The Magento 2 Data Migration Tool represents a critical component for merchants transitioning from Magento 1 to Magento 2. As Magento 1 reached its end of life in June 2020, businesses face mounting security vulnerabilities and performance limitations without access to updates or security patches. This comprehensive guide provides detailed instructions for installing and configuring the Data Migration Tool, ensuring a smooth transition to the more robust Magento 2 platform while preserving your valuable store data, customer information, and order history.

Migration from Magento 1 to Magento 2 involves more than simply transferring database records. The process requires complete recreation of data structures, system configurations, and store settings within a fresh Magento 2 installation. The official Data Migration Tool, developed by Adobe, automates much of this complex process through a command-line interface that includes verification, logging, progress tracking, and comprehensive testing functions. Understanding the installation requirements and configuration steps ensures merchants can execute migrations with minimal downtime and maximum data integrity.

Understanding the Magento 2 Data Migration Tool

The Magento 2 Data Migration Tool functions as a command-line interface utility designed specifically for transferring data from Magento 1 installations to Magento 2 platforms. This tool verifies consistency between Magento 1 and Magento 2 database structures, monitors data transfer progress, creates detailed logs, and performs extensive data verification tests. The tool operates through three distinct modes, each serving a specific purpose in the migration workflow.

The Settings mode handles migration of store and system configuration settings, including payment methods, shipping configurations, tax settings, and other critical system parameters. The Data mode manages bulk transfer of database assets, moving products, categories, customers, orders, and related information from the source database to the destination. The Delta mode addresses incremental changes, capturing new orders, customer updates, and catalog modifications that occur after the initial migration, allowing businesses to maintain operations during the transition period.

Key Features and Capabilities

The Data Migration Tool provides comprehensive functionality for transferring various data types. It migrates products with core attributes and content, categories with hierarchical structures, customers including profiles and addresses, sales information encompassing orders and invoices, store configurations and settings, promotional rules and catalog price rules, customer groups and tax rules, newsletter subscribers and templates, and CMS pages with blocks. The tool creates detailed logs for troubleshooting, implements integrity checks before data transfer, and performs volume checks after migration to ensure completeness.

However, certain limitations exist within the tool’s capabilities. Media files require manual transfer or third-party solutions, as the tool does not automatically migrate images and documents. Administrator permissions and access rights need reconfiguration in the new Magento 2 environment. Custom extensions and themes require complete redevelopment for Magento 2 compatibility rather than direct migration. Third-party extension data may need additional configuration or manual transfer depending on the extension’s database structure.

Prerequisites for Installation

Before beginning the installation process, merchants must verify several critical prerequisites to ensure successful tool deployment and migration execution. Version compatibility represents the most crucial requirement, as the Data Migration Tool version must exactly match the Magento 2 codebase version. For example, Magento 2.4.0 requires Data Migration Tool version 2.4.0, while Magento 2.3.5 demands the corresponding 2.3.5 tool version.

System Requirements

The server environment must meet specific technical requirements for proper tool function. PHP version 7.1.3 or higher is mandatory, with compatibility extending through PHP 7.4 and PHP 8.0 for newer Magento versions. Verify the installed PHP version by executing the command php -v in the terminal. Composer dependency manager must be installed and accessible, preferably version 1.x or higher for optimal compatibility. The system should run on Linux or Unix-based operating systems, though Windows compatibility exists with some limitations.

Database requirements include MySQL 5.6 or higher for Magento 1 installations and MySQL 5.7 or higher for Magento 2 systems. The Data Migration Tool requires network connectivity between both database servers, with appropriate firewall configurations allowing communication. Sufficient disk space must be available to accommodate both database copies plus the tool itself, typically requiring at least twice the size of the source database for temporary operations.

Magento Version Compatibility

The Data Migration Tool supports migration from specific Magento 1 versions to compatible Magento 2 releases. Supported source versions include Magento Open Source 1.6.x, 1.7.x, 1.8.x, and 1.9.x, along with Magento Commerce editions 1.11.x through 1.14.x. Destination platforms encompass Magento Open Source 2.0.x through 2.4.x and Adobe Commerce 2.0.x through 2.4.x. Cross-edition migrations are supported, allowing transitions from Open Source to Commerce editions with appropriate configuration adjustments.

