How to Migrate Magento 1 to Magento 2?

Before diving into a detailed analysis, let’s understand the current definition and utility of Magento.
Magento is a powerful open-source eCommerce platform known for offering a flexible shopping cart system. It enables online vendors to build scalable, feature-rich digital storefronts. With built-in tools for catalog management, SEO, and marketing, Magento remains a top choice for businesses. That’s why eCommerce brands across the globe still prefer to migrate from Magento 1 to Magento 2 for better performance and security.

As per the latest statistics, over 60,000 stores have successfully migrated from Magento 1 to Magento 2. However, many websites still operating on Magento 1 remain vulnerable due to outdated support, which officially ended in June 2020. Sites that haven’t migrated miss out on security patches, making them prone to breaches and system failures. This makes upgrading to Magento 2 a critical business decision today.

So, many businesses are choosing Magento 2 migration, and there are clear reasons why. This migration brings advanced features and robust security. Magento 2 offers performance enhancements, streamlined checkout, better scalability, built-in reports, mobile-first design, and user-friendly interfaces—making it ideal for growing businesses.

If you’re considering migration, you’re on the right track.

Here, we’ll outline the complete process to migrate from Magento 1 to Magento 2 efficiently. The steps involved are:

Step 1: Theme Installation in Magento 2

This is the initial stage of migration. Begin by checking whether your Magento 1 theme is compatible with Magento 2. If it is, you can install it with ease.

Magento 2 uses newer frameworks and technologies, enhancing both admin and customer experiences. Developers also gain access to better customization capabilities, enabling them to build unique and appealing storefronts.

If your existing theme isn’t compatible, consider either customizing it or building a new one from scratch. Visit the Magento Marketplace to browse supported themes and choose one that aligns with your brand. This ensures smoother functionality post-migration.

Step 2: Extension Migration

The second step involves migrating extensions. Just like themes, you must verify whether your Magento 1 extensions are supported in Magento 2. Compatible extensions can be seamlessly integrated.

Extensions are vital—they add advanced features and streamline operations. If compatibility is an issue, you’ll need to find suitable Magento 2 alternatives or create custom modules.

Ensure that all new extensions are sourced from the Magento Marketplace to maintain performance and security. Remember, extensions built for Magento 1 won’t work directly on Magento 2 without modifications.

Step 3: Customization & Configuring the Data Migration Tool

Customization comes next. Magento offers an official Data Migration Tool to help with this. You’ll need to install and configure this tool properly.

Due to the architectural differences between Magento 1 and 2, code customization may require manual work and extra development effort. Existing modules and custom features might need to be refactored or rebuilt for compatibility.

You might also need to update configuration files manually. So, allocate sufficient time and resources for this phase—it’s crucial for a seamless transition.

Step 4: Data Migration

This is the most critical step of the migration. It involves transferring your complete store data and configurations using the Magento Data Migration Tool.

This stage can be complex, involving multiple sub-steps. The tool simplifies the job of migrating products, categories, customers, orders, settings, and more.

Breakdown of the Data Migration Process:

1. Install the data migration tool via Composer, ensuring the version matches your Magento 2 installation.

2. Configure the tool using the provided directories that map old data structures to new ones. These mappings are key to a successful migration.

3. Transfer configuration settings like tax, shipping, payment methods, and store setups using the tool.

4. Migrate your data using command-line instructions—covering wish lists, reviews, sales data, and more.

Proper execution ensures your business-critical data is fully preserved and functional in the new setup.

Endnote

That’s a comprehensive roadmap to migrate from Magento 1 to Magento 2. After completing the process, test your store thoroughly to ensure everything functions correctly—especially checkout, navigation, and speed.

For best results, consider hiring a professional Magento development agency to handle the process. Since migration isn’t 100% automated, expertise is vital to avoid data loss and downtime.

Making the switch to Magento 2 in 2025 is not just recommended—it’s essential for future-proofing your eCommerce business.