I’m planning to migrate my website to WPEngine and need some advice. Right now I have two completely separate WordPress setups running on the same domain. One WordPress install is in the main directory and the other one is in a subfolder. This isn’t a multisite setup, just two independent WordPress installations.
I’m wondering if WPEngine’s basic plan can handle this kind of setup. Do I need to convert everything to WordPress multisite instead? I noticed the basic plan doesn’t let you create additional databases.
What if I use the same database for both WordPress sites but with different table prefixes? Could I just upload the subfolder with the second WordPress install and have it work properly?
I’m hesitant to just try it without asking because I don’t want to mess anything up during the migration. Has anyone done something similar before?
Yeah, you can technically run two WordPress sites on WPEngine basic, but it’s a pain. I did it for about six months before giving up. Sure, the shared database with different prefixes works, but WPEngine’s auto-updates and staging features get screwy. Their backup system can’t handle it either. The worst part? Their support team has no clue how to help with setups like this. I ended up moving the subfolder site to different hosting - both sites actually ran better after that. Honestly, if you can swing the cash, just upgrade to their Growth plan and save yourself the headache.
yeah, wp engine’s basic plan only gives ya one database, so sharing it between two installs gets messy fast. i tried it once and the migration tools broke with that setup. better luck putting the subfolder site on a subdomain instead.
Two WordPress installs on WPEngine basic? Yeah, that’s a nightmare. Been there with a client last year - same exact setup.
Skip the database headaches and broken migration tools. I used Latenode to automate everything: content sync between main site and subfolder, separate backups for both installs, updates without conflicts.
Keep your current structure while Latenode handles the messy parts that break WPEngine’s tools. No table prefix drama or confused support tickets.
Running this setup for three clients now. Beats upgrading hosting or multisite conversions every time.
While it’s possible to host two WordPress sites in one database using different table prefixes, it’s not advisable for a smooth migration to WPEngine. Their tools are designed with standard setups in mind, and you might face issues, particularly with plugins that can interfere with performance. From my experience, I switched to a multisite setup before moving to WPEngine, which simplified the process significantly. If multisite isn’t a fit, consider upgrading to their Growth plan for independent installations.