Database Access Requirements

Proper database configuration and access rights are essential for migration success. The migration tool requires read access to the Magento 1 database for extracting source data and write access to the Magento 2 database for inserting migrated records. Database users must possess appropriate privileges including SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, CREATE, and DROP permissions. Network connectivity between database servers must be established and tested before beginning installation, ensuring firewall rules permit bidirectional communication on the standard MySQL port 3306 or custom-configured ports.

Installation Methods

Two primary installation methods exist for deploying the Data Migration Tool, each offering distinct advantages based on deployment scenarios and developer preferences. The official repository method uses Composer to install the tool directly from Magento’s package repository, providing the most straightforward approach with automatic dependency resolution. The GitHub repository method involves cloning the tool directly from the official Magento GitHub repository, offering greater flexibility for developers who need to examine source code or contribute to development.

Method One: Installation via Official Repositories

Installing from official repositories represents the recommended approach for most merchants, ensuring version compatibility and simplified dependency management. This method automatically resolves package dependencies and integrates seamlessly with existing Composer-based Magento installations. The process begins by accessing the Magento 2 server with appropriate file system permissions, either by logging in as the web server user or switching to an account with write privileges to the Magento 2 installation directory.

Navigate to the Magento 2 root directory using the command line interface. This directory contains the composer.json file and other core Magento files. Execute the following commands to configure the Composer repository and install the Data Migration Tool. First, configure Composer to recognize the Magento package repository by running composer config repositories.magento composer https://repo.magento.com. This command adds the official Magento repository to your Composer configuration, enabling access to Magento-specific packages.

Next, require the Data Migration Tool package by executing composer require magento/data-migration-tool:<version>, replacing the version placeholder with your exact Magento 2 version number. For instance, if running Magento 2.4.7, the command becomes composer require magento/data-migration-tool:2.4.7. Composer will prompt for authentication credentials, which correspond to your Magento Marketplace access keys. The public key serves as your username, while the private key functions as your password. Generate these keys from your Magento Marketplace account under the Access Keys section if not previously created.

The installation process downloads the Data Migration Tool package and all required dependencies, placing files in the vendor/magento/data-migration-tool directory within your Magento 2 installation. Composer automatically handles version conflicts and dependency resolution, ensuring compatibility with your existing Magento configuration. After successful installation, wait for all dependencies to complete downloading and integration before proceeding with configuration steps.

Method Two: Installation via GitHub Repository

The GitHub installation method provides advantages for developers requiring direct access to source code or working in development environments where exploring tool internals proves beneficial. This approach clones the entire repository, including documentation, examples, and version history. Begin by logging into your Magento 2 server with appropriate permissions and navigating to the Magento 2 root directory.

Configure Composer to recognize the GitHub repository as a package source by executing composer config repositories.data-migration-tool git https://github.com/magento/data-migration-tool. This command tells Composer to treat the GitHub repository as a valid package source for the Data Migration Tool. Subsequently, install the tool using composer require magento/data-migration-tool:<version>, ensuring the version matches your Magento 2 codebase exactly.

If working with a cloned Magento 2 repository rather than a Composer-installed version, verify you’re on the correct Git branch before installation. The develop branch contains unstable, in-development code and should not be used for production migrations. Switch to a released branch corresponding to your target Magento 2 version by running git branch to view available branches and git checkout <branch-name> to switch to the appropriate release branch.

After executing the Composer require command, the tool downloads and integrates into your Magento installation. Enable the Data Migration Tool module by running bin/magento module:enable Magento_DataMigrationTool from the Magento 2 root directory. This step registers the tool with Magento’s module system, making its functionality available for migration operations.

Verifying Installation

After completing installation through either method, verification ensures the Data Migration Tool integrated correctly and stands ready for configuration. Several verification steps confirm proper installation and version compatibility. Change to the Data Migration Tool directory located at vendor/magento/data-migration-tool within your Magento 2 installation path. Open the composer.json file using any text editor to inspect the tool’s configuration and version information.

The version entry within composer.json indicates the installed Data Migration Tool version. This value must match your Magento 2 version exactly to prevent compatibility issues during migration. Discrepancies between versions cause integrity check failures and prevent migration execution. If version mismatches exist, remove the currently installed tool using composer remove magento/data-migration-tool and reinstall the correct version following the installation methods described previously.

