How to Import a WordPress Database?

Before You Start the Import

Make a backup of the current database and check the file format. Most commonly, you'll be importing an SQL file or a compressed SQL file. Make sure you've selected the right database, that it has the correct encoding, and that it doesn't already contain data from another live site.

A large file can exceed the phpMyAdmin upload limit. In that case, you can split the import into parts, use a command-line tool, or ask support to handle it for you. Don't refresh the page repeatedly while an import is in progress.

• a backup of the database before making changes
• the correct database name and username
• matching character encoding
• checking the SQL file size

Checking WordPress After the Import

Check the wp-config.php file, the table prefix, and the connection details. If the domain has changed, the site address may need to be updated in the database. After logging in, check your subpages, media, forms, and direct links.

A database connection error usually means an incorrect database name, username, password, or host. A white screen or a PHP error can be caused by a plugin conflict or a PHP version mismatch rather than the import itself.