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Troubleshooting All-in-One WP Migration: Why Your Import Gets Stuck and How to Fix It

21 threads Sep 7, 2025 Plugin → All-in-one wp migration and backup

Content

One of the most common issues users face with the 'All-in-One WP Migration and Backup' plugin is an import process that gets stuck, fails, or refuses to start. This can be incredibly frustrating, especially when you're under pressure to get a site live. Based on extensive community discussion, this guide explains the root causes and provides the most effective solutions to get your migration back on track.

Why Do Imports Get Stuck or Fail?

The import process is heavily dependent on your web server's configuration and resources. The plugin itself does not impose most limits; instead, it operates within the constraints set by your hosting environment. Common points of failure include:

  • Server Configuration Limits: PHP settings that are too low for your backup file size.
  • Insufficient Resources: A lack of server memory, CPU, or disk space to process the import.
  • Session Interruption: Closing the browser or switching computers during an upload.
  • Hosting Restrictions: Some hosting providers have system policies that prevent necessary functions, like adjusting the maximum execution time.
  • File Corruption: In rare cases, the exported .wpress file itself may be damaged.

Most Common Solutions to Try First

1. Adjust Your PHP Settings

This is the most frequent fix. Your server's PHP configuration must be adjusted to values higher than your backup file. You or your hosting provider need to modify the following settings in the php.ini file (or sometimes via .htaccess or wp-config.php):

  • upload_max_filesize = 512M (Set to a value larger than your .wpress file)
  • post_max_size = 512M (Set to a value larger than your .wpress file)
  • memory_limit = 512M (Set to a value larger than your .wpress file; 1G or more may be needed for large sites)
  • max_execution_time = 0 (Set to 0 for unlimited, or a very high number like 7200)
  • max_input_time = 0 (Set to 0 for unlimited, or a very high number like 7200)

Note: Many shared hosting providers do not allow you to change these values yourself. If you are unsure how to proceed, your first step should be to contact your hosting support and ask them to verify and increase these limits for you.

2. Check Your Server Error Logs

If adjusting PHP settings doesn't work, the specific error is almost always logged. Contact your hosting provider and request the PHP error logs for your website around the time you attempted the import. The logs will contain the exact error (e.g., a 503 service unavailable error or a specific memory exhaustion warning) that is causing the process to fail, providing a clear direction for a solution.

3. Use the File Manager Method for Large Files

For very large files (e.g., over 1GB), uploading through the plugin interface can be unreliable. A more stable method is to upload the .wpress file directly to your server using FTP or your hosting provider's file manager. The file must be placed in the following directory:

/wp-content/ai1wm-backups/

Once the file is uploaded, you can go to All-in-One WP Migration > Import in your WordPress admin. The file should appear in a list, allowing you to restore from it. Note that some advanced import features may require a premium extension.

4. Ensure a Stable Environment

Do not close your browser tab, shut down your computer, or log out of your WordPress admin during the import process. The operation is tied to that specific browser session. Interrupting it will almost certainly cause a failure, requiring you to start the process over again from the beginning.

When to Seek Further Help

If you have tried all the steps above and are still encountering issues, the problem may be specific to your hosting environment. Some providers are listed as 'unsupported' by the 'All-in-One WP Migration and Backup' team due to strict system policies that cannot be overridden. In these cases, you may need to explore alternative migration plugins or methods.

For users of premium extensions (e.g., the Unlimited Extension), support for those products is handled directly by the plugin's team and is not provided on independent community forums.

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