Magento 1 reached its official end of life in June 2020, but approximately 80,000 stores are still operating on outdated software without official support or security updates. If your store is still running on Magento 1, you're exposed to increased risks: potential data breaches, non-compliance with modern e-commerce standards, and compatibility issues with newer technologies.
Magento 2 offers significant improvements in performance, security, mobile responsiveness, and scalability. Upgrading Magento 1 to 2 not only reduces long-term technical debt but also allows you to take advantage of modern features and extensions designed specifically for Magento 2.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the entire Magento 1 to Magento 2 upgrade process – step by step – including how to move your data, what tools to use, how much it might cost, and how to avoid common pitfalls.
Magento 1 to Magento 2 Migration: Step by Step
Technically speaking, migrating from Magento 1 to Magento 2 is less of an upgrade and more of a platform shift. Magento 2 has a completely different architecture and codebase, meaning that a full rebuild is usually required.
Unlike Magento 1, which heavily relied on XML layout updates and a less modular system, Magento 2 follows a more modern development stack with support for PSR standards, modular separation of concerns, and service contracts to enhance API stability and extensibility.
If you don’t have ample technical experience or an in-house Magento team, we recommend requesting professional Magento 2 migration services. As you will see from the next tech-heavy steps, delegating Magento migration is a safer, easier, and – in the long run – cheaper option.
If you still want to try migrating to Magento 2 yourself, let’s delve into what the process involves:
1. Set Up a Staging Environment
Before making any changes to your live site, create a separate staging server. This environment will be used to test your Magento 2 build safely, minimizing risks to your current store operations. Simulating the migration process helps catch errors early and allows for fixes without disrupting the store.
Consider matching your staging environment as closely as possible to production, including PHP version, database engine, caching configuration (e.g., Redis or Varnish), and file system permissions. This ensures that bugs related to environment mismatches are caught early.
Read More: How to Install Varnish on Magento
2. Audit Your Magento 1 Store
Catalog everything: installed extensions, custom themes, third-party integrations, and custom code. Inventory audit streamlines your Magento 1 to Magento 2 data migration efforts and focuses resources on the most important areas.
Use the following SQL queries to list installed extensions: SELECT * FROM core_resource; and for custom themes, check in app/design/frontend/ and review config.xml files for legacy layout updates. Use static code analysis tools like PHP_CodeSniffer with Magento 2 coding standards to identify outdated practices.
3. Back up Your Magento 1 Store
Your data's safety during migration depends on having an effective backup plan in place. Make sure you have a reliable backup solution for both Magento 1 and Magento 2 databases.
Perform regular backups and verify their integrity before progressing to each new step of the migration. This way, you’ll avoid file corruption or loss as you migrate data from Magento 1 to Magento 2.
4. Install Magento 2
Research available Magento 2 versions and download the latest stable one, setting it up on your staging environment. Make sure your server meets Magento 2 system requirements (PHP version, memory limits, database compatibility, etc.).
5. Install Data Migration Tool
The Data Migration Tool helps transfer core data: products, customers, orders, categories, store configurations, and more. However, mind that it doesn’t handle custom data, third-party extensions, or themes — those must be migrated manually or recreated.
Note: While the tool is official and available to all, it’s recommended to have experienced professionals handle the Magento 1 to Magento 2 product migration due to its complexity and the risk of data loss from misconfiguration.
Before the installation:
Ensure your server meets Magento 2 system requirements.
Confirm compatibility between your Magento 1 and Magento 2 versions.
Back up both Magento 1 and Magento 2 databases to prevent data loss.
5.1 Install the Tool via Composer
From the root directory of your Magento 2 instance, run: composer require magento/data-migration-tool:[magento_version]. Replace [magento_version] with your Magento 2 version.
5.2 Verify Installation
Ensure the tool appears in: vendor/magento/data-migration-tool
5.3 Locate the Configuration Folder
Navigate to the correct configuration folder based on your edition and version: vendor/magento/data-migration-tool/etc/[edition]-to-[edition]/[version]/
5.4 Configure config.xml
Copy & Rename: Rename config.xml.dist to config.xml.
Database Connections: Edit the <source> (Magento 1) and <destination> (Magento 2) connection tags with appropriate database credentials.
Customize as Needed: Optionally adjust logging levels, mapping rules, or add table filters to exclude unnecessary data.
Read More: How to Use the Data Migration Tool
6. Perform Data Migration from Magento 1 to 2
Now that the Data Migration Tool is installed and configured, you can proceed with data transfer.
