If you want to shift to far better efficiency, pricing, or even consumer help, transitioning to brand-new organizing service provider to make use of these advantages might feel like an intimidating method, however it is required.
Regardless of if you need to change to a speedier host, need to raise your dependability or simply require better features — this guide assists you with experiencing the whole exchange, moving your site to another one without information misfortune or downtime.
At the end of this guide you would have moved your website to a new host. Let’s get started!
Step 1: Select Your New Hosting Provider
To transfer your site, you first have to find the ideal hosting provider that suits you.
What to Look for in a New Host:
- Performance and Speed : The performance and speed of a web host are important factors to consider when using a hosting service provider, so choose a provider with fast SSD storage, optimized servers, and a CDN.
- Uptime Guarantee – Make sure the host provides at least 99.9% attention on your site.
- Customer Service – We cannot overemphasize how important it is for your hosting provider to have 24/7 support, in case you run into technical issues.
- Scalability — Select a provider that makes it easy to upgrade as your site expands.
- Free Migration – Certain hosts provide this service free of cost which saves you time and energy.
- Backup & Security: Back ups and malware scanning features are an essential part of keeping websites safe.
Best Hosting Providers To Use:
- Hostinger — Cheap, easy to use, and free migration.
- Bluehost– Recommended by WordPress itself, Ideal for Beginner
- SiteGround – Incredible speed and best in class support.
- Cloudways – The Best Cloud Hosting Solution with Pay As You Go Pricing.
- A2 Hosting – Great uptime with speed optimization.
After picking your new host, register for an ideal hosting plan that works for your website.
Step two: Backup/Export your website files and database
Make a Full Backup of Your WebsiteBefore Making any Changes This will ensure that in the event something goes wrong with the migration, you can restore the site without losing data.
How to Backup Manually:
1. Download Your Website Files
- A FTP Client, for example, FileZilla, or the File Manager from your hosting control panel
- Log in to your old hosting provider.
- Note: Go to the root directory of your website (public_html in most cases).
- Last but not the least, download all the files to your local computer as backup.
2. Export Your Database
- Access the control panel of your previous host.
- Open phpMyAdmin.
- Click on your website database and then click Export.
- Select sql format and download the file
Alternative Backup Methods:
WordPress Users: Create a Backup using a plugin such as UpdraftPlus, All-in-One WP Migration, or Duplicator.
cPanel Users: Most hosting providers provide an automatic backup option where you can download a complete backup of the site.
For an additional layer of security, backups should be stored on an external hard disk or cloud storage service (Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive).
Step Three: Upload Your Files to Your New Hosting Provider
Since you have created a backup of your website, now its time to migrate your website to the new Web hosting provider.
How to Upload Your Files:
- Access Your New Hosting Account.
- Go to the File Manager or connect with an FTP client.
- Go to the public_html folder (this is the folder where the main files of your site go).
- Now upload all your website files that you downloaded before.
However, if you are using a migration plugin, such as Duplicator, simply follow the step-by-step process for restoring your site.
Step 4: Import Your Database
As you will know, most websites keep their important data in databases, so you will need to pull your old database over to your new hosting provider.
Steps to Import the Database:
1. Make a fresh Database on your new host:
- One you have your new host, login to your new hosting control panel.
- Head over to MySQL Databases, then create a new DB.
- Add a new database user and grant it full privileges.
2. Import the Database:
- In this case, you will have to go to your new host control panel and open phpMyAdmin.
- Click the New database you just created.
- Afterward, click on Import and upload the exported SQL file.
- After that, wait until its completion of the import authenticator.
Step 5: Add It to Your Website Configuration File
Once you import your database, you need to connect your website to the database that you have created. This means that you will have to update your wp-config. php file (if they using WordPress) or any other configuration files you can list from your CMS.
- Open the wp-config. Locate your file using File Manager or FTP client v- file.
- Replace the following with your new database information:
define(‘DB_NAME’, ‘your_new_database_name’ );
define( DB_USER, ‘new_database_user’ );
define(‘DB_PASSWORD’, ’new_database_password’);
define(‘DB_HOST’, ’localhost’);
- Save the file and exit.
Step 6: Update your Domain DNS settings
Update DNS Settings For Your DomainTo point your domain to the new host
How to Update DNS Settings:
- Find the nameservers for your new host (within your hosting dashboard or welcome email)
- Access Your Domain Registrar (e.g. GoDaddy, Namecheap, Google Domains)
- Change the Old Nameservers to the New Nameservers
- Save Changes – DNS propagation can take 24–48 hours.
Step Seven : Test Your Website Before You Finalize The Transfer
It is important that you test everything on your new hosting environment before you close your old hosting account.
Testing Checklist:
- Preview your site with a temporary URL provided by your new host.
- Crawl the page and report any broken links, missing images, CSS/JavaScript issues.
- Forms for tests, login pages and other dynamic elements.
- Make sure your SSL certificate is up and running.
Step 8: Confirm the Transfer & Cancel Old Hosting
Once you have it all polished up:
- For safety, do not disable your old hosting account for 2–3 days.
- Keep an eye on your website performance on the new host.
- After you feel comfortable (or cancel your old hosting plan).
🚀 Congratulations! Great! You have migrated your website to a new hosting provider!
Final Thoughts
While site migration can feel complicated, following these guides will allow you to transition without a hitch. If your new host provides free migration, use it to save time.
You should reach out to your new hosting company support if you have any issue.
Need Help?
If you have any queries or need assistance, leave a comment below and I’d gladly assist you! 🎉
