How the Migrator plugin works
SiteGround describes the SiteGround Migrator as a free plugin that you install on the website you want to copy. On the SiteGround side you choose the domain and path where the copy should go and click Generate to create a Migration Token, then enter that token in the Migrator plugin on the old site and start the transfer. SiteGround's knowledge base says that with this option you can transfer multiple WordPress sites from any host to SiteGround at no extra cost.
SiteGround states the migration does NOT lead to any downtime for your current site, because the plugin copies content rather than moving it. After the transfer, SiteGround says it creates a temporary URL active for 48 hours for each transferred site so you can review the copy before changing DNS.
Sites the plugin does not suit
SiteGround's tutorial lists three cases where the Migrator is not the right tool: migrating from WordPress.com, sites built on a local device (PC), and moving Multisite installations. Its knowledge base repeats that the plugin transfer option is not suitable for migrating localhost WordPress sites. Course networks built as WordPress multisite therefore need a different path.
Neither page publishes a site-size limit for the website Migrator, so this guide does not state one. The only size figure SiteGround gives on the tutorial is for the separate Email Migrator, which transfers email accounts up to 7GB in size over IMAP. If your site is very large, treat the plugin attempt as a test and have a fallback ready, such as a WP-CLI database export and file copy.
| Situation | Migrator plugin | Manual transfer by SiteGround |
|---|---|---|
| Standard single WordPress site on another host | Documented as supported, free | Available as a paid service |
| WordPress multisite network | Not suitable, per SiteGround | Not stated on pages checked; ask before ordering |
| WordPress.com site | Not suitable, per SiteGround | See SiteGround's separate guides |
| Local or localhost site | Not suitable, per SiteGround | Not covered here |
| Mailboxes at the old host | Not handled by the website Migrator | Separate Email Migrator, accounts up to 7GB |
The manual transfer service
SiteGround's knowledge base article on transfers, last updated September 10, 2026, says SiteGround's manual website transfer is a paid service and includes transferring the database of the application and all of the website files. You order it from your Client Area through the Help Center's contact options, then provide access details for the current host.
By default, SiteGround says it will transfer and reconfigure your main web application found in the webroot; any other applications must be named in the request. The service does not include transferring the domain name, which is ordered separately. SiteGround's getting-started tutorial adds that website transfers may take up to 5 business days, depending on the size of the website, the limitations of the old host and connectivity.
The knowledge base page did not show a price, so this guide does not quote one. Older third-party figures circulate, but a current figure should come from your own Client Area order screen.
Plan around the 48-hour windows
Two 48-hour figures in SiteGround's tutorial shape the schedule. The temporary preview URL is active for 48 hours, so test promptly after the copy finishes; if it expires before you finish testing, use another preview method such as curl --resolve. After switching DNS, SiteGround recommends that no changes are made to the site for 48 hours.
For a membership or course site, no changes for 48 hours is hard to honour, because members keep renewing and students keep completing lessons. Read it as a warning about the DNS transition: some visitors may still reach the old site during that period. Freeze writes on the old site at cutover, or put it into maintenance mode, so new enrolments and payments only land on SiteGround.
Pre-flight checklist
- Confirm the site is a single WordPress install, not multisite, WordPress.com or local.
- Install the free SiteGround Migrator plugin on the old site and generate the Migration Token in your SiteGround account.
- Run the transfer, then test on the temporary URL within its 48-hour life: member login, course progress, test-mode checkout.
- If the site has mailboxes at the old host, plan the separate Email Migrator run.
- At cutover, freeze writes on the old site, then switch DNS; keep the old host until traffic there stops.
- If the plugin fails or the site is out of scope, request the paid manual transfer and get the price in the Client Area.
Questions before you decide
Does the SiteGround Migrator take my current site offline?
SiteGround says the migration does not lead to any downtime for your current site, because the plugin copies the content. The old site keeps running until you switch DNS.
How much does a SiteGround manual transfer cost?
SiteGround describes the manual transfer as a paid service, but the knowledge base page checked on 13 October 2026 did not state a price. Check the order screen in your Client Area.
Sources & verification
Product details and prices can change. Check the linked provider before buying.
- SiteGround: WordPress Automatic Migrator tutorial Accessed 13 Oct 2026
- SiteGround KB: How do I transfer my website with WordPress Migrator? Accessed 13 Oct 2026
- SiteGround KB: Could you transfer my website for me? Accessed 13 Oct 2026
- SiteGround: How to Transfer an Existing Website Accessed 13 Oct 2026
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