How do I move my website to a new hosting provider?

Moving a website to a new hosting provider involves copying the website to the new server, testing it there, and then directing your domain to the new hosting environment. Planning the migration carefully can reduce downtime and prevent lost data.

1. Choose the new hosting provider

Make sure the new hosting environment supports your website’s platform, software, database and technical requirements.

Before cancelling your old hosting account, confirm that the new hosting account is ready.

2. Create a complete backup

Back up your existing website before starting the migration. For a typical WordPress website, this includes the website files and database.

Keep the original hosting account active until you have confirmed that the new website works correctly.

3. Copy the website to the new host

Upload or restore your website files and database on the new hosting account.

If your hosting provider offers a migration service or migration tool, follow its instructions. For WordPress, you may also use a suitable migration plugin.

Make sure important components such as uploads, themes, plugins and configuration files are transferred correctly.

4. Test the new website

Test the website on the new hosting environment before changing your domain’s DNS.

Check:

Homepage and important pages
Navigation
Images and media
Contact forms
Login functionality
Ecommerce or booking features
Plugins and integrations

Check both desktop and mobile versions.

5. Check email and other services

If your domain is also used for email, review its DNS records before making changes.

Do not overwrite email-related DNS records simply because you are moving website hosting.

6. Update your DNS

When the new website is ready, update the domain’s DNS records or nameservers according to the new hosting provider’s instructions.

DNS changes can take time to propagate, so keep the old hosting available while the change takes effect.

7. Check the live website

After DNS changes take effect, test the website again. Confirm that the correct site loads, HTTPS works, forms function correctly and important pages are accessible.

Only cancel the old hosting service after you are confident that the migration is complete and you no longer need the old environment.

Last Updated 2nd February 2026.

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Quick notice about our knowledge base

We publish our Knowledge Base to help individuals and businesses resolve common issues across websites, advertising platforms, Salesforce and other digital systems.

We regularly review and update our guides, but the platforms, software and services covered can change without notice. As a result, screenshots, settings, features or recommended processes may differ from those available when an article was last reviewed.

The information provided is general guidance and should not be treated as advice specific to your systems or circumstances. UTDS Optimal Choice cannot accept responsibility for errors, data loss, service disruption or other issues resulting from changes made by following these guides.

If you are unsure about any of the steps, particularly where a change could affect live systems, data, tracking or business processes, we recommend speaking to us before making the change. Our team can review your specific setup and provide advice based on the current platform and configuration.

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