Alternative Verification Methods

Additional verification techniques confirm the tool’s availability and readiness. From the Magento 2 root directory, execute php bin/magento to display all available Magento commands. The output should include migration-related commands such as migrate:data, migrate:settings, and migrate:delta, indicating successful tool integration. If these commands are absent from the list, the module may not be properly enabled or the installation encountered errors requiring troubleshooting.

Check Magento 2’s version to ensure compatibility by running php bin/magento –version from the installation directory. This command displays the precise Magento version installed, which should match the Data Migration Tool version. For Composer-installed Magento instances, examine the composer.json file in the Magento root directory, locating the version value within the package configuration. Cross-reference this version with the Data Migration Tool’s version to confirm alignment.

Configuring the Data Migration Tool

Configuration represents a critical phase that determines migration success and data integrity. The Data Migration Tool uses XML configuration files to define database connections, specify migration paths, and establish data mapping rules. These configuration files reside in specific directories within the tool’s installation path, organized by migration type and Magento version combinations.

Configuration File Structure

Three primary configuration directories exist within the Data Migration Tool installation. The opensource-to-opensource directory contains configuration files for migrations from Magento Open Source 1.x to Magento Open Source 2.x. The opensource-to-commerce directory holds configurations for transitioning from Open Source to Adobe Commerce editions. The commerce-to-commerce directory manages migrations between Adobe Commerce versions. Each directory contains subdirectories for specific Magento 1 version releases, ensuring proper data structure mapping.

Within each version-specific subdirectory, several XML files control different aspects of migration behavior. The config.xml.dist file serves as the primary configuration template, containing database connection parameters, encryption key settings, and general migration options. The map.xml file defines data structure mappings between Magento 1 and Magento 2 tables and fields. The map-eav.xml file handles Entity-Attribute-Value structure migrations for products, customers, and other EAV entities. The deltalog.xml file specifies tables tracked for incremental delta migrations.

Creating Custom Configuration

Begin configuration by copying the appropriate config.xml.dist file to create a working configuration. Navigate to the Data Migration Tool directory using cd vendor/magento/data-migration-tool from your Magento 2 root. Identify the correct configuration template based on your migration path and source Magento version. For example, migrating from Magento Open Source 1.9.3.6 to Magento 2 requires the file located at etc/opensource-to-opensource/1.9.3.6/config.xml.dist.

Copy the template file to create your working configuration using the command cp etc/opensource-to-opensource/1.9.3.6/config.xml.dist etc/opensource-to-opensource/1.9.3.6/config.xml, adjusting paths according to your specific versions. Open the newly created config.xml file in a text editor to begin configuring database connections and migration parameters.

Database Connection Configuration

The config.xml file contains source and destination database configuration sections that require accurate completion for migration execution. The source section defines connection parameters for the Magento 1 database. Specify the database host using the host attribute, typically localhost for local installations or an IP address for remote servers. The name attribute contains the Magento 1 database name as it appears in MySQL. The user attribute specifies the MySQL username with read access to the source database.

Configure the destination section similarly for the Magento 2 database, ensuring the user possesses write permissions for data insertion and table modifications. Optional attributes include password for database authentication, port for non-standard MySQL port configurations, and table_prefix if database tables use custom prefixes. The configuration structure appears as follows:

Encryption Key Configuration

Magento uses encryption keys to secure sensitive data including customer passwords, payment information, and API credentials. The Data Migration Tool requires the Magento 1 encryption key to properly decrypt and migrate protected data. Locate the encryption key in your Magento 1 installation by opening the app/etc/local.xml file and finding the crypt_key value within the global configuration section.

Add the encryption key to your config.xml file within the options section. The configuration element appears as <crypt_key>your_magento1_encryption_key</crypt_key> within the options node. Accurate encryption key configuration ensures customer passwords and sensitive information migrate correctly and remain functional in the Magento 2 environment. Incorrect or missing encryption keys cause data integrity issues and require complete remigration to resolve.

Understanding Migration Modes

The Data Migration Tool operates through three sequential modes, each handling specific data types and serving distinct purposes in the overall migration workflow. Following the prescribed mode sequence ensures complete data transfer and maintains referential integrity across database structures. Skipping modes or executing them out of order causes migration failures and data inconsistencies requiring troubleshooting and potential remigration.

