Migrating from Magento 1 to 2 in 2026

Migrating from Magento 1 to 2 in 2026

Magento 1 reached end-of-life in 2020. If you're still running M1, here's how to migrate safely.

Step 1: Audit Your Extensions

List every extension you use. Check if M2 versions exist. Plan replacements for deprecated modules.

Step 2: Set Up M2 Environment

Clone your M1 database to a staging server. Install Magento 2 with matching catalog structure.

Step 3: Use the Data Migration Tool

Magento provides an official migration tool. It handles:

- Customer data - Products and categories - Order history - CMS content

Run it in test mode first. Verify data integrity before going live.

Step 4: Theme Migration

M2 themes aren't compatible with M1. You'll need to rebuild or adapt your frontend.

Step 5: Go Live

Schedule migration during low-traffic hours. Use a maintenance page. Test checkout flow immediately after launch.

Pro tip: Keep M1 running in read-only mode for a week after migration. Gives you a safety net if issues arise.