A Comprehensive Guide to Migrating Hosting Providers
If you’ve been running websites for any length of time, you’ll eventually find the need to switch hosting providers. Whether it’s because your hosting requirements have outgrown your current provider, their service quality has declined, or you’ve discovered a better deal elsewhere, it’s essential to know how to transition to a new hosting company effectively. When done correctly, you can experience zero downtime on your sites and complete the entire process quickly and smoothly.
The following guide will help you move your website to your new hosting without your site visitors ever realizing that you made any changes. While your new host may be willing to assist with the transfer, it’s a good idea to understand how to do it yourself. This can save you money and provide you with added flexibility. When you’re ready to make the switch, follow these steps:
- Sign Up with Your New Host – Registering for your new hosting account is the first step you should take. Setting up everything can take some time, so you’ll want to keep everything running on your current hosting account until you’re ready to make the move. Do NOT cancel your current hosting account or inform them of your impending cancellation.
- Transfer Your Files – When you embark on this process, make sure you have enough time to complete the entire transfer. This is particularly crucial if your website involves user-submitted content, such as forums. To transfer your files, you’ll need an FTP (file transfer protocol) program. One of the easiest to use is FileZilla, which is free and can be downloaded HERE if you don’t already have it. It’s a free program.
- Backup Databases – Nearly all types of websites use databases to store and display data. You need to back up your existing database so you can transfer it to the new hosting server. If you have access to cPanel (access instructions will be available from your previous host), log in to it and locate the phpMyAdmin icon. Click on that icon, which will take you to your phpMyAdmin page.
- Click on Export. For most websites, you can use the default settings. If you’re an advanced user, you can make some customizations, but it’s usually not necessary. The export method should be left as quick, and the format should be SQL. When you hit “Go,” it will download a file to your computer, named “your_database.sql.” Keep track of where this file is saved; you’ll need it shortly.
- Now, you need to access the phpMyAdmin on your new server (also in cPanel or whatever hosting interface you use). Create a new database with the same name as the one on your old server. This can be done by finding the databases section and clicking on MySQL Databases. Name the database and click “Create.”
- Create a username to access that database. This username (and password) should be the same one used to access the database on your old hosting account. Depending on the type of site you’re transferring, this information can usually be found in the “functions.php” file. If you need help finding your specific username and password, reach out to your old hosting company’s tech support.
- Add the user you just created to the database you just created. Select to give the user all rights to the database when prompted.
- With the database now created, it’s time to upload the data from the old website to the new one. Return to the phpMyAdmin page, just as before. Click “Import” at the top. On the next screen, choose the database file saved from before. All other settings can remain the same. Follow the step-by-step instructions on the screen until the database is imported.
- Your site has been moved (though users will still access it on the old host). Now, it’s time to test it. To test, you need to get the IP address of your new hosting, usually provided in an email when you sign up. To test, simply type the IP address into any browser, followed by “/YourSite/,” where “YourSite” is the name of the folder created in step 2F.
- If everything works correctly, you should see your site. Note that not everything will work as usual because some links on your site won’t use the IP address. If the site looks normal on the front page, everything should be in order.
- Update DNS – DNS is the technology the Internet uses to ensure people reach the websites they want when they type in an address. Currently, the internet directs people who type in your URL to your old host. To update this, you need to go to the site where your domain is registered. This could be a website like GoDaddy, 1&1, Namecheap, or any others. Each domain registrar is different, so find the specific instructions from your company. The process, however, is essentially the same.
- Locate the Name Servers Setting – Once you’ve found where you can edit your name servers, update them to the name servers of your new host. These are usually something like “NS1.yourhost.com” and “NS2.yourhost.com.” Most hosts provide two name servers, and these will typically be sent in an email from your hosting company.
- Once entered and saved, it can take up to 48 hours for all traffic to be directed to your new site. Typically, it only takes a few hours for most traffic, though.
- Wait for 48 hours, and test all the functionality of your website. If it’s working correctly, you can cancel your old hosting service.