6.1 Migrate Store Settings
Begin by transferring data on website structure and general store setup.
php bin/magento migrate:settings
vendor/magento/data-migration-tool/etc/[edition]/[version]/config.xml
6.2 Migrate Core Data
Use the CLI tool to transfer product data, categories, customers, orders, reviews, and transactions.
php bin/magento migrate:data
vendor/magento/data-migration-tool/etc/[edition]/[version]/config.xml
Customer data – Includes passwords, addresses, and order history. Test logins post-migration.
Products – Ensure SKUs, product attributes, images, and descriptions migrate correctly. For complex setups, consider extensions specialized in Magento 2 import of products from Magento 1.
6.3 Incremental Data Transfer
Handle new data created after the initial migration, like new orders or registrations, using the tool’s incremental migration feature.
php bin/magento migrate:delta
vendor/magento/data-migration-tool/etc/[edition]/[version]/config.xml
Run the final sync just before going live to ensure all recent data is up to date. It’s also advisable to version-control your migration config files and test the delta migrations multiple times before the final cutover. Monitor logs (var/log) for unmapped fields or skipped entries.
7. Rebuild Your Theme
Magento 1 themes aren't compatible with Magento 2 due to architectural changes. You’ll need to either:
Build a new custom theme from scratch
Purchase a ready-made Magento 2 theme
Rebuild your existing theme using Magento 2’s frontend architecture
Instead of recreating outdated themes, many merchants opt for the Hyvä theme, which leverages Magento 2’s modern frontend stack (HTML5, CSS3, RequireJS) for faster performance and easier customization.
Read More: Migrating from Magento 1 to Magento 2 with Hyvä Implementation
8. Refactor Custom Code
Magento 1 customizations must be refactored for Magento 2’s modern architecture (OOP, dependency injection, service contracts). Audit existing custom features and rewrite them following Magento 2 coding standards to ensure scalability and maintainability.
9. Replace Extensions
Some features that needed third-party modules in Magento 1 may now be native to Magento 2. Or you might find better-supported options available on the Magento marketplace. Review every extension via bin/magento module:status and remove what's redundant or unsupported.
Tip: Consider Amasty’s rich catalog of 260+ Magento 2 extensions.
10. QA Testing and Optimization
Thoroughly test your new Magento 2 store:
Check site functionality (checkout, payments, search, etc.)
Run performance audits
Verify mobile responsiveness
Fix broken links and images
Use Magento Functional Testing Framework (MFTF) for automated UI testing: vendor/bin/mftf run:tests. Run performance profiling with Blackfire.io or built-in profilers. Also, monitor Elasticsearch queries for search optimization.
Once everything checks out, you’re ready for the final migration.
Magento 1 to Magento 2 Migration Cost Breakdown
Migration 2 costs vary depending on the size and complexity of your Magento 1 store. Here’s a rough breakdown to help you budget:
| Component | Estimated Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Magento 2 Setup | $0 – $500 (if self-hosted) |
| Theme Development | $1,000 – $10,000+ |
| Data Migration Services | $1,000 – $5,000 |
| Extension Replacement | $500 – $5,000 |
| Custom Feature Migration | $1,000 – $10,000+ |
| QA Testing & Optimization | $500 – $3,000 |
| Agency/Developer Fees | $3,000 – $25,000+ (depending on scope) |
| Total Estimate | $7,000 – $50,000+ |
Tips to Reduce Costs
Audit and remove unused extensions before migration
Use a ready-made Magento 2 theme instead of a custom build
Migrate only essential historical data (e.g., past 2 years)
Work with certified Magento partners to avoid costly errors
Post-Migration Strategies
The launch is just the beginning. After migrating to Magento 2, follow these strategies to stabilize performance, minimize issues, and start seeing ROI:
Monitor Performance and Fix Issues
Use tools like New Relic that offer deep visibility into slow database queries, PHP errors, and external API latencies. Google PageSpeed Insights can help you benchmark front-end speed against user expectations and SEO standards. The Magento Profiler reveals backend bottlenecks unique to your environment.
Actively track error logs, server resource usage, and transaction times in the crucial weeks after launch to rapidly diagnose and remediate hidden bugs or misconfigurations. It’s best to assign a dedicated developer or agency partner familiar with Magento 2’s architecture for expert troubleshooting to prevent costly downtime.
Read More: How to Achieve 100 on Google PageSpeed
Reindex and Clear Cache Regularly
Magento 2’s architecture relies heavily on indexers and full-page caching to maintain high-speed response times across product catalogs and checkout flows. However, indexes become stale as product, price, or inventory data changes; caches grow outdated as new content or promotions go live.
Failure to manage these processes can cause slow page loads, outdated product displays, or inconsistent cart behavior. Establish automated cron jobs that run Magento’s indexing and cache flush commands on a schedule aligned with your store update frequency.
