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Namr: How to Move Your Website to a New Web Host (Step-by-Step)

How to Move Your Website to a New Web Host (Step-by-Step)

Moving your website to a new hosting provider seems intimidating. You're worried about downtime, broken functionality, lost data, or technical complications that leave your site inaccessible. These concerns are valid—migrations can go wrong without proper planning and execution.

However, website migration doesn't have to be stressful. With systematic preparation, the right tools, and clear step-by-step procedures, you can successfully transfer your website to new hosting with minimal downtime and zero data loss.

This comprehensive guide walks you through the entire migration process, from pre-migration planning through post-migration testing, ensuring your website move goes smoothly in 2025.

Why Migrate to a New Hosting Provider?

Before diving into the how, let's address the why. Common reasons for switching web hosting providers include:

Poor Performance: Slow loading times damaging user experience and SEO rankings

Frequent Downtime: Unreliable hosting causing accessibility problems and lost revenue

Inadequate Support: Unresponsive or unhelpful customer service leaving you stranded during issues

Outgrown Current Plan: Your website's traffic or resource needs have exceeded your hosting capabilities

Better Pricing: Finding better value elsewhere, especially when renewal rates spike dramatically

Enhanced Features: Needing capabilities your current host doesn't provide (better security, staging environments, managed services)

Specialized Hosting: Switching to managed WordPress hosting for WordPress-specific optimization and support

Whatever your reason, proper migration planning ensures the transition improves your situation rather than creating new problems.

Pre-Migration Planning (Critical First Steps)

Successful migrations start with thorough planning before touching any files or databases.

Step 1: Audit Your Current Website

Document Everything:

  • Complete list of all domains and subdomains
  • All email accounts associated with the domain
  • Database names and sizes
  • Total file storage used
  • All installed applications and their versions
  • Third-party integrations (CDNs, email services, payment processors)
  • Custom configurations or .htaccess rules
  • SSL certificate details
  • Backup schedules

Identify Dependencies:

  • Which external services does your site use?
  • Are there hardcoded URLs requiring updates?
  • Do you use any host-specific features that won't transfer?

Clean Up First:

  • Delete unused files, databases, and email accounts
  • Remove outdated plugins and themes
  • Clear spam comments and unnecessary media
  • Update all software to current versions

This preparation reduces migration complexity and ensures you transfer only necessary data.

Step 2: Choose Your New Hosting Provider

Select new hosting that addresses the issues prompting your migration.

Evaluation Criteria:

  • Performance benchmarks and uptime guarantees
  • Resources matching your needs (storage, bandwidth, RAM)
  • Migration assistance availability
  • Support quality and availability
  • Pricing transparency (check renewal rates)
  • Money-back guarantee period

Top Migration-Friendly Hosts (2025):

DreamHost: Includes free professional migration with managed hosting plans, 97-day money-back guarantee, and 24/7 support. VPS hosting starts at $10/month with straightforward migration processes.

SiteGround: Offers free migrations with priority support for smooth transitions.

WP Engine: Specializes in WordPress migrations with automated tools and expert assistance.

Many quality providers offer free migration services, eliminating the technical burden yourself. Take advantage of these services when available.

Step 3: Choose Migration Timing

Consider These Factors:

Traffic Patterns: Schedule migrations during your lowest traffic periods (typically late night or early morning in your audience's time zone).

Business Cycles: Avoid migrations during critical business periods (holiday shopping season for e-commerce, tax season for accounting sites).

Team Availability: Ensure technical team members are available for troubleshooting if issues arise.

Testing Time: Allow sufficient time for thorough testing before switching traffic to the new host.

Weekend vs. Weekday: Weekend migrations provide more troubleshooting time without impacting weekday business, but may have reduced support availability.

Recommended Approach: Perform the technical migration on Friday evening or Saturday morning, allowing the full weekend for testing and resolution of any issues before Monday's business resumption.

Step 4: Create Complete Backups

Never begin migration without comprehensive, tested backups.

What to Back Up:

  • All website files (document root and any files outside it)
  • All databases (complete exports)
  • Email accounts and messages (if migrating email)
  • Configuration files (.htaccess, php.ini, etc.)
  • SSL certificate files
  • DNS zone file records

Backup Methods:

Control Panel Backups: Most hosting control panels offer backup tools. Create full account backups and download them.

Manual Backups:

  • FTP download of all files
  • phpMyAdmin database exports
  • cPanel backup feature
  • Command line (SSH) for complete control

WordPress-Specific Backups: Plugins like UpdraftPlus, BackupBuddy, or All-in-One WP Migration create complete WordPress backups with one-click restoration.

Verification: Test backup files to ensure they're complete and not corrupted. Verify databases open correctly and file counts match expectations.

