How to Migrate a Website to a New Host: Step-by-Step Guide

If you’ve ever wondered how to migrate website to new host without losing data or customers, you’re not alone. In professional website development, migrating to a new host is a common task, but one that requires careful planning. Done right, it can boost site performance, strengthen security, and make your online presence more reliable. Done wrong, it can result in downtime, broken features, or even SEO ranking loss.

Key steps for web hosting migration

A web hosting migration involves moving your entire site — files, databases, configurations — to a different server. Businesses choose to migrate website from one host to another for various reasons: faster loading speeds, better technical support, lower costs, or a more scalable infrastructure. The process has several stages, and skipping any of them can cause problems later.

Step 1: Evaluate and choose a new hosting provider

Your host is the foundation of your website. Weak foundation = weak performance. Before any hosting migration, research providers carefully or consult a web development agency that can recommend reliable options.

Look for:

• Speed and uptime — at least 99.9% uptime and strong server performance
• Security — SSL, backups, malware scans, DDoS protection
• Scalability — the ability to handle traffic spikes
• Support — 24/7 help via multiple channels

If your site handles e-commerce, ensure the provider supports ecommerce integration solutions so your systems work seamlessly after the migration.

Step 2: Back up your website

Before you migrate website, always create a full backup: including files, databases, and configuration settings. This acts as your insurance policy if something goes wrong during the transfer. Store at least two copies: one locally and one in the cloud.

For e-commerce stores, make sure your backup also includes product data, customer information, and order history. If you’re planning a store upgrade during the move, consider partnering with ecommerce website development services to enhance functionality and ensure a smooth transition.

While the exact steps can vary depending on your CMS or hosting platform, many websites — especially those built on WordPress — follow similar backup practices.

Backup methods include:

• Manual backup via cPanel and phpMyAdmin
• Automated plugins like All-in-One WP Migration or Duplicator
• Hosting-provided backup services

Step 3: Upload website files to the new host

This is where the actual moving begins. With your new hosting account active, upload your site files using FTP/SFTP or the control panel’s file manager.

If you’re using an FTP client, FileZilla is one of the most reliable and beginner-friendly options. For those who prefer the command line, tools like rsync or the sftp command offer faster and more controllable file transfers — especially for larger websites or automated deployments.

When uploading, make sure you’re placing your files into the correct public directory on the new host. This path can vary depending on your hosting provider, but typically it’s something like:

• /public_html/
• /htdocs/
• /www/
• or sometimes /var/www/html/ on VPS or dedicated servers.

If you’re migrating a website between two fully configured WordPress hostings, you’ll notice that both servers already share a similar folder structure. In this case, you usually only need to sync the wp-content folder, import the database, and merge or update the necessary variables in wp-config.php to complete the migration.

If your site runs on WordPress, tools like Duplicator or Migrate Guru simplify the migrate web hosting process. Many businesses combine this step with design updates, working with a web design agency to refresh the site before it goes live on the new server.

Step 4: Import the database

Your database stores content, user accounts, settings — essentially the brain of your site. In any website hosting migration, mismatched database credentials can break the connection between your site and its content.

Export the database from your old host and import it into the new one. If you’re unsure, a software development company can handle this process and ensure the database is properly configured.

Step 5: Update configuration files

Configuration files tell your site where to find its database and resources. Updating them is a crucial step in how to migrate a website successfully.

Once your files have finished uploading, open the wp-config.php file in the root of your WordPress installation. This file contains essential connection details for your database and environment. Since you’re moving to a new server, you’ll need to update the following constants to match your new hosting setup:

1. DB_NAME
2. DB_USER
3. DB_PASSWORD
4. DB_HOST

If your new hosting environment uses different paths or table prefixes, double-check those too. It’s also a good moment to confirm that WP_HOME and WP_SITEURL are set correctly if they’re defined in your wp-config.php (sometimes they’re left out and handled from the database instead).

