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How to Migrate a WordPress Website from InMotion Hosting to Neurax Host

Overview

This guide explains how to manually migrate a WordPress website from InMotion Hosting to Neurax Host.

The migration process involves downloading website files, exporting the WordPress database from InMotion Hosting, and restoring them on Neurax Host.

The general migration process works for most WordPress websites. However, larger websites may require additional transfer methods or hosting support because of file upload limits, database size, and server restrictions.

Need help with migration? Neurax Host advertises free website migration assistance. If you prefer not to migrate your website manually, contact Neurax Host support to confirm eligibility and available assistance.

Website: https://www.neuraxhost.ca/

Prerequisites

Before beginning the migration, ensure you have:

  • An active InMotion Hosting account.
  • A WordPress website hosted on InMotion Hosting.
  • An active Neurax Host account with cPanel access.
  • Access to your domain and DNS management settings.
  • Sufficient disk space on your computer.
  • Access to your WordPress administrator account.
  • A complete backup of your website files and database.
  • A record of existing DNS and email settings.

Important: Keep your InMotion Hosting account active until your website has been successfully migrated and tested on Neurax Host.

If your website receives orders, bookings, or customer enquiries, plan the migration carefully to avoid losing new information during the transition.

Phase 1: Export Website from InMotion Hosting

Step 1: Access cPanel

Purpose: Open the InMotion Hosting control panel.

Instructions:

  1. Log in to your InMotion Hosting Account Management Panel (AMP).
  2. Select the hosting account associated with your WordPress website.
  3. Click cPanel or Launch cPanel.

Expected Outcome: The cPanel dashboard opens successfully.

Note: The exact navigation options may vary depending on your InMotion Hosting plan and account interface.

Step 2: Open File Manager

Purpose: Access your WordPress website files.

Instructions:

  1. Navigate to the Files section in cPanel.
  2. Click File Manager.
  3. Open the directory associated with your WordPress website.

Expected Outcome: The File Manager opens.

Step 3: Access the Website Root Directory

Purpose: Locate the WordPress installation directory.

Instructions:

  1. Open the document root assigned to your domain. For some primary domains, this may be public_html.
  2. Verify that the directory contains WordPress files and folders such as:
    • wp-admin
    • wp-content
    • wp-includes
    • wp-config.php
    • index.php
  3. Check the directory carefully before creating the backup.

Expected Outcome: The WordPress installation files are visible.

Important: The document root may differ depending on the domain configuration. Confirm the correct location in cPanel before proceeding.

Step 4: Create a Website Backup Archive

Purpose: Create a downloadable backup of your WordPress website files.

Instructions:

  1. Open File Manager.
  2. Enable Show Hidden Files (dotfiles) in File Manager settings, if required.
  3. Navigate to your WordPress installation directory.
  4. Select all website files and folders, including hidden files such as .htaccess.
  5. Click Compress.
  6. Select ZIP Archive.
  7. Enter a filename, such as backup.zip.
  8. Click Compress Files.
  9. Wait until the compression process finishes.

Expected Outcome: A ZIP archive containing the WordPress website files is created.

Important: Hidden files such as .htaccess may contain important permalink and redirect settings. Make sure they are included in the backup.

If your website is too large for File Manager compression, use a suitable backup tool, SFTP, or request assistance from hosting support.

Step 5: Download the Website Backup

Purpose: Save the website files to your computer.

Instructions:

  1. Locate the ZIP archive created in the previous step.
  2. Select the archive.
  3. Click Download.
  4. Save the file in a secure location on your computer.
  5. Confirm that the download completed successfully.

Expected Outcome: The website backup is saved locally.

Example filename: backup.zip

Note: The actual filename may differ depending on the name you selected.

Step 6: Export the WordPress Database

Purpose: Download the database containing your WordPress website content and settings.

Instructions:

  1. Return to InMotion Hosting cPanel.
  2. Open phpMyAdmin.
  3. Identify the database associated with your WordPress website.
  4. Select the correct database from the left sidebar.
  5. Verify that the database contains WordPress tables.

Common examples include:

  • wp_posts
  • wp_options
  • wp_users
  • wp_comments

Important: WordPress database tables do not always use the wp_ prefix.

