How to Move WooCommerce From Local Server to Live Site?

Moving your WooCommerce store from a local server to a live site can seem intimidating, but with the right steps, it can be a smooth process. 

This article will guide you through how to move your WooCommerce store effectively, ensuring that all your products, settings, and customizations remain intact.

Step 1: Prepare Your Local WooCommerce Site

Before you start the transfer, make sure your local WooCommerce store is ready for migration. Check the following:

Functional Check: Ensure that all products, categories, and plugins are functioning as expected.

Latest Updates: Update your WordPress, WooCommerce, and any plugins to their latest versions. This ensures compatibility on the live server.

Step 2: Backup Your Local WooCommerce Site

A backup is essential before making any major changes. This backup will serve as a safety net if something goes wrong.

File Backup: Use FTP software like FileZilla to connect to your local server. Download all files from the local WordPress directory, especially the wp-content folder, which contains your themes and plugins.

Database Backup: Access phpMyAdmin, select your local database, and click on the “Export” tab. Use the “Quick” method and click “Go” to download your database file.

Step 3: Set Up Your Live Server

Choose a Hosting Provider: Select a reliable hosting provider that supports WooCommerce. Consider providers like Cyfuture Cloud, known for their performance and support.

Create a New Database: In your cloud hosting control panel (often cPanel), locate the MySQL Databases section. Create a new database and a database user, noting down the database name, username, and password.

Upload WordPress Files: Using FTP, upload the WordPress files you backed up from your local server to the root directory of your live site.

Step 4: Import Your Database to the Live Server

Access phpMyAdmin: On your live server, access phpMyAdmin through your hosting control panel.

Select the New Database: Click on the new database you created earlier.

Import Your SQL File: Click on the “Import” tab. Use the “Choose File” button to select the SQL file you downloaded earlier, then click “Go” to import it.

Step 5: Update Your wp-config.php File

The wp-config.php file connects your WordPress site to your database. You’ll need to edit it to match your new live server settings.

Locate the wp-config.php file in your uploaded WordPress files.

Open it in a text editor and update the following lines with your live database details:
php
Copy code
define('DB_NAME', 'your_live_database_name');

define('DB_USER', 'your_live_database_user');

define('DB_PASSWORD', 'your_live_database_password');

Save the changes.

Step 6: Update Site URL in the Database

Still in phpMyAdmin, find the wp_options table in your new database.

Look for the siteurl and home rows. Change their values to your live site’s URL (e.g., https://yourlivewebsite.com).

Step 7: Finalize Your Site on the Live Server

Permalink Structure: Log in to your WordPress admin on the live site. Go to Settings > Permalinks and click “Save Changes” to refresh the permalink structure.

Test Everything: Visit your live site and navigate through your store. Check that all products, categories, images, and pages are displaying correctly.

Conclusion

Migrating your WooCommerce store from a local server to a live site may seem complex, but by following these steps, you can successfully complete the process. Always remember to back up your data before making changes. For a reliable hosting solution that supports your WooCommerce needs, consider choosing Cyfuture Cloud for enhanced performance and support.