{"id":13555,"date":"2026-01-06T09:41:54","date_gmt":"2026-01-06T09:41:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.copebusiness.com\/?p=13555"},"modified":"2026-02-06T13:11:11","modified_gmt":"2026-02-06T13:11:11","slug":"migrate-wordpress-com-to-wordpress-org","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.copebusiness.com\/fr\/wordpress\/migrer-wordpress-com-to-wordpress-org\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Properly Migrate WordPress.com to WordPress.org"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"13555\" class=\"elementor elementor-13555\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-334ddeb2 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"334ddeb2\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-4baac142\" data-id=\"4baac142\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2442040b elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"2442040b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Migrate WordPress.com to WordPress.org unlocks full control, unlimited customization, better SEO potential, and freedom from platform restrictions\u2014perfect for growing your blog into a professional site. Done correctly, this migration preserves your content, rankings, and audience with minimal downtime. At Cope Business, we&#8217;ve assisted numerous clients with seamless migrations during our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.copebusiness.com\/technical-seo-services\/technical-seo-audit-service\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.copebusiness.com\/technical-seo-services\/technical-seo-audit-service\/\">technical SEO audit services<\/a>, ensuring no SEO loss and quick recovery. This 2026-updated guide outlines the complete process, including tools, tips, and warnings to avoid common pitfalls.<\/p><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_84 ez-toc-wrap-left counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">On this page<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #0a0a0a;color:#0a0a0a\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #0a0a0a;color:#0a0a0a\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.copebusiness.com\/fr\/wordpress\/migrer-wordpress-com-to-wordpress-org\/#Why_Move_from_WordPresscom_to_WordPressorg\" >Why Move from WordPress.com to WordPress.org?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.copebusiness.com\/fr\/wordpress\/migrer-wordpress-com-to-wordpress-org\/#Step_1_Export_Your_Content_from_WordPresscom\" >Step 1: Export Your Content from WordPress.com<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.copebusiness.com\/fr\/wordpress\/migrer-wordpress-com-to-wordpress-org\/#Step_2_Set_Up_Your_New_WordPressorg_Site\" >Step 2: Set Up Your New WordPress.org Site<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.copebusiness.com\/fr\/wordpress\/migrer-wordpress-com-to-wordpress-org\/#Step_3_Import_Content_to_Your_New_Site\" >Step 3: Import Content to Your New Site<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.copebusiness.com\/fr\/wordpress\/migrer-wordpress-com-to-wordpress-org\/#Step_4_Migrate_Subscribers_and_Set_Your_Old_Site_to_Private\" >Step 4: Migrate Subscribers and Set Your Old Site to Private<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.copebusiness.com\/fr\/wordpress\/migrer-wordpress-com-to-wordpress-org\/#Step_5_Set_Up_Redirects_to_Preserve_SEO_and_Traffic\" >Step 5: Set Up Redirects to Preserve SEO and Traffic<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.copebusiness.com\/fr\/wordpress\/migrer-wordpress-com-to-wordpress-org\/#Step_6_Post-Migration_Checks_and_Optimization\" >Step 6: Post-Migration Checks and Optimization<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.copebusiness.com\/fr\/wordpress\/migrer-wordpress-com-to-wordpress-org\/#Final_Tips_for_a_Smooth_Migration\" >Final Tips for a Smooth Migration<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Whether you&#8217;re outgrowing WordPress.com&#8217;s limitations or seeking more features, follow these steps carefully. For hands-on help or a full site transfer, our team can handle it\u2014contact us for a free consultation.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Move_from_WordPresscom_to_WordPressorg\"><\/span>Why Move from WordPress.com to WordPress.org?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">WordPress.com offers easy setup but restricts plugins, themes, monetization, and custom code on lower plans. WordPress.org (self-hosted) provides:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Unlimited plugins\/themes for advanced functionality.<\/li>\n\n<li>Full monetization options without revenue sharing.<\/li>\n\n<li>Better SEO control and scalability.<\/li>\n\n<li>Complete ownership of your data.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Note: This guide assumes you&#8217;re on a free or paid WordPress.com plan. For comparisons, see our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.copebusiness.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.copebusiness.com\/wordpress-com-vs-wordpress-org\/\">WordPress.com vs WordPress.org guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_1_Export_Your_Content_from_WordPresscom\"><\/span>Step 1: Export Your Content from WordPress.com<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Start by downloading everything from your old site.<\/p>\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Log into your WordPress.com dashboard and switch to the classic WP Admin view.<\/li>\n\n<li>Go to <strong>Tools &gt; Export<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n<li>Select &#8220;All content&#8221; and click &#8220;Download Export File&#8221;.<\/li>\n\n<li>Save the XML file (contains posts, pages, comments, images, etc.) and unzip if needed.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For large sites, the export may split into multiple files\u2014import them sequentially later.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Tip<\/strong>: If your site has a blogroll (links), export the OPML file by visiting http:\/\/yourblog.wordpress.com\/wp-links-opml.php in your browser.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_2_Set_Up_Your_New_WordPressorg_Site\"><\/span>Step 2: Set Up Your New WordPress.org Site<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Choose reliable hosting and install WordPress.org.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Recommended Hosting for 2026<\/h3>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>SiteGround or Bluehost: WordPress-optimized with one-click install, free domain, and excellent support\u2014plans start at ~$3\u2013$7\/month.