How to Migrate Your Website to a New Hosting Provider Without Downtime

Good preparation is the key to a smooth migration:

1. Choose Your New Hosting Provider

Select a provider that offers migration assistance. Many hosts will migrate your site for free.

2. Back Up Everything

Before making any changes, create a complete backup of your website:

• All website files.
• Database.
• Email accounts (if hosted with your provider).
• DNS records.

3. Reduce DNS TTL

Lower your DNS Time-to-Live (TTL) values 24-48 hours before migration. This ensures DNS changes propagate quickly. How: In your DNS settings, change TTL from 86400 (24 hours) to 300 (5 minutes).

4. Note Your Current Configuration

Document your current setup:

li>PHP version.
• Server software (Apache/Nginx).
• Cron jobs.
• Email settings.
• Custom server configurations.

The Migration Process: Step by Step

Step 1: Set Up Your New Server

Configure your new hosting account to match your current setup:

li>Install the same PHP version.
• Set up the same server software.
• Create email accounts.
• Install necessary extensions.

Step 2: Upload Your Website Files

Transfer your website files to the new server:

• FTP/SFTP: Upload files manually using an FTP client.
• Migration plugin: Use a WordPress migration plugin for automated transfer.
• Hosting migration: Let your new host handle the file transfer.

Step 3: Import Your Database

Export your database from the old server and import it to the new one:

1. Export the database from your old hosting (phpMyAdmin or command line).
2. Create a new database on your new hosting.
3. Import the database to the new server.
4. Update database connection settings in your configuration files.

Step 4: Test the New Server

Before switching DNS, test your site on the new server:

li>Use the temporary URL or modify your hosts file.
• Check all pages and functionality.
• Test forms, e-commerce, and interactive features.
• Verify email is working.

Step 5: Update DNS

Once you're satisfied the new server works correctly, update your DNS:

li>Change your nameservers to point to the new hosting provider.
• Or update A records to point to the new server's IP address.

Important: Keep your old hosting active during DNS propagation (24-48 hours).

Step 6: Verify the Migration

After DNS has fully propagated:

li>Verify your site loads correctly from the new server. li>Check all functionality. li>Test email delivery. li>Monitor for any issues.

Step 7: Cancel Old Hosting

Once you're confident everything works:

li>Cancel your old hosting account.
• Keep your backup for at least 30 days.
• Update any hardcoded references to the old server.

Our hosting migration services handle the entire process for you.

Common Migration Mistakes to Avoid

• Not backing up: Always back up before migrating.
• Not testing: Test the new server before switching DNS.
• Cutting corners on DNS: Don't skip the TTL reduction.
• Forgetting email: Make sure email is set up and working before switching.
• Canceling old hosting too early: Keep it active during propagation.

Migrate Stress-Free

Website migration doesn't have to be stressful. With proper planning and the right help, you can switch hosting providers with zero downtime. Need help migrating your website? Contact Pixel Nooks and we'll handle the entire migration for you.