Some hosting providers, such as WP Engine, include their own system-specific constants and variables inside the wp-config.php file. So, when you’re migrating a WordPress site between two managed WordPress hostings, it’s important to compare both wp-config.php files carefully. Merge them thoughtfully, making sure to keep all non-standard or host-specific configurations that exist on the new hosting environment — these often handle caching, paths, or security settings that are required for the platform to function properly.

You’ll need to:

• Update the database hostname (or URL), name, username, and password
• Adjust file paths if they’ve changed
• Check for hardcoded URLs pointing to the old host

This ensures your site functions as intended on the new server.

Step 6: Test the website on the new host

Testing is where you catch problems before your visitors do. By editing your local “hosts” file, you can preview the new version of your site without making it live.

Test for:

• Page loading speed and responsiveness
• Contact forms and checkout processes
• Mobile compatibility across devices

Only after confirming everything works should you proceed with the migration process.

Step 7: Update your domain’s DNS settings (if required)

If your website is moving to a new hosting provider or server, you’ll need to update your domain’s DNS records so they point to the new IP address. This step ensures your new host becomes visible to the public and completes the process provided by your hosting migration service.

However, if your site remains on the same domain name and hosting provider, you can safely skip this step (no DNS changes are necessary).

SEO tip:

When updating DNS, keep your URL structure identical or set up 301 redirects to preserve search rankings and maintain consistent traffic.

Step 8: Monitor and perform final checks (if applicable)

If you’ve updated your DNS records or switched hosting providers, take time to monitor your website during propagation. This period can last anywhere from a few hours to 48 hours. Use this time to make sure everything works smoothly on the new setup.

Check that:

• All pages load correctly and quickly
• Forms, checkout, and interactive features function properly
• Analytics and tracking codes are active
• No broken links or missing images appear

If you used a hosting migration service, their team may handle most of these tasks for you, but it’s always worth reviewing your site yourself. After migration, you can also collaborate with a web design agency to refine visual elements, confirm responsiveness, and ensure your site looks perfect across all devices.

Post-migration monitoring helps catch small issues early and guarantees your visitors enjoy a seamless browsing experience.

Answers to frequently asked questions

What types of websites can be migrated with a hosting migration service?

From small blogs to large online stores, virtually any site can be migrated. Skilled teams know how to adapt the migrate website from one host to another process for each platform: WordPress, Shopify, Magento, or custom-built systems.

How long does it take to migrate a website?

Small sites may take a few hours, while complex projects can require 24–48 hours, including testing. The complexity of the web hosting migration determines the timeline.

How much does a professional hosting migration service cost?

Some hosts offer it free; others charge $10–$200+. The price depends on the size and complexity of the website hosting migration and how quickly you need it done.

Can data be lost during migration?

In most cases, no (if backups are done properly before the migration starts). However, for e-commerce stores or other dynamic websites that receive orders or user submissions, data created after the backup but before full DNS propagation may not transfer automatically. To prevent this, it’s best to schedule the migration during low-traffic hours or temporarily pause checkout and submission features.

Should I migrate my website with or without downtime?

Both strategies are possible:

• Migration with downtime is simpler and suitable for smaller or static websites. You temporarily take the site offline, move everything, test it, and then bring it back up.
• Migration without downtime is ideal for high-traffic or e-commerce websites. It involves syncing data between old and new servers until DNS propagation is complete, ensuring visitors don’t experience disruptions.

Working with an experienced hosting migration service helps you choose the best strategy based on your website’s size, traffic, and complexity.

Bonus tips for a smooth website migration

1. Schedule the move during low-traffic hours to minimize disruption.
2. Use a staging environment for testing before going live.
3. Keep your URLs unchanged to protect SEO.
4. Work with a web development agency for expert guidance.
5. Double-check SSL certificates, analytics, and tracking codes.
6. Monitor site performance for at least a week after launch.

To move your website from one host to another without stress, our team can handle everything — from planning to launch — ensuring no downtime, steady rankings, and strong performance. Contact us for a migration plan that fits your business.