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Understanding All-in-One WP Migration and Multisite: A Troubleshooting Guide

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

Content

Migrating a WordPress Multisite network is a complex task that often leads to questions about the capabilities of popular migration plugins. Based on community discussions, a frequent point of confusion is how the 'All-in-One WP Migration and Backup' plugin handles these specialized setups. This guide explains the common challenges and the officially supported path for Multisite migrations.

The Core Challenge: Multisite Requires a Premium Extension

The most definitive information from the sample threads indicates that the standard, free version of the 'All-in-One WP Migration and Backup' plugin does not natively support WordPress Multisite networks. This includes operations like exporting a single site from a network or migrating an entire network. The plugin's support for Multisite is provided through a separate, premium extension.

Common Multisite Migration Scenarios and Limitations

Users often ask if they can perform specific Multisite-related tasks. Based on the analyzed threads, here are the common scenarios and their typical outcomes:

  • Exporting a Single Site from a Network: This is not possible with the free plugin. The premium Multisite Extension is required to select and export an individual site from a Multisite installation.
  • Migrating an Entire Network: Moving a complete Multisite network (e.g., from one server to another) requires the premium extension designed for this purpose.
  • Converting a Single Site to Multisite (or Vice Versa): These are advanced procedures. The threads suggest that while the Multisite Extension can export a subsite for import into a standalone installation, the process is not automatic and requires careful execution.

Why This Limitation Exists

WordPress Multisite is architecturally different from a standard WordPress installation. Instead of separate databases for each site, a Multisite network uses a single database with a complex set of shared and site-specific tables. A migration tool must be specifically engineered to understand this structure, identify all related data for a given site or the entire network, and ensure it is correctly packaged and reinstalled. This complexity is why support is offered as a specialized add-on.

Potential Workarounds and Important Considerations

  1. Manual Database and File Management: For technically advanced users, it is possible to migrate a Multisite manually by moving the files and exporting/importing the database using phpMyAdmin or similar tools. This method is error-prone and not recommended for those unfamiliar with the WordPress database structure.
  2. Treating Sites as Separate Installations: In a case where you have a main site and a separate WordPress installation in a subfolder (often confused with Multisite), the plugin will work. You must create a separate backup for each unique WordPress installation and migrate them individually, as they are technically separate sites.
  3. Clarifying Your Setup: Ensure you are actually using a Multisite network. A common point of confusion is having multiple standalone WordPress installations in subfolders, which the standard plugin can handle by backing up each one separately.

Conclusion

If you are working with a genuine WordPress Multisite network, the consistent information from community support is that the required functionality is part of a premium extension. The free version of the 'All-in-One WP Migration and Backup' plugin is designed for standard, single WordPress installations. For those requiring Multisite functionality, the official solution from the plugin's developers is their dedicated extension. Always ensure your server environment and other database configurations (like HyperDB) are compatible before attempting any major migration.

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