For example, your database may contain:

  • site_posts
  • site_options
  • site_users

To identify the correct database and table prefix, check the DB_NAME and $table_prefix settings in your existing wp-config.php file.

  1. Click Export.
  2. Select Quick as the export method, if suitable.
  3. Choose SQL as the format.
  4. Click Go.
  5. Save the downloaded SQL file.

Expected Outcome: The WordPress database backup is downloaded to your computer.

Example filename: database.sql

Note: Large databases may require a custom export or an alternative database backup method.

Step 7: Verify Downloaded Files

Purpose: Confirm that all required migration files are available.

Instructions:

  1. Open the folder where you saved your backups.
  2. Verify that the website ZIP archive exists.
  3. Confirm that the SQL database backup is present.
  4. Check that both files have downloaded completely.
  5. Store an additional secure backup copy if possible.

Example files:

  • backup.zip
  • database.sql

Expected Outcome: The required website files and database backup are available locally.

Phase 2: Import Website into Neurax Host

Step 8: Log in to Neurax cPanel

Purpose: Access the destination hosting account.

Instructions:

  1. Log in to your Neurax Host Client Area.
  2. Open the hosting service associated with your domain.
  3. Launch cPanel.

Expected Outcome: The Neurax cPanel dashboard opens.

Step 9: Open File Manager

Purpose: Access the destination website directory.

Instructions:

  1. Open File Manager in Neurax cPanel.
  2. Navigate to the document root assigned to your domain.
  3. If necessary, open Domains in cPanel to verify the correct document root.

For some primary domains, the document root may be public_html. Other domains may use different directories.

Expected Outcome: The correct destination website directory opens.

Step 10: Upload Website Files

Purpose: Transfer the website backup to Neurax Host.

Instructions:

  1. Open the verified document root.
  2. Click Upload.
  3. Select the actual ZIP archive downloaded from InMotion Hosting.
  4. Wait until the upload finishes.
  5. Return to File Manager.
  6. Confirm that the archive appears in the destination directory.

Expected Outcome: The website backup archive is uploaded successfully.

Important: If the file exceeds the server upload limit, use SFTP or another supported file transfer method.

Step 11: Extract Website Files

Purpose: Restore the WordPress website files on Neurax Host.

Instructions:

  1. Select the uploaded ZIP archive.
  2. Click Extract.
  3. Choose the actual document root assigned to your domain.
  4. Wait until the extraction process finishes.
  5. Verify that the WordPress files are located in the correct directory.

Expected Outcome: The WordPress files are restored.

Confirm that the following files and folders exist:

  • wp-admin
  • wp-content
  • wp-includes
  • wp-config.php
  • index.php

Important: Do not automatically extract files into public_html unless it is the verified document root for your domain.

Also check that the archive has not created an unnecessary nested folder.

For example, if public_html is the document root:

Incorrect:

public_html/public_html/wp-admin

Correct:

public_html/wp-admin

Step 12: Create a Database

Purpose: Create a new database for WordPress on Neurax Host.

Instructions:

  1. Return to Neurax cPanel.
  2. Open MySQL Databases, Manage My Databases, or the equivalent database management option.
  3. Locate Create New Database.
  4. Enter a database name.
  5. Click Create Database.
  6. Record the complete database name displayed in cPanel.

Expected Outcome: A new database is created.

Important: cPanel may add an account-specific prefix to the database name.

Step 13: Create a Database User

Purpose: Create a database user for WordPress.

Instructions:

  1. Locate Add New User in the database management interface.
  2. Enter a username.
  3. Generate a strong, unique password.
  4. Click Create User.
  5. Save the username and password securely.

Expected Outcome: A new database user is created.

Important: Store the database credentials securely because they will be needed when configuring WordPress.

Step 14: Assign User to Database

Purpose: Grant the database user permission to access and modify the WordPress database.

Instructions:

  1. Locate Add User to Database.
  2. Select the newly created database user.
  3. Select the new database.
  4. Click Add.
  5. Select ALL PRIVILEGES.
  6. Click Make Changes.

Expected Outcome: The database user has the required permissions to access the database.

Step 15: Import the Database

Purpose: Restore the WordPress content, users, and settings.

