Import Site to InstaWP from Live Website (Automated)
InstaWP allows you to import your live WordPress site into an InstaWP staging environment in just a few clicks using the Automated import method. This guide walks you through the entire process; from connecting your source site to completing the migration.
Before you begin, make sure you have:
- An active InstaWP account
- WordPress admin access to your live/source site
- Your source site must be running WordPress 5.0+ and PHP 7.4+
🎥 Watch: How to Import Your Live WordPress Site to InstaWP Automatically
Step 1: Click "Import Site".
Log in to your InstaWP dashboard and navigate to the Sites page. In the top-right corner, click the Import Site button.
Step 2: Select "From a Live website" → "Automated"
A modal dialog will appear with multiple import options. Make sure you are on the "From a Live website" tab and the "Automated" sub-tab is selected (it should be highlighted with a green underline).
Step 3: Enter Your Source Site URL
In the "Enter Site URL" field, type the full URL of your live WordPress site (e.g., https://example.com).
Once entered, click the green "Connect Site →" button at the bottom-right of the modal.
https://. For example: https://source-site-docs.instawp.dev
Step 4: Install the Migration Plugin on Your Source Site
InstaWP needs a small migration plugin installed on your live site to securely connect and transfer data. The modal will display three simple steps:
- Download the migration plugin ZIP file — Click the "Download Plugin" link to save the instamigrate.zip file to your computer.
- Upload the plugin — In your WordPress admin, go to Plugins → Add New → Upload Plugin, then select the downloaded ZIP file and install it.
- Activate the plugin — After installation, click Activate to enable the plugin.
Once the plugin is installed and activated on your source site, click the green "I have Installed the Plugin →" button to continue.
Step 5: Authorize WordPress Access
InstaWP will now ask you to authorize access to your WordPress site. Click the green "Open WordPress Authorization" button.
This will open a new browser window/tab pointing to your source site's WordPress login page.
Step 6: Approve the Application Connection
After logging in, WordPress will display an "Authorize Application" screen. You'll see that an application called "InstaWP Import" is requesting access to connect to your account.
The "New Application Password Name" field will be pre-filled with InstaWP Import.
Click the blue "Yes, I approve of this connection" button to grant access. After approval, you will be automatically redirected back to the InstaWP dashboard.
Step 7: Review Source Site Analysis
InstaWP will automatically analyze your source site and display key information:
- WordPress Version (e.g., 6.9.4)
- PHP Version (e.g., 8.4.12)
An info message will note that your site size will be determined automatically during migration, and you should choose a plan based on your expected site needs.
Review the details and click the green "Next →" button to proceed.
Step 8: Configure Destination Site Settings
On the next screen, configure the settings for your new InstaWP destination site:
- Select Plan — Choose your preferred plan (e.g., Sandbox at $2/mo - $0.07/day)
- Server Location — Pick the server region closest to you (e.g., United States)
- PHP Version — Select the PHP version for the destination site (e.g., 8.4)
Once configured, click the green "Start Migration" button to begin the import process.
Step 9: Migration In Progress
The migration process will begin automatically. You'll see a progress screen showing:
- Source → Destination site URLs
- A status indicator (e.g., "CREATING SITE..." then "MIGRATING")
- A progress bar with percentage completion
The migration runs through the following stages:
Stage | Description |
|---|---|
Setting Up Destination Site | Creates your new InstaWP site |
Preparation | Validates the source plugin and configuration |
Database Export | Exports the database from your source site |
Files Export | Archives themes, plugins, and uploads |
Database Import | Imports the database to the destination site |
Files Import | Transfers all files to the destination site |
Each stage will show a "Completed" status with a green checkmark as it finishes.
Step 10: Migration Complete
Once all stages are complete, the progress bar will show the migration status as "COMPLETED" with a green progress indicator.
You'll see a summary of all completed stages with green checkmarks, along with the total migration time (e.g., 17m 41s).
Click the green "Go to Site Dashboard" button to access your newly imported InstaWP site.
Troubleshooting
The plugin installation step is not working: Make sure you have downloaded the correct instamigrate.zip file from the InstaWP modal. Upload it via Plugins → Add New → Upload Plugin in your WordPress admin.
Authorization is failing: Ensure you are logging in with an administrator-level WordPress account. Also verify that Application Passwords are not disabled on your source site (some security plugins may block this feature).
Migration is stuck or taking too long: Large sites with many files or a big database may take longer. If the migration appears stuck for more than 30 minutes, try canceling and restarting the process. You can also contact InstaWP support for assistance.
Plugin connection error: Make sure the instamigrate plugin is activated (not just installed) on your source site before clicking "I have Installed the Plugin."
Updated on: 01/06/2026
Thank you!