Off-Site Storage: Store backups separately from your hosting (cloud storage like Google Drive, Dropbox, or local external drives).

Migration Methods: Choosing the Right Approach

Several migration approaches exist, each with different complexity levels and use cases.

Method 1: Professional Migration Service (Recommended)

Many hosting providers offer free professional migration, handling the entire technical process.

How It Works:

  1. Sign up for new hosting
  2. Submit migration request with current hosting details
  3. Provide temporary FTP/SSH access to your current host
  4. Migration team transfers all data
  5. You test the migrated site on temporary URL
  6. Approve migration and switch DNS

Advantages:

  • No technical expertise required
  • Minimal time investment
  • Professional handling reduces error risk
  • Often includes troubleshooting assistance

Disadvantages:

  • Requires providing access credentials to current host
  • Less control over exact timing
  • May not migrate some custom configurations

Best For: Anyone wanting hassle-free migration, especially those without technical expertise.

DreamHost's managed hosting plans include free professional migration services, making the transition effortless.

Method 2: WordPress Migration Plugins

WordPress-specific plugins automate migration for WordPress sites.

Popular Plugin Options:

Duplicator:

  • Free version handles most migrations
  • Creates migration package (archive + installer)
  • Runs installer on new host for automatic setup

All-in-One WP Migration:

  • Simple export/import process
  • User-friendly interface
  • Size limitations on free version

UpdraftPlus:

  • Primarily backup plugin with migration capabilities
  • Reliable and widely used
  • Clone/migration add-on available

How It Works:

  1. Install plugin on current WordPress site
  2. Export complete site (files + database)
  3. Download export file
  4. Install WordPress on new hosting
  5. Install migration plugin on new site
  6. Import exported file
  7. Plugin automatically configures everything

Advantages:

  • WordPress-specific optimization
  • Handles database updates (URLs, file paths)
  • User-friendly for non-technical users
  • Automated process reduces errors

Disadvantages:

  • Limited to WordPress sites
  • Large sites may exceed size limits
  • Some configurations require manual adjustment

Best For: WordPress websites of all sizes, especially for users comfortable with WordPress but not general server administration.

Method 3: Manual Migration

Complete control through manual file transfer and database migration.

Process Overview:

  1. Back up current site completely
  2. Download all files via FTP
  3. Export databases via phpMyAdmin
  4. Upload files to new hosting
  5. Import databases on new host
  6. Update configuration files
  7. Test thoroughly

We'll detail this process in the step-by-step section below.

Advantages:

  • Complete control over every aspect
  • No size limitations or restrictions
  • Works for any website type
  • Deepens understanding of your site's structure

Disadvantages:

  • Requires technical knowledge
  • More time-consuming
  • Greater risk of errors
  • Manual URL updates needed

Best For: Technical users, non-WordPress sites, complex custom applications, or anyone wanting complete control.

Method 4: Hosting Provider Transfer Services

Some hosting providers offer transfer services as part of their packages or at additional cost.

Research New Host's Offerings:

  • Free migration included?
  • Priority/express migration services?
  • Migration limits (number of sites, data volume)?
  • Guaranteed timeframe?

Step-by-Step Manual Migration Process

For those handling migration themselves, follow this comprehensive process:

Phase 1: Prepare the New Hosting Environment

Step 1: Set Up Hosting Account

  • Purchase hosting plan on new provider
  • Configure hosting account settings
  • Note server details (FTP, database, nameservers)

Step 2: Create Databases

  • Create MySQL databases matching your current site
  • Create database users with appropriate permissions
  • Note database names, usernames, and passwords

Step 3: Configure Email (If Migrating)

  • Create email accounts matching current setup
  • Configure forwarders and autoresponders
  • Note new mail server settings

Step 4: Request SSL Certificate

  • Obtain or activate SSL certificate on new host
  • Most hosts offer free Let's Encrypt SSL

Phase 2: Transfer Website Files

Step 5: Download Files from Current Host

Via FTP/SFTP:

1. Connect to current host via FTP client (FileZilla, Cyberduck)
2. Navigate to public_html or www directory
3. Download all files and folders recursively
4. Verify download completed without errors

Via Control Panel:

1. Use File Manager to create archive of all files
2. Download archive file
3. Extract locally to verify contents

Via SSH (Advanced):

# Create compressed archive
tar -czf website-backup.tar.gz /path/to/public_html

# Download via SCP
scp [email protected]:~/website-backup.tar.gz ./

Step 6: Upload Files to New Host

Via FTP/SFTP:

1. Connect to new host via FTP
2. Navigate to public_html directory
3. Upload all downloaded files
4. Verify upload completion and file counts

Via Control Panel:

1. Use File Manager upload feature
2. Upload archive file
3. Extract in correct directory

Phase 3: Migrate Databases

Step 7: Export Databases from Current Host

Via phpMyAdmin:

