Step By Step Guide to Clone a WordPress Site

There are a few good reasons you might want to clone your WordPress site. Maybe you’re switching to a new hosting provider. Or you want a safe copy to test changes before going live. Some site owners do it to create backups or build client sites faster.

Cloning your site gives you control and flexibility. It lets you work on updates without risking your live site. You can test new plugins, themes, or layouts in a safe space before making them public. It’s also a great way to speed up website development if you’re managing more than one site.

So, in this blog, we’ll tell you how to clone a WordPress site using different methods. With the right tools and steps, anyone can do it. Let’s see how!

What is WordPress Cloning & Why Would You Do It?

Cloning a WordPress site means creating an exact copy of your entire website. This includes your content, design, themes, plugins, settings, and database. It’s like duplicating your site so you can use it somewhere else or keep it safe. The clone works just like the original and nothing is left out. You can move it, test it, or store it, depending on your needs.

Common Reasons to Clone a WordPress Site

Cloning your site isn’t just for developers. It’s a useful tool for anyone who wants more control, safety, or flexibility with their WordPress website. Here are the most common reasons:

• Moving to a new host: Cloning lets you move your entire WordPress site to a new hosting provider without downtime. It saves you from manually transferring files, settings, and database details.
• Creating a staging site: A cloned copy helps you set up a staging site to test updates, try new plugins, or tweak designs safely without affecting your live website or risking real-time user experience.
• Backing up your site: A full clone works as a complete backup. It gives you peace of mind and a restore point if updates fail, files get corrupted, or the site gets hacked.
• Developing a new site: Instead of starting from scratch, you can use a cloned site as a foundation. This is ideal for agencies building similar websites or launching a multilingual website in WordPress with shared structure.
• Troubleshooting problems: Cloning creates a safe environment for debugging. You can test fixes without risking your live site, making it easier to find and resolve issues with themes, plugins, or custom code.
• Multi-site deployment: If you manage multiple projects, cloning speeds up your setup. You can reuse the same design and structure across different domains, perfect for franchises or networks with similar needs.

Simply put, cloning a WordPress site gives you more control, whether you’re moving hosts, testing changes, or backing up your content. It’s a smart way to work safely, faster, and with less risk.

How to Clone a WordPress Site? (Step-by-Step Methods)

Cloning a WordPress site can be done using different methods based on your technical proficiency and the specific needs of your project. Whether you prefer plugins, manual cloning, or using your hosting dashboard, this section covers it all.

Here are the three most effective ways to clone a WordPress website:

Method 1: Clone WordPress Site Using a Plugin (Recommended for Beginners)

WordPress cloning plugins are the fastest and easiest way to duplicate your site. One of the most popular plugins is Duplicator.

Steps to Clone a WordPress Site with Duplicator:

1. Install and Activate Duplicator Plugin
   Go to Plugins → Add New → Search for “Duplicator” → Install & Activate.
2. Create a New Package
   From the Duplicator dashboard, click “Create New” → Continue → Let it scan your site.
3. Build the Package
   After the scan, click “Build” to generate an archive of your website (files + database).
4. Download the Files
   Once completed, download the Installer.php and Archive.zip files to your computer.
5. Upload Files to New Location
   Use FTP or File Manager to upload both files to your destination folder (on same or different domain/subdomain).
6. Run the Installer Script
   Visit yournewsite.com/installer.php in your browser and follow the setup instructions to extract files and configure the new database.
7. Login and Verify
   Once complete, login to your cloned site and ensure everything is working as expected.

Pro Tip: Duplicator Pro supports cloud backups, scheduled cloning, and multisite support.

Method 2: Clone WordPress Site Manually (For Developers)

For those who want complete control over the process, manual cloning offers deeper customization and understanding.

Steps to Manually Clone a WordPress Site:

1. Back Up Files via FTP
   Use FileZilla or another FTP client to download your entire /public_html/ or /wp-content/ directory.
2. Export the Database
   Access your hosting panel → phpMyAdmin → Select your WordPress DB → Click Export.
3. Upload to New Server
   Use FTP to upload your backed-up files to the new location or domain.
4. Create a New Database
   In the new server’s cPanel → MySQL Databases → Create a new DB and user.
5. Update wp-config.php
   Modify the cloned site’s wp-config.php to match the new database credentials.
6. Import the Database
   Go to phpMyAdmin → Select the new database → Import the previously exported SQL file.
7. Fix Site URLs
   In phpMyAdmin, open the wp_options table → Update the siteurl and home values to match your new domain.
8. Flush Permalinks
   Login to the new site’s WordPress dashboard → Settings → Permalinks → Save.

Your WordPress site is now successfully cloned!

Method 3: Clone via Hosting Provider (1-Click Clone)

Some managed WordPress hosting services (like SiteGround, Bluehost, or Hostinger) offer 1-click staging or site cloning features from their dashboard.

General Steps:

• Login to your hosting dashboard
• Go to Websites → Site Tools or similar
• Look for “Staging” or “Clone Site” option
• Select the destination (new domain or subdomain)
• Launch the clone with one click

Note: Availability depends on your hosting provider. Check with their support or documentation.

So, which method should you choose? Well, it depends:

• If you’re a beginner, use Duplicator or a plugin for a hassle-free experience.
• If you’re a developer, we recommend you to go manual for full control and flexibility.
• Using managed hosting, use their built-in tools for instant cloning.

Once your clone is created, be sure to test it thoroughly and secure it with backups and updates.

Overall, you can clone a WordPress site using plugins, manual methods, or hosting tools—depending on your skill level and needs. Plugins like Duplicator are beginner-friendly, while manual cloning offers full control. If you’d rather have an expert handle it, we recommend consulting with a WordPress development company.

FAQs on How to Clone a WordPress Site

To Conclude

Cloning a WordPress site is a valuable tool for various purposes, such as creating a staging site for testing new changes, migrating to a new hosting provider, or creating a backup of your site. There are three primary methods for cloning a WordPress site:

• Manual cloning provides the most control over the process but requires technical expertise and familiarity with FTP and databases.
• Plugin-based cloning offers a user-friendly interface and automates many of the steps, making it suitable for users with varying technical levels.
• Cloning through a hosting provider is a convenient option if you’re already using their services, as they handle the technical aspects of the process.

Choose your preferred methods based on your familiarity with the platform. The process is pretty straightforward. If you need expert assistance with your site, you can hire WordPress developers.