Settings Mode

Settings mode initiates the migration process by transferring system configuration and store-related settings from Magento 1 to Magento 2. This mode handles website definitions, store views, store configurations, payment method settings, shipping method configurations, tax rules and rates, currency settings, locale configurations, and other system parameters. The tool migrates data from the core_config_data table, applying transformation handlers to adapt Magento 1 configuration values for Magento 2 compatibility.

Execute settings migration by running php bin/magento migrate:settings vendor/magento/data-migration-tool/etc/opensource-to-opensource/1.9.3.6/config.xml from the Magento 2 root directory, adjusting the configuration file path according to your specific version. The tool performs integrity checks before migration, verifying that destination database structures accommodate source data. After successful migration, volume checks confirm all configuration records transferred correctly.

Data Mode

Data mode handles the bulk migration of primary database assets, transferring the majority of store data in a single comprehensive operation. This mode migrates products with attributes and inventory, categories with hierarchical relationships, customers including addresses and account details, orders with associated invoices and shipments, promotional rules and catalog price rules, customer groups and segmentation, CMS pages and static blocks, and email templates with newsletter subscriptions.

The data mode executes multiple migration steps sequentially, each handling specific data types. The Map step transfers general table data according to mapping rules defined in map.xml. The EAV step handles Entity-Attribute-Value structures for products, customers, and categories. The URL Rewrite step migrates URL rewrite rules, ensuring proper page addressing and SEO preservation. Additional steps handle specific data types based on Magento version and edition.

Initiate data migration using php bin/magento migrate:data vendor/magento/data-migration-tool/etc/opensource-to-opensource/1.9.3.6/config.xml. Data mode typically represents the longest-running migration phase, with duration depending on database size and complexity. The tool creates detailed logs during execution, recording progress and any encountered issues for troubleshooting purposes.

Delta Mode

Delta mode addresses the challenge of maintaining business operations during migration by capturing and transferring incremental changes made to the Magento 1 database after initial data migration. This mode enables merchants to keep their Magento 1 store operational while preparing and testing the Magento 2 installation, then synchronize final changes before switching platforms.

During data mode execution, the tool installs deltalog tables in the Magento 1 database with the m2_cl prefix. These tables track changes to monitored data tables through database triggers. Delta mode migrates data added through the storefront including new orders, customer registrations, and product reviews, along with administrative operations on orders, products, and categories. Other entities such as CMS pages, attributes, and configuration changes require manual transfer or recreation in Magento 2.

Execute delta migration using php bin/magento migrate:delta vendor/magento/data-migration-tool/etc/opensource-to-opensource/1.9.3.6/config.xml. Run delta mode multiple times as needed to capture ongoing changes, with each execution transferring only records modified since the previous delta run. This iterative approach minimizes final cutover downtime by reducing the volume of data requiring transfer during the production switch.

Common Installation Issues and Solutions

Several common issues arise during Data Migration Tool installation and configuration, each with specific causes and resolution strategies. Understanding these problems and their solutions expedites troubleshooting and prevents migration delays.

Version Compatibility Issues

Version mismatches between Magento 2 and the Data Migration Tool represent the most frequent installation problem. Symptoms include composer dependency conflicts during installation or integrity check failures when attempting migration execution. The tool strictly requires matching versions, refusing to operate when discrepancies exist. Resolve version conflicts by verifying the installed Magento 2 version using php bin/magento –version and ensuring the Data Migration Tool installation command specifies the identical version number.

If already installed with incorrect versions, remove the tool using composer remove magento/data-migration-tool and reinstall with the correct version. Review Composer’s output carefully during installation, as dependency conflict messages indicate incompatible package versions requiring resolution before proceeding.

Composer Dependency Conflicts

Composer may report dependency conflicts when installing the Data Migration Tool, particularly in environments with numerous third-party extensions or customized package requirements. These conflicts arise when the tool requires package versions incompatible with existing installation dependencies. Resolution strategies include updating conflicting packages to compatible versions, removing incompatible extensions temporarily during migration, or adjusting Composer constraints in composer.json to permit broader version ranges.

Execute composer require magento/data-migration-tool:<version> –with-all-dependencies to allow Composer greater flexibility in resolving dependencies. Review conflict messages carefully to identify specific packages causing issues, then research compatible versions or alternative solutions for each conflicting dependency.

