How do I migrate my website from another host?

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How do I migrate my website from another host?

Overview

You can migrate your website from another hosting provider by transferring your files, database, and domain settings to your new hosting account. This guide explains the full manual migration process to ensure your website moves safely with minimal downtime.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prepare your new hosting account

  • Log in to your hosting control panel
  • Ensure your domain is added (or set as primary domain)
  • Create a new empty site directory (usually public_html)

2. Download your website files from old host

From your previous hosting provider:

  • Open File Manager or use FTP
  • Download all website files from:
    • public_html (or equivalent web root folder)
  • Save them to your computer

3. Export your database

If your site uses a database (e.g. WordPress):

  • Log in to phpMyAdmin on your old host
  • Select your website database
  • Click Export
  • Choose Quick Export (SQL format)
  • Download the file

4. Upload files to new hosting

On your new hosting account:

  • Open File Manager
  • Go to public_html
  • Upload all website files you downloaded
  • Extract archives if needed

5. Import your database

  • Open phpMyAdmin on your new host
  • Create a new database (if not already created)
  • Select the database
  • Click Import
  • Upload your .sql file

6. Update configuration files

If using WordPress or similar CMS:

Edit wp-config.php (or equivalent config file):

Update:

  • Database name
  • Database username
  • Database password
  • Database host (usually localhost)

7. Point your domain to new hosting

Update DNS records at your domain registrar:

  • Change A record to new server IP
  • Or update nameservers to new hosting provider

⚠️ DNS changes may take 1–24 hours to fully propagate

8. Test your website

Before fully switching:

  • Visit your site using the new server IP (if available)
  • Check pages, images, and login functionality
  • Confirm database connection is working

Important Notes

  • Always back up your site before migrating
  • DNS propagation can cause temporary inconsistency
  • Large websites may take longer to upload and import
  • Email accounts are not automatically migrated unless manually recreated

Common Issues & Fixes

Website shows error after migration

  • Check database credentials in config file
  • Ensure database was fully imported
  • Confirm file permissions are correct

Images or styles missing

  • Check file paths inside your CMS settings
  • Clear cache (if caching plugin is used)
  • Verify all files were uploaded successfully

Domain not pointing to new host

  • Verify DNS A record or nameservers
  • Wait for propagation time
  • Clear local DNS cache if needed

Need Help?

If your migration fails or your website does not load correctly after transfer, support can assist with file verification, database configuration, and DNS troubleshooting.

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