How to Revert a WordPress Multisite to a Single Site

WordPress Multisite is a powerful feature that lets you manage multiple websites from a single installation. But what if your needs change and you no longer require a network of sites? Whether for performance, maintenance, or simplicity, reverting a WordPress Multisite to a single site setup is often the best path forward.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the entire process of converting a WordPress Multisite back to a standalone site — safely, step-by-step.

Why Revert to a Single Site?

Before diving into the process, let’s quickly look at some reasons why users might want to transition from a Multisite to a single WordPress installation:

• Simpler Management: Single sites are easier to maintain and back up.

• Performance: Removing unused subsites can reduce database bloat.

• Plugin Compatibility: Some WordPress plugins don't support Multisite.

• Hosting Limitations: Shared hosting environments often don’t handle Multisite well.

Pre-Migration Checklist

Make sure you’re fully prepared before beginning the conversion process. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Full backup of your WordPress Multisite installation (files + database)

• Access to your hosting control panel or FTP

• A new or clean WordPress single site installation (or a plan to create one)

• Admin access to the site you want to extract

Important: Always test your migration in a staging environment first.

Step-by-Step Guide: Convert WordPress Multisite to a Single Site

Step 1: Export the Subsite Content

Go to Tools > Export from the dashboard of the subsite you want to convert. Choose “All content” and click Download Export File. This will create an XML file containing your posts, pages, media, menus, and more.

Step 2: Set Up a Fresh WordPress Installation

Install a fresh WordPress instance where you want your new single site to live. This can be on the same server or a new one. You’ll use this as the target site to import your content.

Step 3: Import the Content to the New Site

Log in to the new single site, navigate to Tools > Import, and select WordPress. Install the WordPress Importer if prompted.

Upload the XML file you downloaded earlier. Assign authors and ensure the “Download and import file attachments” option is checked.

Step 4: Copy Theme and Uploads

Copy the Theme:

From your Multisite installation:

• Navigate to wp-content/themes/

• Copy the subsite’s theme folder

Paste it into the same location in your new WordPress install.

Copy the Uploads:

Multisite stores uploads in wp-content/uploads/sites/[site-ID]/ Copy everything from that folder into your new site’s wp-content/uploads/

This ensures your media files are transferred and display properly.

Step 5: Reinstall and Reconfigure Plugins

Plugins aren’t automatically transferred, so install them manually in your new single site. After installation, reconfigure plugin settings as needed.

Tip: Make note of any Multisite-specific plugins that may not be needed anymore.

Step 6: Set Up Permalinks, Menus, and Widgets

Revisit your site's Appearance > Menus and Widgets sections to ensure everything looks and functions as expected. Also, double-check your Settings > Permalinks to match the structure of your original subsite.

Step 7: Redirect Old URLs (Optional but Recommended)

If your subsite had a specific URL (like example.com/site1), set up 301 redirects from the old subsite URLs to your new single site to preserve SEO rankings.

You can do this via .htaccess or use a redirection plugin.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not backing up before making changes

• Forgetting media files stored in the Multisite uploads directory

• Skipping theme or plugin compatibility checks

• Failing to test the new single site before making it live

Bonus: Use a Plugin for Easier Migration

While the manual method gives you full control, you can also try plugins like:

• All-in-One WP Migration

• WP Migrate

• Duplicator Pro

These tools can simplify the migration but may have limitations with Multisite networks. Always check plugin documentation for compatibility.

Final Thoughts

Reverting a WordPress Multisite to a single site can feel like a daunting task, but it’s manageable with proper planning and the right steps. Whether you're aiming for a leaner setup or running into plugin conflicts, moving to a standalone site often brings speed, simplicity, and flexibility.

If the process feels overwhelming, consider hiring a professional WordPress developer to handle the migration for you — ensuring a smooth transition with zero downtime.