File Permission Issues

Insufficient file system permissions prevent proper tool installation and configuration. The web server user or designated file system owner requires write access to the Magento installation directory, particularly the vendor folder where Composer installs packages. Permission errors manifest as failed file writes, incomplete installations, or inaccessible configuration files.

Correct permission issues by ensuring the installation user possesses appropriate access rights. On Linux systems, use chown -R www-data:www-data /path/to/magento2 to grant ownership to the web server user, replacing www-data with your system’s web server user name. Set proper permissions using find /path/to/magento2 -type d -exec chmod 755 {} \; for directories and find /path/to/magento2 -type f -exec chmod 644 {} \; for files. The var, pub/media, and pub/static directories require enhanced write permissions for proper operation.

Database Connection Failures

Configuration errors in config.xml prevent the Data Migration Tool from accessing source or destination databases. Symptoms include connection refused errors, authentication failures, or timeout messages during migration execution. Verify database connection parameters in config.xml match actual database configurations, including host addresses, port numbers, database names, usernames, and passwords.

Test database connectivity independently using MySQL command-line tools. Execute mysql -h hostname -u username -p database_name for both source and destination databases to confirm accessibility. Check firewall configurations permit traffic on MySQL ports, typically 3306 for standard installations. Verify MySQL user privileges include necessary permissions for migration operations using SHOW GRANTS FOR ‘username’@’hostname’; within MySQL.

Pre-Migration Preparation

Successful migration requires comprehensive preparation before executing the Data Migration Tool. These preparatory steps minimize problems during migration and ensure data integrity throughout the process. Adequate preparation reduces migration duration and eliminates many common issues encountered during data transfer.

Database Optimization

Optimizing the Magento 1 database before migration improves transfer efficiency and reduces potential problems. Remove obsolete data including expired quotes, old log entries, and unnecessary admin action records. Execute database cleanup queries to eliminate duplicate records and corrupted data entries. Optimize database tables using MySQL’s OPTIMIZE TABLE command to defragment data and rebuild indexes for improved performance during migration.

Create a complete database backup before beginning migration preparations or execution. Use mysqldump to generate comprehensive backups with mysqldump -u username -p database_name > backup.sql. Store backups in secure locations with sufficient storage capacity, maintaining multiple backup copies at different stages throughout the migration process. Test backup restoration procedures to ensure backup files contain complete, usable data.

Extension and Theme Assessment

Magento 2’s architectural differences prevent direct migration of Magento 1 extensions and themes. Assess all installed extensions, identifying which functionality requires replacement or redevelopment for Magento 2. Contact extension vendors to determine Magento 2 availability for critical modules. Research alternative extensions in the Magento Marketplace offering similar functionality for extensions without direct Magento 2 equivalents.

Document custom code modifications, noting areas requiring redevelopment or adaptation for Magento 2 compatibility. The Code Migration Toolkit assists with converting custom code, though manual intervention remains necessary for complex customizations. Budget additional time and resources for extension replacement and custom code migration beyond data transfer timelines.

Testing Environment Setup

Never perform initial migration attempts on production systems. Establish a complete testing environment mirroring production infrastructure for migration testing and validation. Clone the Magento 1 database to the testing environment, ensuring test data represents actual production data structures and volumes. Install Magento 2 in the testing environment using versions matching planned production deployment.

Execute complete migration workflows in testing environments, documenting issues, timing, and resource requirements. Perform multiple test migrations to refine procedures and identify optimal configurations. Validate migrated data thoroughly, checking product catalogs, customer accounts, order histories, and configuration settings for completeness and accuracy. Test core functionality including checkout processes, customer account operations, and administrative functions before proceeding with production migration.

Post-Installation Configuration

After successfully installing the Data Migration Tool and completing initial configuration, several additional setup steps optimize the migration environment and prepare for actual data transfer execution. These configurations ensure smooth migration execution and comprehensive data validation.

Mapping File Customization

Default mapping files handle standard Magento table structures, but custom extensions and modifications may require additional mapping configuration. Review map.xml and other mapping files to understand default behavior and identify necessary customizations. Create custom mapping files for third-party extension data requiring migration, following the XML structure conventions established in default mapping files.

