Importing Existing Instance

• Starting the Import Process
• Choosing a Service
• Enter WordPress URL
• Sharing Access (Optional)
• Choosing Import Method
  • Method 1: Simple Method (Recommended)
  • Method 2: Advanced Method (FTP/SFTP)
• Domain Configuration
• Import Progress
• Import Completion
• Monitoring Your Import

PanelAlpha allows you to easily import existing WordPress instances into the system. The import process can be initiated from the Client Area and offers two methods: a simple plugin-based approach (recommended) and an advanced FTP/SFTP method for more complex scenarios.

Starting the Import Process

1. Navigate to the My Instances page in the Client Area.
2. Click Add New.

3. Select Import Existing WordPress Instance.

Choosing a Service

Select the service where you want to import your WordPress instance. This service determines the hosting server and plan that will be used for your imported instance.

Note: This step only appears if you have multiple services. If you have only one service, the import will proceed with that service automatically.

Enter WordPress URL

4. Enter your current WordPress instance URL (e.g. https://example.com).
5. Click Continue.

If your service has user-configurable options (e.g. geo affinity), you will be prompted to configure them at this step.

Sharing Access (Optional)

If you want to grant access to other users, you can add their email addresses. These users will be able to access and manage the imported instance according to the permissions granted.

Note: If you are a reseller, you can grant access to your end customers or team members. Permissions can be customized to control what actions they can perform on the instance.

Choosing Import Method

PanelAlpha offers two import methods to accommodate different scenarios and technical requirements:

Method 1: Simple Method (Recommended)

The simple method uses a PanelAlpha migration plugin to automate the entire import process. This is the recommended approach for most users.

Advantages:

• Fully automated migration process
• No need for FTP credentials
• Handles file and database migration automatically
• Works even if your hosting provider has FTP restrictions
• Real-time progress monitoring

Two options are available:

Option A: WordPress Admin Login Details

Provide your WordPress admin credentials, and PanelAlpha will automatically:

1. Log into your WordPress admin panel
2. Install the migration plugin
3. Initiate and complete the migration
4. Clean up after itself

Required fields:

• Login URL: your WordPress login page URL (e.g. https://example.com/wp-login.php)
• Username: WordPress admin username
• Password: WordPress admin password

Note: Your credentials are used only during the migration process and are not stored permanently.

Option B: Manual Plugin Installation

If you prefer not to provide admin credentials, you can install the migration plugin manually:

1. Download the plugin: click the download button to get the PanelAlpha WordPress Migrator plugin
2. Install the plugin: upload and activate it in your WordPress admin area (Plugins → Add New → Upload Plugin)
3. Run the migration: the plugin will automatically connect to PanelAlpha and initiate the migration
4. Monitor progress: you will be able to track the migration status in real time

Method 2: Advanced Method (FTP/SFTP)

The advanced method uses FTP/SFTP to download your WordPress files and database directly from your hosting server.

When to use:

• You don't have WordPress admin access
• The plugin method fails or is incompatible
• You need more control over the migration process
• Your WordPress installation has been compromised and you want to migrate files directly

Required information:

• Protocol: FTP, SFTP, or FTPS
• FTP Host: your FTP server address (e.g. ftp.example.com)
• FTP Port: port number (default: 21 for FTP, 22 for SFTP)
• FTP Username: your FTP account username
• FTP Password: your FTP account password
• Path: path to your WordPress installation (e.g. /public_html, /, or /blog)

Notes:

• If you don't specify a path, PanelAlpha will automatically search common locations (/, /public_html, /public, /htdocs, /httpdocs)
• PanelAlpha will verify that WordPress is found at the specified location before proceeding

Domain Configuration

After providing connection details, PanelAlpha will create a domain for your imported instance:

• If your original domain name is available, it will be used
• If your domain is already in use or is an IP address, a temporary subdomain will be created automatically
• You can change the domain later using the Changing Domain feature

Import Progress

The import process will run in the background. You can monitor the progress directly from your My Instances page, where the instance will appear with a progress indicator showing the migration status.

Import Completion

Once the import completes successfully, your instance will appear in the My Instances page with full functionality. You can now manage your WordPress instance directly through PanelAlpha, including access to all standard features like backups, updates, security tools, and performance monitoring.

Post-import verification:

1. Visit your instance URL to verify the site loads correctly
2. Log into WordPress admin to confirm access
3. Check that plugins and themes are functioning properly
4. Verify that media files and uploads are accessible
5. Test any custom functionality or integrations

Monitoring Your Import

All client-initiated imports can be monitored from the Admin Area under the Migrations section, where you'll find:

• In Progress: currently running migrations with real-time status
• Failed: migrations that encountered errors, with detailed error messages and retry options
• Successful: completed migrations with full details and logs

Administrators can:

• Monitor migration progress
• View detailed logs
• Retry failed migrations
• Mark migrations as successful (if issues were resolved manually)
• Stop ongoing migrations if needed