Cloning a WordPress site might sound like something out of a sci-fi movie, but it is actually a very common task for website owners. Whether you want to move your site to a new host, create a “staging” site to test new features, or simply keep a full backup, knowing how to clone your site is a vital skill.
In this guide, we will walk through the easiest ways to clone your WordPress site without needing to be a coding expert.
What Does It Mean to Clone a Site?
When you clone a WordPress site, you are creating an exact copy of everything. This includes:
- All your posts and pages.
- Your themes and plugins.
- Your media library (images and videos).
- Your database and settings.
A clone is different from a regular backup because a clone is usually meant to be “live” and functional on a different URL or server immediately.
Method 1: Using a Plugin (The Easiest Way)
For most people, using a plugin is the best way to go. It handles the heavy lifting and ensures you don’t miss any hidden files. One of the most popular tools for this is Duplicator.
Step 1: Install the Duplicator Plugin
Go to your WordPress dashboard, click on Plugins, then Add New. Search for “Duplicator.” Install and activate it.
Step 2: Create a Package
Once activated, click on the Duplicator tab in your menu. Click Create New. The plugin will scan your site to make sure everything looks good. If you see “Good” across the board, click Build.
This will create two files:
- An Archive file: This contains all your site data.
- An Installer file: This is a simple script that helps you unpack the archive on the new location.
Step 3: Upload to the New Location
Download both files to your computer. Now, log in to the file manager or FTP of the new location where you want the site to live. Upload both the Archive and the Installer files to the main folder (usually called public_html).
Step 4: Run the Installation
Open your web browser and go to the URL where you uploaded the files, but add “/installer.php” to the end. For example: yournewsite.com/installer.php.
Follow the on-screen instructions. You will need to provide the database details for the new location. The plugin will then extract your files and update all the links to match your new URL automatically.
Method 2: Manual Cloning (For Advanced Users)
If you prefer not to use a plugin, you can clone a site manually. This requires a bit more technical work.
Step 1: Copy the Files
Use an FTP client like FileZilla to download all the files from your current website to your computer. Once downloaded, upload them to the new server.
Step 2: Export the Database
Go to your hosting control panel and open phpMyAdmin. Select your site’s database and click the Export tab. Save the SQL file to your computer.
Step 3: Create a New Database and Import
On your new host, create a blank database. Go into phpMyAdmin for that new database and use the Import tab to upload the SQL file you just saved.
Step 4: Update the wp-config.php File
On your new server, find the file named wp-config.php. You need to edit this file with the name, username, and password of the new database you just created. If you don’t do this, the site won’t be able to connect to the data.
Step 5: Update Site URLs
Since the site is now in a new location, the links inside the database might still point to the old address. You can use a tool like “Search and Replace DB” or a plugin to update all instances of the old URL to the new one.
Why Should You Clone Your Site?
- Testing Changes: You can create a copy of your site to try out a new theme or a complex plugin. If it breaks the clone, your main site stays safe.
- Migrating Hosts: If you find a better or faster hosting provider, cloning is the way you move your house to a new neighborhood.
- Developing for Clients: If you build websites for others, you can create a “template” site with all your favorite settings and clone it every time you start a new project to save time.
Summary
Cloning a WordPress site is a straightforward process once you know the steps. Using a plugin like Duplicator is generally the safest and fastest method for beginners. Manual cloning offers more control but requires a deeper understanding of databases and file structures.
Regardless of the method you choose, always make sure you have a fresh backup of your site before you begin any major changes.