Document all mapping customizations thoroughly, noting the purpose and implementation details for each modification. Test custom mappings in development environments before applying to production migrations, verifying correct data transformation and destination table population. Backup original mapping files before modification, preserving ability to revert changes if customizations cause problems.

Resource Allocation

Migration execution demands substantial system resources, particularly for large databases with millions of products or customers. Allocate adequate server resources before initiating migration, ensuring sufficient CPU, memory, and disk I/O capacity for optimal performance. Adjust PHP memory limits in php.ini to accommodate large data processing operations, typically setting memory_limit to 2GB or higher for substantial migrations.

Configure MySQL for enhanced migration performance by increasing buffer pool sizes, adjusting query cache settings, and optimizing connection parameters. Monitor system resource utilization during test migrations, identifying bottlenecks and adjusting configurations to improve throughput. Schedule production migrations during low-traffic periods to minimize resource contention and reduce impact on ongoing business operations.

Pro Tips

Experienced Magento developers and migration specialists have identified several best practices and optimization techniques that significantly improve migration outcomes and reduce complications during the transfer process.

Incremental Testing Strategy

Rather than attempting complete migrations immediately, adopt an incremental testing approach that validates each migration mode separately. Execute settings migration first, thoroughly reviewing transferred configurations in Magento 2 before proceeding to data mode. This staged approach isolates problems to specific migration phases, simplifying troubleshooting and preventing cascade failures across multiple migration steps.

Maintain detailed logs of each test migration, documenting execution times, encountered errors, and resolution strategies. Build a comprehensive knowledge base of migration-specific issues and solutions applicable to your particular environment and configuration. Share findings with team members to establish consistent migration procedures and accelerate problem resolution.

Data Validation Procedures

Implement comprehensive data validation procedures beyond the tool’s built-in volume checks. Compare record counts between source and destination databases for all migrated tables, investigating discrepancies that exceed expected thresholds. Perform spot checks on random sample records, verifying data accuracy and completeness across various entity types including products, customers, and orders.

Develop automated validation scripts that compare critical data points between Magento 1 and Magento 2 databases, flagging inconsistencies for manual review. Test core business processes in Magento 2 after migration, including product searches, category browsing, customer account operations, and checkout workflows. Validate customer login functionality to ensure password migrations succeeded and authentication works correctly.

Performance Optimization

Optimize migration performance through strategic database and system configurations. Disable Magento 2 indexers before data migration to prevent unnecessary index rebuilding during data insertion. Enable indexers after migration completes, then execute full reindexing operations to build indexes against complete migrated data sets. This approach substantially reduces migration execution time by eliminating redundant indexing operations.

Clear Magento 2 caches before and after migration execution, ensuring cached data doesn’t interfere with migration processes or mask data transfer issues. Disable Magento 2 cron jobs during migration to prevent scheduled tasks from accessing incomplete or inconsistent data. Flush all cache types and reindex all indexers immediately after completing delta migration before launching the Magento 2 store publicly.

Backup Strategies

Implement comprehensive backup strategies throughout the migration process, creating restore points at critical junctures. Backup both Magento 1 and Magento 2 databases before beginning each migration mode, enabling rollback to known-good states if problems occur. Store backups on separate storage systems to protect against hardware failures affecting primary servers.

Document backup timing and content thoroughly, maintaining clear records of which backup corresponds to which migration phase. Test backup restoration procedures regularly, ensuring backups contain complete, usable data and restoration completes within acceptable timeframes. Maintain backups for extended periods after migration completion, preserving ability to investigate historical data or recover from delayed discoveries of migration issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I run the Data Migration Tool multiple times?

Yes, the Data Migration Tool supports multiple execution runs, particularly useful during testing and incremental migration scenarios. Each mode can be executed repeatedly, though data mode typically runs once completely before transitioning to delta mode for incremental updates. The tool includes a reset option using the –reset flag that clears previous migration data and executes a fresh migration. However, be cautious with resets in production environments as they remove all previously migrated data from the Magento 2 database.

How long does migration typically take?

Migration duration varies significantly based on database size, complexity, server resources, and network conditions. Small stores with a few thousand products and customers typically complete in several hours, while large enterprise installations with millions of products and extensive order histories may require days for complete migration. Settings mode usually completes within minutes, data mode consumes the majority of migration time, and delta mode executes quickly unless substantial data accumulated since initial migration. Conduct test migrations to establish accurate time estimates for your specific environment.

