Your online store running on Magento 1 is like a ticking clock. With official support ended, each day brings risks of security breaches and lost sales from slow-loading pages. Many businesses are already feeling the impact – frustrated customers, dropping sales, and constant worry about security.
But there’s good news. Magento 1 to Magento 2 migration isn’t just an upgrade – it’s a transformation. This guide breaks down the entire process into simple, manageable steps, helping you secure your store’s future with better performance and stronger security.
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Why Migrate to Magento 2 in 2024?
Since 2015, the release of Magento 2, Magento 1 has been continuously supported. But this support and updates cannot last forever. This is why Magento officially decided to wrap up the entire Magento 1.x versions.
So if you have not migrated yet, it is time you start planning the change with the help of trusted Magento developers like PixcelCrayons. Migrating with experts will backup all the data and you have 24×7 support .
Shifting to Magento2 offers a more advanced and customizable platform compared to Magento 1. The migration offers:
- Improved Performance: Faster page load times, better server response, and an overall increase in website performance.
- Enhanced Security: With robust security features, Magento 2 provides a safer shopping experience, reducing the risks of vulnerabilities.
- User-Friendly Interface: Both for customers and admin users, the revamped interface enhances navigation and management.
- Access to New Feature: Magento 2 introduces several new features like advanced reporting, better checkout processes, and improved mobile responsiveness.
- Advanced SEO Capabilities: Built-in SEO tools make it easier for businesses to rank higher in search results, driving more organic traffic.
Experience enhanced speed and protection by migrating to Magento 2.
ALSO CHECK: Magento to Shopify Migration Services
Step-by-Step Magento Migration Process Explained
Magento 2 migration steps involve many critical changes, such as changes in database structures and themes and working with a new API. Being an enterprise, all you want is to have migration expertly managed to avoid any loss or downtime.
Our comprehensive Magento 2 migration guide is designed to empower you with essential insights and a clear understanding of why transitioning to Magento 2 is crucial for your business. You can also contact us for a seamless migration process that sets you up for greater success.
NOTE: Do consider the up-gradation of your website at the same time. It is the perfect time when you can make severe changes to your eCommerce website, making it ready for digital growth.
Step 1: Assess Your Magento 1 Store
Before jumping into migration, perform a thorough assessment of your existing Magento 1 store. This includes:
- Identifying Customizations: Check custom extensions, themes, and third-party integrations to see what needs to be migrated or re-created in Magento 2.
- Catalog and Customer Data: Evaluate the size and structure of your product catalog, customer data, and order history. This will help plan for the migration.
- Performance Issues: Identify any ongoing issues (like slow performance or security vulnerabilities) that should be addressed in Magento 2.
This phase helps you understand the scope of the project and plan for a seamless transition.
Step 2: Set Up Magento 2
Install and set up a fresh Magento 2 environment. This step involves:
- Choosing the correct Magento 2 edition (Open Source or Commerce, depending on your business needs).
- Setting up the required hosting environment that meets Magento 2’s system requirements.
- Installing Magento 2 on a staging server, which allows you to test the migration process without affecting your live store.
This setup lays the foundation for migrating data and custom features.
Step 3: Back Up Magento 1 Store Data
Before you start migrating, create full backups of your Magento 1 store, including:
- Database Backup: All customer, product, and order data.
- File System Backup: Core files, extensions, themes, and media assets. This ensures that, in case of any issues during migration, you can restore the original data without loss.
Step 4: Magento 1 to Magento 2 Migration
In order to validate your magento 1 to magento 2 migration services process, run through data migration first in your staging (testing) environment, then move to your production environment.
- Data: You will migrate essential data like products, customers, orders, and configurations. Magento 2 doesn’t support certain extensions and themes from Magento 1, so ensure you install compatible versions or develop new custom solutions.
- Extensions and Themes: These may not be transferable directly, so you need to install Magento 2 versions or rebuild custom functionalities.
- Custom Code: Review custom code and make it compatible with Magento 2. Migrating custom functionality might require redevelopment.
Let our pro handle your Magento upgrade seamlessly without downtime and data loss.
Step 5: Download and Install the Data Migration Tool
Magento provides a Data Migration Tool that helps transfer data from Magento 1 to Magento 2. Download and install this tool on your Magento 2 environment.
- This tool migrates data related to the database (like products, customers, orders) and key configurations.
- Ensure the tool version matches your Magento 2 version for smooth migration.
Step 6: Configure the Data Migration Tool
Once the tool is installed, configure it by:
- Mapping the databases from Magento 1 to Magento 2 (make sure both versions are hosted in the correct environments).
- Modify configurations like database prefixes and mapping files to match the structure of your Magento 1 store.
This configuration is crucial to ensure that the tool can identify and transfer data correctly.
Step 7: Start the Migration
Now, begin the actual Ecommerce migration process:
- The tool will first migrate the settings like store configurations, payment settings, and shipping methods.
- Then, it will proceed to migrate your data, including products, categories, customer data, and orders. During this phase, you may need to monitor for errors or inconsistencies in data transfer.
Step 8: Modify the Migrated Data
After the migration process, the data might need some post-migration adjustments:
- Re-indexing: Magento 2 requires re-indexing after data migration to optimize the store performance.
- Fix Data Integrity Issues: Address any conflicts or missing data that might occur during migration.
- Test Your Store: Test all the features, custom functionalities, and extensions in Magento 2 to ensure everything works as expected.
This step ensures the migrated store functions smoothly before going live.
Step 9: Launch
Once you’ve verified that the migration was successful, and tested your store thoroughly, you can launch your Magento 2 store:
- Switch from the staging server to the live server.
- Perform a final check to ensure everything (payment gateways, extensions, custom functionalities) is functioning correctly.
- Inform your customers about the migration and new features.
ALSO CHECK: Best Magento Development Services
Improve your store’s speed and user experience today with a reliable Magento 2 migration.
Common Magento Migration Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Facing challenges with your Magento 1 to Magento 2 migration? Magento 2 Migration issues can impact the performance of your Magento store. The most common issues are data loss, downtime, and compatibility issues.
Data Loss
One of the biggest concerns during any migration is data loss. By using Magento’s Data Migration Tool and performing thorough testing, you can mitigate this risk.
Downtime
Scheduled downtime is necessary during the migration process, but it can lead to lost revenue. By planning the migration during non-peak hours and using a reliable staging environment, you can minimize this impact.
Compatibility Issues
Custom extensions and themes from Magento 1 are often not compatible with Magento 2. To address this, hire a Magento developer to recreate essential custom modules or find suitable alternatives.
With an expert like PixcelCrayons for your Magento 2 upgrade, you can overcome these challenges and have a smooth and optimized site.
Add powerful tools for scaling and optimizing your business. Start your migration now!
Summing Up
We hope you now have a comprehensive understanding of Magento 2 migration steps, its benefits, and why it’s essential for modern eCommerce success. At PixelCRayons, we specialize in Magento development services, helping eCommerce businesses thrive. With years of experience and a track record of over 400 successful migrations, we ensure your store remains secure, high-performing, and primed for growth.
Our skilled team will guide your migration journey, enabling a smooth transition that boosts performance, attracts customers, and enhances security at one of the best online store platforms-Magento.
If you are ready to future-proof your eCommerce store, Hire Magento Developers, contact us and get started with your Magento 2 migration.
I need to get magento migration done for my website. What would be the approx cost?
Such an informational blog. Nice