1. Log into phpMyAdmin on current host
2. Select database to export
3. Click "Export" tab
4. Choose "Quick" export method and SQL format
5. Click "Go" to download .sql file
6. Repeat for each database

Via Command Line:

mysqldump -u username -p database_name > database_backup.sql

Step 8: Import Databases to New Host

Via phpMyAdmin:

1. Log into phpMyAdmin on new host
2. Select target database
3. Click "Import" tab
4. Choose .sql file
5. Click "Go" to import
6. Verify success message

Via Command Line:

mysql -u username -p database_name < database_backup.sql

For Large Databases: If imports fail due to size limitations, use BigDump or split SQL files into smaller chunks.

Phase 4: Update Configuration Files

Step 9: Update Database Connection Settings

WordPress (wp-config.php):

define('DB_NAME', 'new_database_name');
define('DB_USER', 'new_database_user');
define('DB_PASSWORD', 'new_database_password');
define('DB_HOST', 'localhost'); // or new host's server

Other Platforms: Update database configuration files with new connection details.

Step 10: Update URLs (If Domain Name Changes)

WordPress URL Updates:

UPDATE wp_options
SET option_value = 'https://newdomain.com'
WHERE option_name = 'siteurl' OR option_name = 'home';

UPDATE wp_posts
SET post_content = REPLACE(post_content, 'olddomain.com', 'newdomain.com');

UPDATE wp_postmeta
SET meta_value = REPLACE(meta_value, 'olddomain.com', 'newdomain.com');

Search and Replace Tools: Better Search Replace plugin or WP-CLI for WordPress.

Step 11: Update File Permissions

Directories: 755
Files: 644
Special cases: varies by application

Step 12: Configure .htaccess or Server Rules

  • Transfer any custom rewrite rules
  • Update file paths if directory structure changed
  • Configure SSL redirects

Phase 5: Testing on New Host

Step 13: Access Site via Temporary URL or Hosts File

Test before switching DNS to avoid directing visitors to a broken site.

Temporary URL Method: Most hosts provide temporary URLs like temp.newhost.com/~username for testing.

Hosts File Method: Edit your local hosts file to point domain to new server IP:

# Add this line:
123.45.67.89  yourdomain.com

Step 14: Thorough Testing Checklist

Homepage:

  • Loads correctly
  • All images display
  • Navigation functions
  • SSL works (HTTPS)

Internal Pages:

  • Random sample of pages load correctly
  • Images and media display
  • Forms submit properly
  • Database content displays

Interactive Features:

  • Contact forms send emails
  • Search functionality works
  • User registration/login (if applicable)
  • Comments (if enabled)
  • Shopping cart and checkout (e-commerce)

WordPress Specific:

  • Admin dashboard accessible
  • Posts and pages display correctly
  • Plugins function properly
  • Theme displays correctly
  • Media library intact

Cross-Browser Testing: Test in Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge.

Mobile Responsive: Verify mobile display and functionality.

Performance: Run speed tests (GTmetrix, Google PageSpeed Insights).

Fix Any Issues: Resolve broken links, missing images, configuration errors, and database connection problems before proceeding.

Phase 6: Switch DNS to New Host

Once testing confirms everything works, redirect traffic to new hosting.

Step 15: Lower TTL (Time to Live) Values

24-48 Hours Before Switching:

1. Log into domain registrar or DNS provider
2. Lower TTL values to 300 seconds (5 minutes)
3. Wait for current TTL period to expire before DNS changes

This enables faster propagation when you update nameservers.

Step 16: Update Nameservers

At Domain Registrar:

1. Log into domain registrar account
2. Navigate to domain management
3. Find nameserver/DNS settings
4. Update to new host's nameservers
5. Save changes

New Host's Nameservers: Your new hosting provider provides nameserver addresses (typically ns1.newhost.com, ns2.newhost.com).

Step 17: Monitor DNS Propagation

Propagation Time: 4-48 hours typically, though often much faster with low TTL.

Check Propagation:

  • whatsmydns.net shows global propagation status
  • ping yourdomain.com to verify IP address
  • Access site from different devices/networks

Maintain Old Hosting: Keep old hosting active during propagation period to serve users still resolving to old IP.

Phase 7: Post-Migration Tasks

Step 18: Verify Everything After DNS Switches

Repeat full testing checklist once DNS points to new host and you're accessing the live site.

Step 19: Update External Services

Update Settings At:

  • Google Search Console (add new property if needed)
  • Google Analytics (verify tracking works)
  • CDN providers (update origin server)
  • Email service providers
  • Payment processors (verify webhooks)
  • Social media profiles
  • Any services pointing to old IP or URL

Step 20: Configure Email Properly

Email Account Setup:

  • Create all email accounts on new host
  • Configure email clients with new server settings
  • Update mobile devices
  • Test send/receive functionality

Email Migration: Transfer existing emails via IMAP synchronization or manual export/import.

