‎How to Transfer Site from WordPress com to WordPress org (2026)

So, you started your website on WordPress.com but now you are ready for more control, flexibility, and freedom. You have probably heard about WordPress.org the self hosted version that lets you use plugins, themes and even make money from your website and now you are wondering how to make the switch.

‎Well, you are in the right place! In this complete guide, I will walk you through how to transfer site from WordPress com to WordPress org step by step in plain English. No technical jargon, no confusion just a friendly roadmap to help you confidently move your website.

Let’s get started.

‎What is the Difference Between WordPress.com and WordPress.org?

‎Before diving into the transfer process, let’s quickly clear up the difference because a lot of beginners get confused here.

WordPress.com is a hosted platform meaning WordPress takes care of hosting for you. It’s great for starting out but has lots of limitations unless you pay for their higher tier plans.

WordPress.org on the other hand is self hosted. You buy your own hosting and have full control over your website. You can install any theme, any plugin, customize however you like and even monetize your blog freely.

‎In short:

• ‎WordPress.com limited and managed platform.

• ‎WordPress.org total freedom and ownership.

‎And that’s exactly why most bloggers and business owners eventually transfer their website from WordPress.com to WordPress.org.

‎Why You Should Transfer from WordPress.com to WordPress.org

‎Here is the thing WordPress.com is fine for beginners but once you start growing, you will quickly feel restricted.

Here are the most common reasons people make the switch:

• ‎Full control: You can edit code, add plugins, and use any theme you want.

• ‎Monetization freedom: Run ads, use affiliate marketing, or sell your products.

• ‎Custom design options: No more limitations on customization.

• ‎Better SEO control: Use advanced SEO plugins like Rank Math or Yoast SEO.

• ‎Professional credibility: Having your own hosting looks more professional.

‎If you are serious about your website, WordPress.org is the real deal.

‎Step by Step: How to Transfer Site from WordPress com to WordPress org

‎Alright, now let’s go step by step through the full migration process.

‎Step 1: Get Domain and Hosting

‎To move your website to WordPress.org, you will first need two things:

1. ‎Domain Name: This is your website’s address like hostifylab.com.

2. ‎Web Hosting: This is where your website files will live.

‎If you already have a domain connected to your WordPress.com website, you can keep it. Otherwise you can buy one from your hosting provider.

‎Recommended hosting for beginners:

1. ‎Hostinger: Budget friendly and beginner friendly.

2. ‎Bluehost: Officially recommended by WordPress.org.

3. ‎Namecheap or SiteGround: Reliable and fast options.

‎Once you sign up for hosting you will get login details and access to your cPanel or dashboard, where you can install WordPress.

Choose Best Domain and Hosting Website

‎Step 2: Install WordPress on Your New Hosting

‎Most hosting providers have a one click WordPress installation.

‎Here’s how it usually goes:

1. ‎Log in to your hosting account.

2. ‎Find the WordPress installer often under  Website or Softaculous.

3. ‎Choose your domain and click Install.

‎Once done you will have a fresh WordPress site ready on your hosting this is your WordPress.org website.

‎You can access it by going to:

• ‎yourdomain.com/wp-admin

‎Step 3: Export Content from WordPress.com

‎Now we need to move all your posts, pages, images and comments from WordPress.com.

‎Follow these steps:

1. ‎Log in to your WordPress.com dashboard.

2. ‎Go to Tools then Export.

3. ‎Choose Export All Content.

4. ‎It will generate an XML file that contains all your data.

5. ‎Download the file to your computer.

‎That’s it, you have now backed up your site’s content.

‎Step 4: Import Content to WordPress.org

‎Now it’s time to move that exported content into your new self hosted WordPress site.

1. ‎Log in to your WordPress.org admin area – yourdomain.com/wp-admin.

2. ‎Go to Tools then Import.

3. ‎Find WordPress at the bottom of the list and click Install Now.

4. ‎Once installed, click Run Importer.

5. ‎Upload the XML file you downloaded earlier.

6. ‎You will be asked to assign authors, you can assign it to your current username or create a new one.

7. ‎Make sure to check the box that says, Download and import file attachments to transfer images.

8. ‎Click Submit, and WordPress will import all your content.

‎Step 5: Move Your Images If Needed

• ‎Usually images transfer fine but sometimes they don’t. If you notice missing images don’t worry there is a simple fix.

• ‎You can install a free plugin called Auto Upload Images or Import External Images.

• ‎These tools automatically import all media files from your old posts.

‎Step 6: Redirect Your Old WordPress.com Webite – Optional but Important

‎If your old WordPress.com site had visitors or backlinks you don’t want to lose that traffic. To make sure people visiting your old website automatically land on your new one you can set up a redirect.

Unfortunately WordPress.com doesn’t allow free redirects. You will need to buy their Site Redirect upgrade around $13 per year.

‎Here’s how:

1. ‎Go to WordPress.com Settings and then Domains.

2. ‎Click Redirect and enter your new domain, the one hosted on WordPress.org

3. Purchase the redirect service.

‎Now all visitors to your old site will be smoothly redirected to your new one.

‎Step 7: Set Up Your WordPress.org website

‎Congratulations! You have officially transferred your site from WordPress.com to WordPress.org. Now comes the fun part, setting it up and making it your own.

‎Here’s what to do next:

Install your favorite theme: Go to Appearance, Themes then Add New and pick one that fits your brand.

Add essential plugins: 

1. ‎Rank Math or Yoast SEO for SEO

2. ‎Elementor for easy page design

3. ‎UpdraftPlus for backups

4. ‎WPForms for contact forms

‎Set up menus and widgets: Customize your navigation from Appearance then Menus.

Check all pages: Make sure all pages and links work properly after migration.

‎Step 8: Inform Google and Reconnect Analytics

‎If you were using Google Analytics or Search Console on WordPress.com update them with your new domain.

1. ‎Go to Google Search Console and add your new domain.

2. ‎Submit your sitemap from Rank Math or Yoast SEO.

3. ‎Verify ownership through your hosting or DNS settings.

‎This ensures your new WordPress.org website keeps its SEO power and search rankings.

‎Common Mistakes to Avoid

‎When transferring your website be careful of these common mistakes:

• ‎Forgetting to export media files properly.

• ‎Not setting up 301 redirects you will lose visitors.

• ‎Using different domain names which confuses users.

• ‎Skipping plugin or theme setup after migration.

‎Take your time and double check everything, it’s worth it.

‎How Long Does It Take to Transfer a WordPress.com Site?

‎Honestly not long! If you follow this guide, the entire process usually takes 30 to 60 minutes depending on your content size.

‎Most of it is just clicking through and waiting for imports to finish.

‎Final Thoughts: You are in Full Control Now

‎Moving from WordPress.com to WordPress.org might seem a bit technical at first but once you have done it, you will realize how much freedom you have gained.

‎You can now:

• ‎Customize your design endlessly.

• ‎Monetize your blog freely.

• ‎Improve your SEO.

• ‎Truly own your website.

‎It’s one of the best decisions you will make for your online journey. 

So, go ahead explore plugins, tweak your design and take your site to the next level.

‎FAQs About Transfer Site from WordPress com to WordPress org

‎Conclusion:

‎Transfer site from WordPress com to WordPress org is a powerful move that unlocks true website freedom. Once you experience the flexibility of self hosted WordPress, you will never want to go back.