Read More: Magento Cache Management
Track SEO Impact and Restore Traffic
Migrating from Magento 1 to Magento 2 presents a significant SEO risk. If your migration disrupts URL structures, metadata, or schema markup, you may suffer a steep drop in search rankings, translating directly to lost traffic and sales.
Implement comprehensive 301 redirects from old Magento 1 URLs to their new Magento 2 counterparts. Preserve all SEO metadata, including title tags, meta descriptions, canonical tags, and structured data (JSON-LD), to maintain search engine trust and ranking signals.
Use tools like Google Search Console and Google Analytics to continuously monitor organic traffic trends, identify spikes in 404 errors, and audit redirect effectiveness. Set alerts for sudden keyword ranking changes or crawl errors to proactively fix issues before they harm visibility.
Consider ongoing SEO audits and link profile monitoring to adapt to evolving search engine algorithms and stay ahead of competitors.
Magento 1 to Magento 2 Migration Checklist
Use this checklist to stay organized and minimize downtime during your migration.
Pre-Migration
☑ Set up a staging environment
☑ Perform a full site audit (themes, extensions, custom code)
☑ Back up all files and databases
☑ Confirm server compatibility with Magento 2 requirements
During Migration
☑ Install Magento 2 on staging
☑ Use the Magento 2 Data Migration Tool to transfer core data
☑ Rebuild or replace your theme
☑ Install Magento 2-compatible extensions
☑ Re-implement or rewrite custom code
☑ Perform QA testing across all functionalities
Pre-Launch
☑ Update DNS settings for the domain pointing
☑ Ensure SSL certificates are installed
☑ Set up redirects from old URLs (301s) to retain SEO value
☑ Enable caching and CDN services
Post-Migration
☑ Monitor analytics and user behavior for anomalies
☑ Resubmit your sitemap to Google Search Console
☑ Recheck integrations (ERP, CRM, shipping, payment gateways)
☑ Run a final backup of the Magento 2 store
Successful Migrations: How Businesses Benefited from Magento 2
Migrating to Magento 2 has empowered businesses to modernize their e-commerce infrastructure, improve performance, and unlock new growth opportunities. These real-world examples show the tangible benefits of making the switch.
Amasty
We migrated our entire store to Magento 2 back in 2021. The move delivered major improvements in backend efficiency, checkout speed, and site responsiveness, bringing a 20% increase in conversions. It also allowed the team to streamline extension development, provide better support for Magento 2 users (a 40% drop in average response time), and introduce new user experience-enhancing features with greater agility.
Craftine
The Amasty team handled the full Magento 1.9 to Magento 2 migration for Craftine, an online store for French fabric and sewing kits. Post-migration, Craftine experienced a more intuitive admin panel, smoother customer journey, and 60% better performance across devices. With Magento 2, they now enjoy greater control over store management and marketing, leading to 35% higher user engagement and operational flexibility.
When to Delegate Magento Migration to Developers
Migrating your store from Magento 1 to Magento 2 is a complex task, especially if your site includes extensive customizations or a large database. While handling the migration yourself might seem doable, there are key situations where professional help is strongly recommended:
Highly Customized Stores — Extensive custom code or unique features require expert refactoring to work smoothly in Magento 2.
Large or Complex Data Sets — Professional handling ensures safe, accurate migration of massive or intricate databases without data loss.
Performance Tuning Needs — Reaching Magento 2’s full speed and checkout improvements often demands developer-level optimization.
SEO and User Experience Preservation — Experts manage redirects, SEO settings, and frontend consistency to protect rankings and ensure a seamless user journey.
Comprehensive Testing — Rigorous automated and manual testing by professionals helps catch critical issues before going live.
Integration Complexity — Stores with many third-party extensions or integrations benefit from professional management to ensure compatibility and smooth functioning post-migration.
Wrapping Up: Why Migrate from Magento 1 to Magento 2
Magento 1 no longer receives official support or security updates, putting your store at risk of cyber threats and compatibility problems. Migrating to Magento 2 is key to keeping your store secure, scalable, and competitive.
By migrating, you receive ongoing security patches, access cutting-edge extensions, and deliver faster, smoother shopping experiences that drive conversions. Magento 2’s improved accessibility and intuitive admin interface simplify management while expanding your reach to more customers. Plus, its optimized checkout process helps reduce cart abandonment.
Beyond just a platform upgrade, migration is a chance to streamline operations, enhance user experiences, and future-proof your store. With thorough planning, the right tools, and – when necessary – expert Magento migration assistance, you’ll build a solid foundation for sustainable growth and success on Magento’s most advanced platform.
