When Loopdash (or another agency) builds or manages your WordPress site on WP Engine, there comes a point where ownership of the site needs to move to your account. WP Engine calls this a site transfer—and accepting one is straightforward once you know where to look.
This guide walks you through the full process.
What Is a WP Engine Site Transfer?
A site transfer moves a WordPress install from one WP Engine account to another. The files, database, and configuration all move with it. Think of it like handing you the keys to a house that's already been built and furnished.
You'll need your own WP Engine account to accept the transfer. If you don't have one yet, create one here before proceeding.
Step 1: Find the Transfer Invitation Email
WP Engine sends a transfer invitation to the email address on your account. Look for a message from [email protected] with a subject line like:
"You have a pending site transfer on WP Engine"
Check your spam or promotions folder if you don't see it in your inbox. The link inside the email is time-limited, so accept it promptly.
Step 2: Log In to Your WP Engine Account
Click the Accept Transfer button in the email. This will take you directly to the WP Engine User Portal. If you aren't already logged in, you'll be prompted to do so.
Make sure you log in to the account you want the site transferred into. If you have multiple WP Engine accounts, double-check you're in the right one before proceeding.
Step 3: Review and Accept the Transfer
Once you're logged in and have clicked the link, you'll land on a transfer confirmation screen. It will show:
- The site name being transferred
- The environment (Production, Staging, etc.)
- The transferring account
Review these details to make sure everything looks correct, then click Accept Transfer.
WP Engine will process the transfer. This typically takes just a few seconds.
Step 4: Verify the Site Appears on Your Account
After accepting, you'll be redirected to your WP Engine dashboard. The transferred site should now appear under Sites in your account.
Click into the site and confirm:
- The environment (Production) is listed
- The domain shown matches your site's URL
- The WordPress admin link opens your site's backend
If anything looks off—a wrong domain, a missing environment—reach out to the transferring party before making any changes.
Step 5: Check Domain and DNS Settings
A site transfer moves the WordPress install, but it does not automatically change where your domain points. If your domain was previously pointed at the original account's WP Engine nameservers or IP, you may need to update your DNS records.
Common scenarios:
- If your domain is already pointing to WP Engine and the site's domain is mapped in the new account, the site will continue to load without any DNS changes.
- If DNS needs updating, log in to your domain registrar (GoDaddy, Namecheap, Cloudflare, etc.) and update the
Arecord or CNAME to point to your new WP Engine account's IP or hostname. You can find this in the WP Engine dashboard under your site's Domains tab.
DNS propagation can take anywhere from a few minutes to 48 hours, though most changes resolve within an hour.
Step 6: Confirm SSL Is Active
After a transfer, verify that SSL is active on your new account. In the WP Engine dashboard, go to your site → SSL → confirm a valid certificate is listed and active. If not, click Add SSL Certificate and follow the prompts—WP Engine provides free SSL via Let's Encrypt.
What Comes Next
Once the transfer is accepted and your domain is resolving correctly, the site is fully yours. You can:
- Add additional users to the WP Engine account
- Set up automated backups
- Connect staging environments for future updates
- Review your plan to make sure it matches your site's traffic needs
If you're moving to WP Engine as part of a larger Loopdash project, we'll typically walk you through this process together—but this guide gives you a clear picture of what to expect at each step.
Questions? Reach out to us and we'll help you get sorted.