How To Move From WordPress.com To WordPress Hosting
WordPress.com is not the same as a normal WordPress host. A normal host exposes files, wp-config.php, and database access. WordPress.com access depends on the plan, so Migration Monkey separates these moves into plugin-enabled, SFTP-enabled, and export-only paths.
Plugin-enabled path
If the WordPress.com plan allows migration plugins, Migration Monkey can use a fuller WordPress-aware move with plugin capture, destination restore, URL replacement, and post-migration verification.
Business/Commerce SFTP path
If SFTP/SSH is available, the job can inspect source files and prepare a cleaner restore, but database access may still be plan-limited. The migration log marks any database or media gaps that need follow-up.
Export-only path
Export-only WordPress.com moves use XML export plus media reconciliation. This can move content, but it may not fully clone themes, plugins, users, redirects, settings, forms, ecommerce data, or custom database tables. These jobs use more credits because they need guided cleanup.
Checklist
- Confirm the WordPress.com plan and whether plugins or SFTP are available.
- Export content and keep the source public while media is fetched.
- Restore into a clean WordPress install on the destination host.
- Rebuild or reinstall themes, plugins, forms, redirects, and ecommerce pieces that were not exposed.
- Run final URL replacement and media checks before DNS cutover.