TLDR: Migrating or uninstalling a WordPress site can feel daunting, but I tried a combination of plugins, SFTP, FTP, phpMyAdmin, and careful database management to safely move, remove, or clean my site. This step-by-step guide shows how to manage files, databases, users, content, widgets, themes, plugins, Multisite networks, and URLs while keeping SEO, performance, and security intact.
When I first decided to migrate my WordPress site or uninstall it from cPanel, I felt anxious. I had invested countless hours building content, configuring plugins, customizing themes, and organizing users and posts. The thought of losing my files, breaking the database, or accidentally impacting my SEO was overwhelming. As you know, WordPress site management is more than just copying files it involves databases, wp-content folders, plugins, themes, posts/pages, users, widgets, settings, dashboards, and even Multisite networks if you’re managing more than one site.
Let’s break it down. Whether you’re migrating a local development site to a remote host, switching hosting providers, moving a standalone WordPress site, or transferring content into or out of a Multisite network, each scenario requires careful planning. I tried both plugin-based and manual methods to ensure a smooth process.
Preparing Your WordPress Site for Migration or Uninstallation
Before starting, I cleaned up my site. I removed unused themes and plugins, cleared caches, and double-checked that all content, including posts, pages, custom post types, taxonomies, and widgets, were organized. I also backed up everything files, wp-content, database tables, and even subdirectory content. Backup is non-negotiable, whether using SFTP, FTP, or cloud storage like Dropbox and Google Drive.
For database safety, I exported my MySQL database via phpMyAdmin, ensuring all tables and user credentials were saved. This included checking SQL prefixes, database usernames, and permissions for both standalone and Multisite installations.
Using Plugins for Migration
I tried the Duplicator plugin for site migration, which is perfect for standalone or Multisite networks. The plugin created a zip archive of all files, database tables, plugins, themes, uploads, and settings. I uploaded the package and installer.php file to the new server, where it unpacked everything and recreated the site structure, users, content assignments, posts, pages, and widgets.
Plugin features like password protection, scanning, and step-by-step instructions made the process safe and efficient. I also used WordPress import/export tools to ensure posts, pages, post types, and taxonomies were correctly mapped to the new environment. Widgets were migrated with Widget Importer & Exporter, and user roles remained intact.
Manual Migration: SFTP, FTP, and phpMyAdmin
Sometimes plugins aren’t enough, especially for advanced control. I tried manual migration:
- Exporting the wp-content folder and theme/plugin files via SFTP/FTP.
- Exporting the MySQL database via phpMyAdmin.
- Importing database tables and checking prefixes, credentials, and user assignments.
- Updating wp-config.php with new database credentials.
- Ensuring correct site URLs, subdirectories, and domain redirects.
This method gave me granular control over files, folders, database tables, and even network configurations in a Multisite setup. It’s especially helpful if you’re moving complex content or multiple subdomains.
Handling Users, Content, Widgets, and Settings
A common mistake is forgetting to migrate users, content, widgets, and settings. I tried exporting users via dedicated plugins, maintaining roles and permissions. Widgets were exported and imported, and all posts, pages, categories, and tags were verified.
For Multisite networks, I double-checked subdirectory content, ensuring no database tables or users were missing. I also ensured themes, plugins, and upload directories were properly installed and activated.
Managing Domains, URLs, and SEO
After migration, updating domain names, URLs, and DNS settings is crucial. I updated site URLs in WordPress, verified domain propagation, and ensured old links redirected properly. For Multisite, subdomains and subdirectories needed careful configuration to prevent broken links.
Proper database handling and file verification ensured SEO remained intact. I also cleared caches, disabled unnecessary plugins, and ran checks to confirm that the database, files, wp-content, and PHP/MySQL configurations were correctly aligned.
Uninstalling WordPress from cPanel
I also tried safely uninstalling WordPress from cPanel. This involved:
- Accessing cPanel via SFTP or SSH.
- Backing up all wp-content files, database tables, and user credentials.
- Removing the WordPress installation files from public_html or subdirectories.
- Deleting the database and database users via MySQL tools.
- Ensuring no remnants of plugins, themes, or tables remained.
- Verifying removal via the file manager, public_html, and database access.
Manual uninstallation requires patience. Even small mistakes in deleting the wrong table or file can break other installations. Using step-by-step instructions ensures a clean, secure, and optimized environment.
Lessons Learned
From my experience, I recommend:
- Always back up files, wp-content, database tables, and users.
- Use plugins like Duplicator for simpler migrations.
- For full control, combine SFTP/FTP and phpMyAdmin for manual migration.
- Don’t forget widgets, posts/pages, post types, taxonomies, and user roles.
- Double-check domain names, URLs, and DNS settings to prevent downtime.
- Test both standalone and Multisite migrations in a staging environment before going live.
- Keep everything organized to avoid clutter, errors, or broken functionality.
To summarize, I tried both plugin-based and manual approaches to ensure a smooth, secure migration and uninstallation. Whether you’re running a single WordPress site or managing a Multisite network, careful planning, backups, and step-by-step execution prevent downtime, lost data, and SEO issues.
Final Words
Migrating or uninstalling a WordPress site doesn’t have to be stressful. I tried every step from plugin packages to SFTP, FTP, and database management and now my sites are secure, optimized, and fully functional. By following this evidence-based approach, you can move, remove, or clean WordPress sites confidently, maintaining SEO, user experience, and overall site performance.