The WordPress importer reads a WordPress export file. It transfers supported content records, rather than an entire configured website.
Steps
- Back up the destination site and obtain the intended WordPress export file from the source. A staging site is useful for checking the result first.
- Open Tools > Import and choose WordPress. Install and run the importer if your account can install plugins.
- Upload the export file. Review author mapping so imported material belongs to the correct existing or new users.
- Choose the attachment-download option when needed and offered. Keep source media publicly reachable during that transfer.
- Wait for the result and record any skipped items or errors before deciding whether another attempt is necessary.
Check the result
Check sample posts, pages, authors, categories, dates, images, and internal links. Review the imported publication states before exposing the destination site.
Before you continue
An export file does not include the media binaries, theme, plugins, or a full settings backup. Failed media downloads require separate recovery. Repeating an import can produce an untidy result; inspect what succeeded first.
Official documentation: WordPress guide 1 | WordPress guide 2.