<\/li>\n\n<li>For setup details, follow our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.copebusiness.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.copebusiness.com\/install-wordpress-2026\/\">how to install WordPress guide<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Sign up for hosting and point your domain (or a new one) to the server.<\/li>\n\n<li>Install WordPress via the host&#8217;s dashboard\u2014it&#8217;s automatic and takes minutes.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Warning<\/strong>: If using a custom domain on WordPress.com, update nameservers to your new host after migration to avoid downtime.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_3_Import_Content_to_Your_New_Site\"><\/span>Step 3: Import Content to Your New Site<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Transfer your exported data.<\/p>\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>In your new WordPress.org admin, go to <strong>Tools &gt; Import<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n<li>Install and run the &#8220;WordPress&#8221; importer.<\/li>\n\n<li>Upload the XML file from Step 1.<\/li>\n\n<li>Check &#8220;Download and import file attachments&#8221; to pull in images (may take time for large sites).<\/li>\n\n<li>Assign content to an existing user (e.g., your admin account).<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For oversized XML files (&gt;2MB), split them using a free WXR splitter tool or increase your host&#8217;s upload limit.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Images Note<\/strong>: If images remain hosted on WordPress.com (URLs like files.wordpress.com), use the Import External Images plugin to migrate them locally.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For blogroll links: Install the Link Manager and OPML Importer plugins, then import your OPML file under <strong>Tools &gt; Import &gt; Blogroll<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_4_Migrate_Subscribers_and_Set_Your_Old_Site_to_Private\"><\/span>Step 4: Migrate Subscribers and Set Your Old Site to Private<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Preserve your audience.<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Install Jetpack on both sites.<\/li>\n\n<li>Contact WordPress.com support to transfer subscribers (they&#8217;ll handle it for free).<\/li>\n\n<li>Optionally, set your old WordPress.com site to private in <strong>Settings &gt; Privacy<\/strong> to direct traffic to the new one.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_5_Set_Up_Redirects_to_Preserve_SEO_and_Traffic\"><\/span>Step 5: Set Up Redirects to Preserve SEO and Traffic<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Redirects ensure visitors and search engines find your new site.<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>If on a free WordPress.com subdomain (e.g., yourblog.wordpress.com): Use WordPress.com&#8217;s paid &#8220;Site Redirect&#8221; feature (~$13\/year) for 301 redirects to your new domain.<\/li>\n\n<li>For custom domains on WordPress.com: Change DNS\/nameservers to your new host\u2014no additional redirects needed, as SEO benefits transfer automatically.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>SEO Tip<\/strong>: Update any internal links or hardcoded URLs pointing to the old domain using our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.copebusiness.com\/technical-seo\/how-to-update-urls-when-moving-your-wordpress-site-easy-guide\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">update URLs guide<\/a>. Keep redirects active for at least 2 years to maintain rankings.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If changing domains, notify Google via Search Console&#8217;s Change of Address tool (see our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.copebusiness.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">migration checklist<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Warning<\/strong>: Without redirects, you&#8217;ll lose traffic and SEO juice\u2014don&#8217;t skip this!<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_6_Post-Migration_Checks_and_Optimization\"><\/span>Step 6: Post-Migration Checks and Optimization<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Verify everything works.<\/p>\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Test all links, images, and forms on the new site.<\/li>\n\n<li>Reinstall your theme (themes don&#8217;t transfer; download and upload manually).<\/li>\n\n<li>Add essential plugins like All in One SEO for sitemaps\/schema, WPForms for contacts, and UpdraftPlus for backups.<\/li>\n\n<li>Enable HTTPS on your new host for security and SEO (free via Let&#8217;s Encrypt\u2014see our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.copebusiness.com\/security\/add-ssl-and-https-in-wordpress\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.copebusiness.com\/technical-seo\/add-ssl-and-https-in-wordpress\/\">SSL guide<\/a>).<\/li>\n\n<li>Submit your new sitemap to Google Search Console and monitor for errors.<\/li>\n\n<li>Backup your new site immediately.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For large sites or complex transfers, use plugins like Duplicator for a full clone.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Common Issues<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Front page missing: Recheck theme customizations.<\/li>\n\n<li>Import timeouts: Re-run the importer\u2014it resumes.<\/li>\n\n<li>Refunds: Cancel WordPress.com plans\/domains within 30\u201348 days if needed.<\/li>\n\n<li>Domain transfers: Wait 60 days (ICANN rule) before full transfer; use nameservers meantime.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Final_Tips_for_a_Smooth_Migration\"><\/span>Final Tips for a Smooth Migration<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Backup everything before starting.<\/li>\n\n<li>Test on a staging site if possible.<\/li>\n\n<li>No downtime if redirects are set properly.<\/li>\n\n<li>For hands-off help, use our migration services to avoid risks.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Migrating unlocks endless possibilities\u2014enjoy the freedom of WordPress.org! If you encounter issues or need optimization post-move, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.copebusiness.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.copebusiness.com\/\">contact Cope Business<\/a> for a free technical SEO consultation.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Migrate WordPress.com to WordPress.org unlocks full control, unlimited customization, better SEO potential, and freedom from platform restrictions&mdash;perfect for growing your 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