Overview #

Migrating a WordPress Multisite to another Multisite setup involves transferring all subsites, themes, plugins, and settings from the source network to the target network. This process ensures that the entire network, or selected subsites, is moved seamlessly while retaining data integrity and minimizing downtime.

Before starting the migration, ensure that both the source and target Multisite networks are properly set up, and you have administrative access to both. Install and Activate Everest Backup on both networks. If the backup file is too large, you will also need the Everest Backup Unlimited Add-on to handle the migration efficiently.

How to Start a Multisite Backup #

1. Access the Network Admin Dashboard:

• Go to the Network Admin Dashboard of your Multisite.
  

2. Navigate to Everest Backup:

• Click on Everest Backup → Backup in the menu.
  

3. Choose the Backup Type:

• Select the type of backup you want to perform:
  Manual Backup
  Scheduled Backup
  Automatic Backup

4. Exclude Specific Items (Optional):

• If you wish to exclude certain items like themes, plugins, or the database.
• Use the exclusion options to select what you don’t want to include in the backup.

5. Select “All”:

• Before starting the backup, ensure you select the “All” option located just above the Backup button to include all sites and data (unless exclusions are specified).
  

6. Specify a Backup Location (Optional):

• If you want to store your backup in a specific location, such as Google Drive, OneDrive, AWS S3 Client, pCloud, etc.
• Add the respective Everest Backup Cloud Add-on.
• Configure its settings in Everest Backup → Cloud Settings.
• Once configured, select the location and provide a custom name for the backup file.
  

7. Start the Backup:

• Click the “BACKUP NOW” button to initiate the process.
  

The plugin will now create a full backup of your Multisite network based on your selections.

Restore the Multisite Backup file #

1. Go to Everest Backup → Restore:

• Access the Restore option in the Everest Backup menu of your Network Admin Dashboard.
  

2. Locate Your Backup File:

• Upload the backup file or select from the available files.
  

3. Select the Backup to Restore:

• Choose the backup file you want to use for restoration from the list or uploaded files.
  

4. Start the Restore Process:

• Click the Restore button to begin. The plugin will restore all subsites, themes, plugins, and settings as per the backup file.

5. Verify the Restore:

• After the process completes, check your Multisite network to ensure all subsites and settings are functioning as expected.
  
  

By following these steps, you can quickly and efficiently recover your Multisite network when needed.

Migration / Cloning of a Multisite #

1. Access the Network Admin Dashboard:

• Go to the Network Admin Dashboard of the Multisite in which you want to clone.
  

2. Navigate to Everest Backup:

• Click on Everest Backup → Migration/Clone in the menu.
  

3. Paste the Migration Key:

• Copy the Migration key generated from the multisite after backup is finished and paste it.
  

4. Select Clone:

• After the migration key is verified, select the Clone button.

5. Verify the Cloning:

• After the process completes, check your Multisite network to ensure all subsites and settings are functioning as expected.
  
  

By following these steps, you can quickly and efficiently migrate/clone your Multisite network from one multisite to another.

Best Practices #

• Regular Backups: Schedule regular backups to ensure your Multisite network data is always up to date and protected against unexpected data loss.
• Verify Backup Integrity: After creating a backup, test it to confirm that all data, including subsites, is properly saved.
• Use Exclusions Wisely: Exclude unnecessary files like unused themes or plugins to reduce backup size and time.
• Secure Your Backup Files: Store backups in secure, remote locations like Google Drive, AWS S3, or OneDrive to protect them from server failures.
• Name Backups Clearly: Use descriptive names for your backup files (e.g., “NetworkBackup-Dec2024”) to make them easily identifiable.
• Monitor Storage Space: Regularly check storage space on remote locations and configure automatic cleanup settings to remove outdated backups.