How to migrate from wpSEO to Yoast SEO

Thanks for choosing Yoast SEO! To help you get started, this article provides a step-by-step guide for migrating your SEO data from the wpSEO plugin. Follow the instructions below to safely and easily import your data without losing any of your hard work.

How to migrate from wpSEO to Yoast SEO

To migrate safely from wpSEO to Yoast SEO, follow the steps below:

  1. Create a backup of your site

    Make sure you don’t lose any valuable data! Check How to create a backup for your WordPress site for instructions.

  2. In your WordPress backend, go to Plugins


  3. Deactivate wpSEO

    In the Plugins menu, find the wpSEO plugin and click Deactivate to disable it.
    A screenshot showing the wpSEO plugin, with a highlight box surrounding the Deactivate button

  4. Install Yoast SEO

    Search for Yoast SEO in the Plugin repository or follow this guide to install Yoast SEO for WordPress.

  5. Go to the Yoast SEO and select Tools


  6. Click on Import and Export


  7. Select Import from other SEO plugins to import data


  8. Import your data

    You have already completed Step 1 by backing up your data. Select the wpSEO plugin in the drop-down menu and click on Import to migrate your data. It may take some time to import all the data: you will see a notification at the top of the screen when it is complete.

  9. Check that your data has been imported correctly

    All your focus keyphrases, SEO titles and descriptions should have migrated to the Yoast SEO plugin. You can check this by opening any of your Posts or Pages and checking if the focus keyphrase and search appearance are filled in.

  10. Go through the First-time configuration

    To make sure that Yoast SEO works correctly, run the First-time configuration in the Yoast SEO menu. You can also go here directly by clicking the link in Step 4 of the Import from other SEO plugins process.

  11. Clean up your remaining data

    After finishing the First-time configuration, select Step 5 of the Import from other SEO plugins process. This step will clean your old data: you will receive a notification when it is complete.

Get started with Yoast SEO

Looking for more information on how to use Yoast SEO? These articles are a great starting point:

Did this article answer your question?

Thanks for your feedback!