WordPress.com is a great way to get started with a website — it's easy, it's hosted for you, and the free tier lets you try it without commitment. But as your site grows, you'll likely hit its limitations: no custom plugins, restricted themes, limited monetisation options, and a platform that's difficult to leave.
If you're ready for full control, migrating to self-hosted WordPress (WordPress.org) is the answer. This guide walks you through every step.
Not sure about the difference? Read our WordPress.org vs WordPress.com comparison first.
Before You Start
A quick note on alternative methods: WordPress.com recommends the All-in-One WP Migration plugin for migrating to self-hosted WordPress. However, this requires a WordPress.com Business (paid) plan, and your site must be under 2 GB. If you meet those requirements, that plugin method may be smoother. If not — or if you're on a lower-tier plan — the manual method below works perfectly.
You will also need a web hosting plan with WordPress installed. If you don't have one yet, our WordPress installation guide covers setting up your hosting and installing WordPress.
Step 1: Export Your Content from WordPress.com
WordPress.com provides a built-in export tool that packages up your posts, pages, comments, and media into a single XML file.
- Log in to your WordPress.com account and navigate to your site's dashboard
- Click WP Admin in the left sidebar to open the traditional WordPress admin area
- Go to Tools → Export
- Click Start Export (the free option — not the guided paid option)
- Select All Content and click Download Export File
Once the download completes, save the XML file somewhere safe on your computer.
Important: While you're still in the WordPress.com admin, make a note of the theme you're currently using under Appearance → Themes. You'll need this later.
Step 2: Install Self-Hosted WordPress
If you already have a hosting account with WordPress installed, you can skip to Step 3. If not, follow our how to install WordPress guide to get everything set up on your EDZNET hosting plan. The process takes only a few minutes using WordPress Toolkit in cPanel.
Step 3: Import Your Content
Now that you have self-hosted WordPress installed, it's time to bring your content across.
- Log in to your new self-hosted WordPress admin dashboard
- Go to Tools → Import
- Click WordPress under the list of import options (install the WordPress Importer plugin if prompted)
- Click Choose File, select the XML export file you downloaded in Step 1
- Click Upload file and import
- When asked, make sure to check the option to download and import file attachments — this ensures your images and media files are copied to your new site
Once the import completes, you'll find all your posts, pages, and media in your new self-hosted WordPress site, exactly as they were on WordPress.com.
Step 4: Find and Apply a Theme
WordPress.com's export only includes your content — not your theme or design settings. You'll need to set up a theme on your self-hosted site.
- In your WordPress admin, go to Appearance → Themes → Add New
- Search for the name of the theme you were using on WordPress.com. Many popular WordPress.com themes are also available for self-hosted WordPress. If you find it, install and activate it
- If your theme isn't available, browse the thousands of free themes in the WordPress.org directory. Most modern WordPress themes are highly customisable and will serve as an excellent replacement
Post-Migration Checklist
- Set your permalinks: Go to Settings → Permalinks and choose a structure (Post name is recommended for SEO). This may differ from your WordPress.com setup
- Install essential plugins: At minimum, consider an SEO plugin, a caching plugin, and a security plugin
- Configure your domain: Update your domain's DNS to point to your new hosting provider so visitors reach your self-hosted site
- Test everything: Browse your site, check your pages, click through links, and verify that images are loading correctly
Why Migrate to Self-Hosted WordPress?
Making the move from WordPress.com to self-hosted WordPress gives you:
- Full plugin access: Install any plugin, free or premium, without plan restrictions
- Complete theme freedom: Use any theme, customise it however you like
- No commission fees: If you run an e-commerce store, every sale is yours — no platform transaction fees
- Portability: Your site is self-contained. You can move it to any hosting provider at any time
- Real hosting infrastructure: With EDZNET, your site runs on UK Tier 3 infrastructure with full management included
If you haven't decided between the two platforms yet, our WordPress.org vs WordPress.com guide covers everything you need to make the right choice.
