Export and import plugin settings

0:00 3:13
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, instead of setting everything up again.

This guide explains what the file contains, then exports and imports it.

Before you start

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 and gift templates.

Posts restriction settings

The restriction and Drip Content 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.

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
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) until the move is finished, so test orders don’t charge real cards.

Example: staging to live

Coaching ClubThe 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 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 fileBring the members across too.Set up the membership pagesAssign the pages on the new site.Connect a payment gatewayCheck your gateways after the move.Manage your membersReview who’s on the new site.

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