordPress.com

In the ever-evolving digital landscape, website owners often contemplate migration, seeking a more tailored platform for their online presence. If you’re currently hosted on WP Engine and considering a move to WordPress.com, you’re in the right place.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll navigate the intricacies of migrating seamlessly, ensuring a smooth transition without compromising your online identity.

Why Migrate from WP Engine to WordPress.com?

Moving to WordPress.com elevates your online presence with several advantages. Explore the rationale for this strategic shift from your current platform:

  • User-Friendly Interface: Embrace an interface on WordPress.com for easy navigation and content creation.
  • Diverse Array of Themes: Choose from a wide selection of professionally designed themes on WordPress.com to enhance visual appeal and captivate your audience.
  • Plugin Ecosystem for Enhanced Functionality: Utilize the extensive plugin ecosystem on WordPress.com for flexible functionality without custom development.
  • Robust Security Measures: Benefit from robust security measures, including automatic updates and vigilant monitoring.
  • Seamless Mobile Responsiveness: Experience seamless mobile responsiveness for an optimal user experience.

Preparing for Website Migration

Before making any changes, creating a backup of your existing WP Engine content is crucial. This step guarantees the safety of your data throughout the migration process. Here’s a guide on how to do this:

  1. Sign in to your WP Engine WordPress website using your username and password, or access the admin panel through WP Engine.
WP Engine admin panel
  1. Navigate to “Plugins” in the left menu, then click the “Add New” button.
Add new plugin
  1. Click the “Upload Plugin” button and then “Choose File” to upload the WP Staging | Pro plugin file wp-staging-pro.zip.
Choose and upload plugin
  1. Press the ‘Install Now’ button.
Install plugin
  1. After installing the plugin, activate it.
Activate Plugin
  1. Navigate to the left-hand menu, locate ‘WP Staging | Pro,’ and click the ‘Backup & Migration’ option.
Wp Staging Backup & Migration option
  1. If you don’t have a current backup, don’t worry. Click the “Create Backup” button to generate a new one.
Create New Backup Button
  1. Enter the backup name and then press the “Start Backup” button.
Enter Backup Name and Press the Start Backup Button
  1. The backup was completed successfully.
Backup Successfully Complete
  1. After finishing the backup process, you usually see a “Download” option under the “Action” button. Make sure to save this backup file securely on your computer.
Download Backup

The Process of Migration

  1. Login into Your WordPress.com Website.
Wordpress.com Login Page
  1. Navigate to “Plugins” in the WordPress dashboard and click the “Upload” button.
Plugins and Upload Option
  1. Afterward, upload your WP Staging Pro.
Upload Wp Staging Pro Plugin
  1. After installation and activation, navigate to the “Backup & Migration” section in the WordPress dashboard under “WP Staging Pro.”
Backup & Migration Option in WP Staging Pro Plugin
  1. Then, press the ‘Upload Backup’ button.
Upload Backup Button
  1. Now, upload the backup file exported from your WP Engine website.
Upload WP Engine Website Backup
  1. The upload of the backup was successful.
Backup Successfully Uploaded
  1. Afterward, select the ‘Action’ button, and then choose the ‘Restore’ option.
Restore Option
  1. Press the ‘Next’ button.
Next Button in WP Staging Pro Plugin
  1. Subsequently, press the ‘Restore’ button.
Restore Button in WP Staging Pro Plugin
  1. The restoration of the backup was completed successfully.
  2. Please click the “OK” button.
Backup Successfully Restore
  1. Login again to your WordPress website.
Again Login into Your Website

Conclusion

Embarking on a migration journey from WP Engine to WordPress.com is a strategic decision that, when executed meticulously, can elevate your online presence. Following this step-by-step guide ensures a seamless transition, preserving your content, SEO standing, and overall website integrity.