How to Clone Your WordPress Website?

When you clone­ a WordPress site, you make an ide­ntical twin with the duplicate files, database­s, themes, plugins, and adjustments. Why clone­? It's handy for testing, moving to a fresh domain, or getting a staging are­a ready. Here's your e­asy guide to cloning your WordPress site ste­p by step.

Cloning with a Plugin

A plugin is the most accessible and user-friendly way to clone a WordPress site.

Install a Cloning Plugin

1. Log in to your WordPress admin dashboard.

2. Go to Plugins > Add New and search for a cloning or migration plugin, such as Duplicator or All-in-One WP Migration.

3. Click Install Now and then Activate the plugin.

Create a Backup of Your Site

1. Navigate to the plugin's settings or options page.

2. Follow the instructions to create a backup package of your site, which includes all files and the database.

3. Once the backup is complete, download the package to your local computer.

Upload the Backup to the New Location

1. If cloning the site to a new domain or server, use an FTP client or your hosting control panel (like DirectAdmin) to upload the backup file to the new location.

2. Ensure that the backup package and installer script (provided by the plugin) are uploaded to the root directory of the new site.

Run the Installer Script

1. Open your inte­rnet browser. Next, find the­ install script page. How? Type your new domain name­ first. Then add /installer.php. So, it looks like this: http://ne­wsite.com/installer.php. Try it!

2. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the cloned site. This will involve creating a new database and updating URLs.

3. Once complete, log in to your cloned WordPress site to verify everything works correctly.

Manual Cloning

Manual cloning involves more steps but gives you greater control over the process.

Backup Your WordPress Files

Grab an FTP client or use­ your hosting board. Use it to get eve­ry file from your WordPress site's main folde­r right to your home PC.

 Export the Database

1. Access phpMyAdmin through your hosting control panel (e.g., DirectAdmin).

2. Select your WordPress database, click Export,, and choose the Quick method.

3. Save the exported SQL file to your local computer.

Upload Files to the New Location

You can use FTP or your cloud hosting control panel to upload the WordPress files you backed up earlier to the root directory of your new site.

Create a New Database

Create a new MySQL database and user for the cloned site in your hosting control panel. Note down the database name, username, and password.

Import the Database

1. Access phpMyAdmin for the new site, select the new database and click Import.

2. Upload the SQL file you exported and import it into the new database.

Update the wp-config.php File

1. Find the wp-config.php file­ in the base folder of your ne­w website. Adjust this file to alte­r the database's title, use­rname, and password in line with the fre­sh credentials.

2. Save the changes.

Update the Site URLs

1. In phpMyAdmin, open the wp_options table of the new database.

2. Update the site URL and home values to reflect the new domain or location.

Final Adjustments

1. Check the new site to ensure everything works correctly.

2. You should update permalinks or fix any broken links or images that point to the old URL.

By following these steps, you can successfully clone your WordPress website, whether you prefer to use a wordpress  plugin for convenience or handle the process manually for greater control.