Step 21: Set Up Monitoring

Uptime Monitoring: Configure uptime monitors (UptimeRobot, Pingdom) to alert you of any issues.

Performance Monitoring: Set baseline performance metrics on new host.

Step 22: Maintain Old Hosting Temporarily

Keep Old Host Active: Maintain old hosting for 1-2 weeks after successful migration:

  • Ensures all DNS propagation completes
  • Provides rollback option if problems arise
  • Captures any missed email during transition
  • Allows retrieval of any missed files or data

Step 23: Cancel Old Hosting

Once confident the migration succeeded completely:

  • Download final backups from old host
  • Cancel hosting service
  • Request refund for remaining time if applicable

Migration for Specific Platforms

WordPress Migration Tips

Plugins: Use Duplicator or All-in-One WP Migration for automated process.

Database Updates: Search/replace tools handle URL updates across database.

Permalinks: Save permalink settings again after migration to regenerate .htaccess rules.

Managed WordPress Hosting: DreamHost's DreamPress managed WordPress hosting starting at $16.95/month includes free professional WordPress migration with expert assistance.

E-commerce Migration Considerations

Testing Critical:

  • Complete test transactions on new host before DNS switch
  • Verify payment processor integration
  • Test order notifications
  • Confirm inventory sync
  • Check shipping calculations

Minimize Downtime:

  • Schedule during lowest sales periods
  • Consider temporary "under maintenance" mode during DNS propagation

Data Integrity:

  • Verify all product data transferred correctly
  • Check customer account information
  • Ensure order history is intact

Email Migration

IMAP Synchronization:

1. Set up email accounts on new host
2. Configure old account as IMAP in email client
3. Configure new account as IMAP in same client
4. Drag messages from old to new account
5. Email client synchronizes with new server

Consider External Email: Using Google Workspace or Microsoft 365 eliminates email migration needs entirely.

Troubleshooting Common Migration Issues

Website Displays Old Version

Cause: DNS hasn't propagated or browser caching.

Solutions:

  • Clear browser cache
  • Wait for DNS propagation
  • Flush local DNS cache

Database Connection Errors

Cause: Incorrect database credentials in configuration files.

Solutions:

  • Verify database name, username, password
  • Check database host (localhost vs. IP address)
  • Ensure database user has correct permissions

Missing Images or Broken Links

Cause: Incorrect file paths or URLs.

Solutions:

  • Verify all files uploaded correctly
  • Update hardcoded URLs in database
  • Check .htaccess rewrite rules
  • Verify uploads directory permissions

Email Stops Working

Cause: MX records or email settings need updating.

Solutions:

  • Update MX records at DNS provider
  • Reconfigure email clients with new server settings
  • Verify email accounts created on new host
  • Wait for DNS propagation

SSL Certificate Errors

Cause: SSL not properly configured on new host.

Solutions:

  • Install SSL certificate on new host
  • Force HTTPS in .htaccess
  • Update WordPress URLs to HTTPS
  • Clear browser cache

Migration Checklist

Print this checklist to track progress:

Pre-Migration:

  • Audit current website completely
  • Choose and purchase new hosting
  • Create complete backups
  • Plan migration timing
  • Lower DNS TTL values

Migration:

  • Set up hosting account
  • Create databases
  • Transfer files
  • Migrate databases
  • Update configuration files
  • Configure SSL

Testing:

  • Test via temporary URL
  • Verify all pages load
  • Test forms and interactions
  • Check database functionality
  • Perform cross-browser testing
  • Test mobile responsiveness

DNS Switch:

  • Update nameservers
  • Monitor propagation
  • Verify site on new host

Post-Migration:

  • Full testing after DNS propagation
  • Update external services
  • Configure email
  • Set up monitoring
  • Maintain old hosting temporarily
  • Cancel old hosting after verification

Conclusion: Successful Migration Is Achievable

Website migration seems daunting, but with methodical planning and execution, it's entirely manageable. The key is allowing adequate time for each phase, testing thoroughly before DNS switches, and maintaining your old hosting as a safety net during the transition.

For the least stressful migration experience, choose a hosting provider offering professional migration services. DreamHost's managed hosting plans include free expert migration assistance, eliminating the technical burden while ensuring your website moves successfully to their reliable infrastructure.

Whether you're migrating to improve performance, reduce costs, or access better features, proper migration procedures ensure the transition enhances your website's success rather than creating new problems.

Ready to move to better web hosting? Start with a provider that makes migration painless and supports your website's growth. And if you're also considering a rebrand, use Namr's domain name generator to find the perfect new domain name for your fresh start.

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