Knowledgebase

Changing Webhosts

Changing webhosts is much easier with a plan! Here's an overview of the process to help people who are considering a move.

Select a host and sign up. This is done BEFORE you cancel your old hosting account, or even before informing your current host you'll be moving. Expect to give yourself about a week overlap on hosting accounts when you're moving for minimum stress.
If you're moving from one CPanel host to another CPanel host (meaning both hosts using the industry-leading "CPanel" Control Panel software), inquire at the new host whether or not they will attempt to transfer the account for you. Some hosts will do this without charge. Both hosting accounts will need the same username and password for a Cpanel move to work. Email accounts can be transferred this way, as can databases, but databases and scripts may require additional configuration to function properly. Most hosts will not guarantee this process will work, and if it doesn't, you'll then be responsible for moving the files yourself.
If you're transferring your own files, use the information in your new host's Welcome Email to access your new account and transfer your files. Most of the time, you can either transfer the files via the program you created them in, or the file upload utility in your hosting control panel, or via an FTP program (FTP = "File Transfer Protocol," a program designed to transfer files from one server to the other). Your new host should provide you the signon information you'll need to access your new account.
Set up your email addresses at your new host, if they weren't transferred from a CPanel Move (#2, above). This is easier if you retain the same passwords for email accounts from your old host to your new host.
Make sure all your files are up at the new host (using the temporary access link from your Welcome Email), and your email addresses are set up.
Change the domain record to reflect your new host. You'll need to update the "Nameserver" information on the domain record, which essentially "tells the internet" where your website will be hosted. How you do this exactly depends on where you registered your domain, but most domain registrars will have a control panel where you can sign in and make these changes. You may have to unlock the domain through their control panel before you can make these changes.
Wait. Domain changes can take up to 48 hours to propagate throughout the internet. Do NOT cancel your old hosting account until you're sure this step is completed, or you'll lose some site visitors and email during the switchover.
Once the switch is complete, make sure your email is configured properly for the new host. If you have new email passwords, change those in your email programs, and review your new host's Welcome email and online support information to determine if you need to make any changes in your email account configuration. Send a few test emails to make sure it's working.
You can now safely cancel your old hosting account. You're done!

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