Instructions:

  1. Open phpMyAdmin in Neurax cPanel.

  2. Select the newly created database.

  3. Click Import.

  4. Click Choose File.

  5. Select the SQL file exported from InMotion Hosting.

    Example: database.sql

  6. Click Go.

  7. Wait until the import finishes.

  8. Confirm that the WordPress tables appear in the destination database.

Expected Outcome: The database imports successfully.

Important: If the SQL file exceeds the database import limit, check the available PHP and database import settings. Contact Neurax Host support if an alternative import method is required.

Step 16: Update WordPress Configuration

Purpose: Connect WordPress to the new database on Neurax Host.

Instructions:

  1. Open File Manager.
  2. Navigate to the verified WordPress document root.
  3. Locate wp-config.php.
  4. Click Edit.
  5. Find the database connection settings.
  6. Update the values using your new database credentials.

Example configuration:

define('DB_NAME', 'your_database_name');
define('DB_USER', 'your_database_user');
define('DB_PASSWORD', 'your_database_password');
define('DB_HOST', 'your_database_host');

Replace the example values with the actual database information for your Neurax hosting account.

Important: The database hostname is commonly localhost on some cPanel hosting environments, but this is not guaranteed. Use the hostname specified by Neurax Host.

Also verify that the WordPress table prefix matches the imported database tables.

Example:

$table_prefix = 'wp_';

If your imported database uses a different prefix, keep the correct existing value.

  1. Save wp-config.php.
  2. Confirm that the database credentials are entered correctly.

Expected Outcome: WordPress is configured to connect to the new database.

Step 17: Verify Domain Configuration

Purpose: Ensure the domain is associated with the correct website files.

Instructions:

  1. Open Domains in Neurax cPanel.
  2. Locate your website domain.
  3. Check the Document Root assigned to the domain.
  4. Confirm that the WordPress files are located inside that directory.
  5. Verify that the domain configuration matches your intended website setup.

Expected Outcome: The domain is mapped to the correct WordPress installation.

Important: The document root is not always public_html. It depends on your hosting account and domain configuration.

Step 18: Test the Website and Update DNS

Purpose: Verify the migrated website before directing visitors to Neurax Host.

Instructions:

  1. Confirm that the website files have been extracted correctly.
  2. Verify that the database import is complete.
  3. Check the database credentials in wp-config.php.
  4. Test the migrated website using a supported preview method or local hosts-file override, if appropriate.
  5. Check the homepage, internal pages, images, and important functions.
  6. Review the domain's existing DNS records.
  7. Confirm that email-related records will remain correct.
  8. Once the destination website is ready, update the required DNS settings.

Depending on your DNS configuration, you may need to:

  • Update the domain's nameservers to those provided by Neurax Host.
  • Update the relevant A record to the Neurax Host server IP address.

Use the DNS values supplied for your hosting account. You generally do not need to change both nameservers and individual records when one correctly configured method is sufficient.

Expected Outcome: The domain begins resolving to the Neurax hosting environment as DNS caches update.

Important: DNS propagation time varies depending on TTL settings, DNS providers, and caching behavior. There is no guaranteed worldwide completion time.

Keep your InMotion Hosting account active until the migration has been fully verified.

Step 19: Enable SSL

Purpose: Secure the website using HTTPS.

Instructions:

  1. Open SSL/TLS Status or the available SSL management section in Neurax cPanel.
  2. Check whether a valid SSL certificate is installed for your domain.
  3. Run AutoSSL if the feature is available and required.
  4. Wait until the certificate is successfully issued.
  5. Open the website using HTTPS.
  6. Verify that the browser accepts the certificate and the website loads securely.
  7. Return to Domains in cPanel.
  8. Enable Force HTTPS Redirect if the option is available.

Expected Outcome: The website loads securely over HTTPS.

Important: Enable Force HTTPS Redirect only after confirming that the SSL certificate is active and HTTPS works correctly.

Step 20: Test the Website and WordPress Admin

Purpose: Confirm that the migrated WordPress website functions correctly on Neurax Host.

Instructions:

  1. Open your website in a browser.

    https://yourdomain.com

  2. Verify that the homepage loads successfully.

  3. Check important internal pages.

  4. Confirm that images and website styling display correctly.

  5. Test navigation menus.

  6. Submit a test contact form and confirm delivery.

  7. Open the WordPress administrator login page.

    https://yourdomain.com/wp-admin

  8. Log in using your existing WordPress credentials.

  9. Navigate to Settings → Permalinks.

  10. Click Save Changes without modifying the existing permalink structure.

  11. Test your internal pages again.

  12. Verify that plugins and themes function correctly.

Saving the permalink settings allows WordPress to refresh its rewrite rules where supported.

