Import a WXR export into WordPress to bring across supported posts, pages and related content, then verify the transferred media and relationships. Treat the import as a content migration that needs review, especially when the destination already contains material.
IN THIS ARTICLE
01 Prepare the destination
Back up the destination first and use staging for your first attempt. Install the plugins needed to register any imported custom post types or taxonomies. Check that the source website is reachable and that its image URLs are accessible if you want the importer to download attachments. An expired domain, password wall or source firewall can prevent this.
02 Run the import
- Open Tools > Import on the destination and choose the WordPress importer. Install the official importer if WordPress offers that step and your account is authorised.
- Select the WXR file and review the author mapping. Assign content to appropriate existing users or create approved users instead of granting unnecessary administrator access.
- Select the attachment-download option if the source media should be copied and can be reached.
- Start the import and keep the result or error report. For a large file that exceeds an upload or execution limit, arrange a supported import method rather than repeatedly increasing limits without checking available resources.
- Review the destination before retrying a partly completed job.
Why do images still load from the old website?
Some image references may remain external, or an attachment download may have failed. Inspect the actual image URL and the corresponding Media Library item. Test a representative selection including featured images, galleries and documents. Do not assume that a visible image has been copied merely because it currently displays.
Can I rerun the same export safely?
The importer can recognise some existing records, but you should not rely on every plugin or content relationship being perfectly deduplicated. Restore the clean test backup or identify exactly what failed before another run. Never bulk-delete apparently duplicated items until you understand which records the live pages reference.
03 Verify the completed transfer
Compare content counts, authors, dates, categories, menus, embedded media and custom fields with the source. Check several older pages as well as recent ones. Save a checklist of items that require manual correction. Only retire the original source after the final destination has been tested independently and its own backup is available.