What happens to custom extensions during migration?

The Data Migration Tool does not migrate extension code or themes, as Magento 2’s architecture requires complete redevelopment of extensions and themes. Only data created by extensions migrates if proper mapping configurations exist. Many extension vendors offer Magento 2 versions of popular extensions, though functionality may differ from Magento 1 versions. Contact extension developers for migration guidance and Magento 2 compatibility information. Budget time and resources for extension replacement or custom development to replicate critical extension functionality in Magento 2.

Can I migrate from Magento Open Source to Adobe Commerce?

Yes, the Data Migration Tool supports cross-edition migrations from Magento Open Source to Adobe Commerce. Use the configuration files in the opensource-to-commerce directory, which contain appropriate mappings for transitioning between editions. Ensure your Adobe Commerce license permits the migration and that all commercial features are properly configured post-migration. Cross-edition migrations follow the same general process as same-edition migrations but may require additional configuration for Commerce-specific features.

How do I handle migration errors?

Migration errors typically fall into several categories with specific resolution approaches. Integrity check errors indicate structural incompatibilities between Magento 1 and Magento 2 databases, requiring mapping file adjustments or manual database modifications. Data transfer errors suggest permission problems, resource constraints, or data corruption requiring cleanup in source databases. Volume check warnings identify discrepancies in record counts, necessitating investigation of data transfer completeness and accuracy. Review migration logs located in var/log directory for detailed error messages and stack traces providing troubleshooting clues.

Do I need to put my Magento 1 store in maintenance mode?

During settings and initial data migration, the Magento 1 store can remain operational, allowing continued business operations during the bulk of migration execution. However, before executing the final delta migration and switching to Magento 2, enable maintenance mode on the Magento 1 store to prevent new transactions or data modifications that would not migrate to the new platform. The delta mode captures changes made between migrations, but enabling maintenance mode for the final cutover ensures no data is lost during the transition period and provides a clean migration completion point.

What about SEO and URL redirects?

The Data Migration Tool migrates URL rewrite rules from Magento 1 to Magento 2, preserving most SEO configurations and page addressing structures. However, review all URL redirects after migration to ensure proper functionality, as some complex rewrite rules may require manual adjustment. Implement 301 permanent redirects for any URL structures that changed during migration to maintain search engine rankings and prevent broken links. The URL Rewrite step in data mode handles standard rewrites, but custom or third-party extension rewrites may need additional configuration or manual recreation in Magento 2.

Conclusion

Installing and configuring the Magento 2 Data Migration Tool represents a critical step in successfully transitioning from Magento 1 to the more advanced Magento 2 platform. This comprehensive guide has covered the complete installation process, from understanding system prerequisites and version compatibility requirements through detailed configuration procedures and execution strategies. The tool’s three migration modes work together to transfer settings, bulk data, and incremental changes, providing a structured approach to complex data migration scenarios.

Proper preparation significantly influences migration outcomes, with database optimization, extension assessment, and thorough testing in development environments reducing risks and complications during production migrations. The installation process itself, whether through Composer repositories or GitHub cloning, requires careful attention to version matching and dependency resolution. Configuration demands accurate database connection parameters, encryption key setup, and appropriate mapping file customization for environments with custom extensions or modifications.

Success with the Data Migration Tool extends beyond simply executing commands and transferring data. Understanding migration modes, implementing comprehensive validation procedures, and maintaining detailed backups throughout the process ensures data integrity and provides recovery options if issues arise. The pro tips and troubleshooting strategies outlined in this guide reflect real-world experience with complex migrations, offering practical solutions to common challenges encountered during the transition process.

As businesses complete their migration to Magento 2, they gain access to improved performance, enhanced security, and modern e-commerce capabilities that position their online stores for continued growth and success. The investment in properly installing and configuring the Data Migration Tool pays dividends through minimized downtime, preserved data integrity, and successful transitions that maintain business continuity throughout the migration process. With careful planning, thorough testing, and methodical execution following the procedures outlined in this guide, merchants can confidently migrate their valuable store data to Magento 2 while maintaining the customer relationships and order histories essential to their ongoing business operations.