Expected Outcome: The website and WordPress dashboard function correctly on Neurax Host.

Important: Confirm that you are testing the website served from Neurax Host, not a cached version or the old InMotion Hosting server.

Additional Migration Considerations

1. Email Migration

Purpose: Prevent email disruption or loss of stored messages during the hosting transition.

Migrating a WordPress website does not automatically migrate email accounts or existing email messages.

If your domain uses InMotion Hosting email services, plan the email migration separately.

Recommended steps:

  1. Identify the email provider currently handling your domain.
  2. Make a list of existing email accounts.
  3. Back up important emails and mailbox data.
  4. Decide whether to keep email with the existing provider or move it to Neurax Host.
  5. If moving email, create the required email accounts on the destination service.
  6. Transfer existing messages using a supported email migration method.
  7. Verify MX, SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records.
  8. Test incoming and outgoing emails.

Important: Changing nameservers without preserving email-related DNS records may interrupt email delivery.

If you use a third-party email provider, preserve the required records for that service.

2. DNS and Downtime Planning

Purpose: Reduce the risk of downtime during the migration.

Before changing DNS:

  1. Complete the WordPress file transfer.
  2. Import the database.
  3. Verify database connectivity.
  4. Test the website on Neurax Host.
  5. Check internal pages, images, and forms.
  6. Review existing DNS records.
  7. Confirm that email-related DNS records are correct.
  8. Update DNS only after the destination website is ready.

Important: Keep the original InMotion Hosting account active during the transition.

If your website receives orders, bookings, comments, or customer submissions, plan a final database synchronization or suitable maintenance window before DNS cutover.

Changes made on the old website after the database export will not automatically appear on Neurax Host.

3. WordPress URL Changes

Purpose: Ensure WordPress uses the correct website address after migration.

If you are keeping the same domain name, a full URL replacement is usually unnecessary.

If you are changing the domain name, you may need to update WordPress URLs and internal links.

Recommended steps:

  1. Back up the database.
  2. Log in to WordPress Admin.
  3. Navigate to Settings → General.
  4. Review WordPress Address (URL) and Site Address (URL).
  5. Update the values if the domain is changing.
  6. Use a WordPress-compatible search-and-replace tool for internal URLs where required.
  7. Clear website caches.
  8. Test pages, images, menus, and redirects.

Important: WordPress can store URLs in serialized database data. Avoid simple database-wide text replacements because they may damage serialized values.

Use a tool that safely handles WordPress serialized data.

Post-Migration Checklist

Before completing the migration, verify the following:

  • Website files transferred successfully.
  • Hidden files, including .htaccess where applicable, were included.
  • WordPress database imported successfully.
  • Database credentials are correct.
  • Database table prefix matches the imported tables.
  • Domain document root is correct.
  • Website homepage loads from Neurax Host.
  • WordPress administrator login works.
  • Internal pages load correctly.
  • Permalink settings have been saved.
  • Images and styling display correctly.
  • Contact forms work.
  • Plugins and themes function correctly.
  • SSL certificate is valid.
  • HTTPS redirects work correctly.
  • DNS records point to the intended services.
  • Email accounts and messages have been reviewed or migrated separately.
  • Email-related DNS records are correct.
  • WordPress URLs are correct.
  • A fresh backup has been created on Neurax Host.
  • The original InMotion Hosting account remains active until final verification.

Migration Complete

Your WordPress website can be considered successfully migrated from InMotion Hosting to Neurax Host once the website files, database, domain configuration, and important website functions have been verified.

Before cancelling your old hosting service, confirm that:

  • The website loads correctly from Neurax Host.
  • WordPress Admin works.
  • Internal pages, images, and contact forms function properly.
  • HTTPS is active.
  • DNS records are configured correctly.
  • Email services continue working as expected.
  • A current backup is available.

For users who prefer assistance, Neurax Host advertises free website migration support. Contact the team to confirm eligibility and migration requirements.

Learn more: https://www.neuraxhost.ca/

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