--- title: Export and import plugin settings description: "Copy the Ultimate Membership Pro configuration from one site to another with an XML file: what the file contains, how to export it and how to import it." url: "https://ultimatemembershippro.com/docs/export-and-import-plugin-settings/" updated: "2026-10-18" category: "Members & Member Portal" --- # Export and import plugin settings 4 minIntermediateUltimate Membership Pro 14.2+ In Ultimate Membership Pro, the Export-Import screen copies the plugin configuration from one site to another with an XML file. Use it when you build a new site or [move from a staging copy to the live one](https://ultimatemembershippro.com/docs/how-to-move-the-license/), instead of setting everything up again. This guide explains what the file contains, then exports and imports it. Before you start - Ultimate Membership Pro is installed and activated on both sites, ideally the same version. - The Memberships exist on the new site; they aren't part of the file. See [Create your first Membership](https://ultimatemembershippro.com/docs/step-2-create-levelssubscriptions/). - A [backup of the new site's database](https://developer.wordpress.org/advanced-administration/security/backup/database/). The import overwrites settings. ## What the file contains Plugin settings The plugin configuration: showcases and forms, custom fields, messages, Member Portal, payment gateway settings, module settings, email notifications, coupons, invitation codes, [taxes](https://ultimatemembershippro.com/docs/taxes/) and gift templates. Posts restriction settings The [restriction](https://ultimatemembershippro.com/features/content-restriction/) and [Drip Content](https://ultimatemembershippro.com/docs/drip-content-main-settings/) settings saved on each post and page. They are linked to post IDs, so they only fit a copy of the same site. Not included Memberships, members, orders and your Pages Setup (page IDs differ between sites). Move members with [Import members from a CSV file](https://ultimatemembershippro.com/docs/import-userslevels/). ## Export the settings 1. On the old site, go to Ultimate Membership Pro*›*Export-Import and open **Settings**. 2. Switch on **Plugin settings**, **Posts restriction settings** or both. 3. Click Generate XML File, then the **export.xml** link to download it. [![Settings card of the Export-Import screen: Plugin settings and Posts restriction settings switched on, Generate XML File button and Your export file is ready: export.xml; on the right, Import settings from XML with a drag and drop area and Import XML File button](https://ultimatemembershippro.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/ump-export-settings-04-settings-export.png)](https://ultimatemembershippro.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/ump-export-settings-04-settings-export.png) Export on the left, import on the right. ## Import them on the new site 1. On the new site, go to Ultimate Membership Pro*›*Export-Import, **Settings**. 2. Drag the file onto **Import settings from XML** or click **browse** (XML, up to 10 MB). 3. Click Import XML File. 1. Check the result: open Payment Gateways, the showcases and Email Notifications. 2. Assign your pages again in Settings*›*Pages Setup. Good to know - Settings in the file replace the same settings on the new site. - Notifications, coupons and other list items are added, not replaced. Importing the same file twice creates duplicates. - Settings tied to one Membership (for example a notification for Pro Monthly) use the Membership's ID. Check them if the Memberships have different IDs on the new site. - The file includes payment gateway settings. Keep it private, and delete it from the old site's wp-content/uploads/ultimate-membership-pro folder after downloading. Tip - Switch off live payments on the copy ([sandbox mode](https://docs.stripe.com/testing)) until the move is finished, so test orders don't charge real cards. ## Example: staging to live **Coaching Club**The new design was built on a staging copy and goes live. **Exported on staging** : Plugin settings **Created first on live** : Free Community, Pro Monthly, Annual Pass **Imported on live** : export.xml **After import** : Pages Setup assigned, gateways checked in sandbox mode ## Troubleshooting Why doesn't a download link appear after Generate XML File? Switch on at least one of the two options, Plugin settings or Posts restriction settings, then click Generate XML File again. Why don't restrictions apply on the new site after the import? Posts restriction settings follow post IDs. On a different site the IDs differ, so [set the Locker of each page](https://ultimatemembershippro.com/docs/step-3-restrict-pagescontent/) again. Why do membership pages show the wrong content after the import? Your Pages Setup isn't in the XML file. Pick the pages again in Settings*›*Pages Setup. ## What's next [**Import members from a CSV file**Bring the members across too.](https://ultimatemembershippro.com/docs/import-userslevels/)[**Set up the membership pages**Assign the pages on the new site.](https://ultimatemembershippro.com/docs/step-1-set-default-pages/)[**Connect a payment gateway**Check your gateways after the move.](https://ultimatemembershippro.com/docs/step-4-set-payment-gateway-if-applicable/)[**Manage your members**Review who's on the new site.](https://ultimatemembershippro.com/docs/how-to-change-member-status/)