Sometimes, websites require a shift from one provider of hosting to another. This could be due to the fact that the previous hosting provider is inefficient, expensive or has poor customer service. Many people believe that moving websites is an arduous task If you follow a clear process it can be made much easier.
This guide will show you how to migrate the website you have created without losing information or suffering interruptions.
Step 1 – Choose the Right Hosting Provider
In the beginning, you must choose the hosting service to which you’d like to relocate your website. Check their speed, price as well as customer support features. If the new host offers free migration, that’s an added bonus.
It is also important to determine if their servers meet your website’s specifications. If you own your own personal blog or small-sized company site, sharing hosting will work perfectly. For bigger websites, you might require cloud hosting or VPS.
Step 2 – Take a Complete Backup of Your Website
Before making any changes, make sure you take a backup copy for your website. A backup acts as your backup copy of safety. If something happens to your site during migration, you can re-build your site using this backup.
Many hosting companies provide backup tools within the cPanel. If your website is built using WordPress, it is possible to utilize free plugins like UpdraftPlus and All-in-One WordPress Migration. These plugins can back up everything.
Back up the backup file to the cloud or on your personal computer to ensure security.
Step 3 – Download All Website Files
It is necessary to transfer all the website documents from your previous hosting account to your new computer. This can be done using the FTP Manager and an FTP client such as FileZilla.
The files you must download are:
- Images and Website pages
- Themes and plugins (if you are using WordPress)
This ensures that you have all the necessary tools to build your website with the new host.
Step 4 – Export Your Database
If your website is built on databases (like WordPress, Joomla, or Magento) it is necessary to duplicate it as well. This is done using phpMyAdmin.
How in order to transfer the database
- Navigate to cPanel, and then locate phpMyAdmin.
- Select your website database.
- Click Export, then select Quick Export.
- The file can be downloaded and saved safely.
Step 5 – Upload Files to New Hosting
After you’ve gotten access to the new hosting, you can upload all the website files you have there. Utilize File Manager (or FTP) to do this. Make sure that you upload your data to the proper folder, typically known as public_html.
The structure of the folders should stay the same. If you modify it, your website may not function properly following the move.
Step 6 – Create a New Database on New Hosting
Now, if your site relies on a database, you must set up an entirely new one.
Here’s how you can create databases in cPanel.
- Go to MySQL Databases.
- Create an entirely new database.
- Create a database user using a secure password.
- Allow this user to have complete access to your database.
Note down the database’s new name, username, password, and name to use later.
Step 7 – Transfer the Old Database into the New Hosting
After you’ve created an entirely new database, now is the time to import your old information.
The steps to import:
- Start phpMyAdmin using the latest host.
- Choose the database you have created.
- Click Import and then upload the .sql file you exported earlier.
- Click Go to finish the procedure.
Your website’s data will be moved to your new host environment.
Step 8 – Update Website Configuration File
The majority of websites have an installation file that tells the website how to connect to the database. After a migration, the file should be updated to reflect your new username, database name and password.
For WordPress, the file for WordPress is named wp-config.php. Navigate to it, locate the database section and replace the previous information with the updated ones.
Step 9 – Test the Website Before Updating DNS
Before you switch your domain over to the new host, make sure the site is operating correctly. The majority of hosts provide the user a temporary link that allows them to view your website. You can check this link:
- All pages are properly opened
- Images display properly
- Search bars are functional and work well
This test will help you discover and correct issues prior to the site being made live.
Step 10 – Update Domain DNS
It’s now time to connect your domain to the new host. This can be done by altering the DNS records.
How to change DNS
- Log in to the account from which you purchased the domain (like GoDaddy, Namecheap, or SaharTech).
- Find DNS Settings.
- Replace the nameservers of your old hosting with the latest hosting nameservers (your brand-new hosting provider will send the nameservers to you).
- Save the modifications.
It can take a few hours to allow it to take a few hours for the DNS change to be reflected all over the internet. At this point, your visitors may see your site using the old or new hosting in a random manner.
Step 11 – Final Testing After DNS Change
When the DNS update is complete, go to your website to verify everything functions as it should. Check the test pages, images, forms, and particular functions such as the checkout or login. This is the final test for any problems or broken links.
Final Thoughts
The process of moving a website from one host to another isn’t difficult If you plan every step carefully. Make backups of everything, make sure to test it after each step, and keep both your old host accounts and the new ones in use until you’re sure that the migration is completed.
If you’re in search of secure hosting in Pakistan you can look at SaharTech.net.pk. They provide cheap hosting plans that come with excellent assistance, making it simpler for bloggers and businesses to manage their sites.
