How to Migrate a Website from One cPanel Host to Another

Moving a website between two cPanel hosts is one of the smoothest migrations there is, because both ends speak the same language. You have two routes: let us do it for you free, or move it yourself by transferring files, databases and email. Either way, done right, visitors never notice.

The easy way: let us migrate it

If your old host also uses cPanel, we can usually transfer the whole account — files, databases, email and settings — for you. Start with our guide on requesting a website migration or transferring an account from another cPanel host. This is the recommended path.

The manual way, step by step

Step 1: Copy the files

Download your site's files from the old host (a full backup or a zip of the document root) and upload them to the new one using File Manager.

Step 2: Move the databases

Export each database from the old host.
Create a matching database and user on the new host.
Import the data.

Step 3: Update configuration

Point your site's config file at the new database credentials.

Step 4: Recreate email

Set up your mailboxes on the new server and, if needed, migrate the messages — see migrating your email.

Step 5: Test before switching DNS

Preview the site on the new server (via a temporary URL or hosts-file edit) and confirm everything works. Only then update your nameservers — that final switch is what makes the move live, and testing first is how you get zero downtime. See our zero-downtime checklist.

Frequently asked questions

Will my site go down during the move?

It should not. Because you copy everything and test before switching DNS, the old site keeps serving until the new one is ready. Keep the old account active for a few days after, just in case.

How long until the switch completes?

Once you change nameservers, DNS propagation can take a little time to reach everyone. During that window, some visitors see the old server and some the new — which is why you keep both running.

Do I have to do this myself?

No. For cPanel-to-cPanel moves we can handle it for you — just open a support ticket and we will take it from there.