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10 min

How to Move a Website to a New Host

8 steps for a safe migration.

WordPress HostingGuides

BeoHosting Team

10+ years of experience — Web hosting and infrastructure specialists

Last updated:

There are many reasons site owners decide to switch hosting providers: slow performance, frequent outages, bad support, sky-high pricing or simply needing more resources. Whatever the reason, migrating a site does not have to be complicated or stressful — these 8 steps make it predictable and safe.

How to Move a Website to a New Host

1

Take a full backup

Before anything else, back up files and the database from the current host. Use cPanel Backup Wizard or plugins like UpdraftPlus / Duplicator.

2

Pick a new hosting plan

Choose a plan that fits today and grows with you. Match resources (RAM, NVMe storage, PHP version) to the current load.

3

Move the files (FTP or cPanel)

Move files via FTP (FileZilla), cPanel File Manager or Backup Wizard. Preserve the folder structure inside public_html / htdocs.

4

Move the database

Export the MySQL database (phpMyAdmin Export), create a new database on the new host and import the SQL dump. Update DB credentials in wp-config.php.

5

Update configuration

In wp-config.php update DB_NAME, DB_USER, DB_PASSWORD and DB_HOST. On an IP change, update absolute URLs via Search-Replace.

6

Test before the DNS switch

Use the hosts file or the temporary URL provided by the new host to verify the site loads correctly before pointing DNS.

7

Switch DNS / nameservers

At the registrar, change the nameservers (or A record) to the new host. DNS propagation usually takes 1-4 hours, up to 48h in rare cases.

8

Verify everything works

Run a full test after propagation: pages, forms, email, payments, admin. Configure SSL on the new host and monitor uptime for 7 days.

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FAQ

Answers to the most common questions about our services.

The technical file and database move usually takes 1-3 hours for an average site. DNS propagation after the nameserver change takes 2-48 additional hours (typically 4-12). In total, a complete migration finishes within 24 hours. BeoHosting offers free migration — our team handles everything and usually finishes within one business day.

No, if done properly. The key is not to turn off the old host before DNS propagation is complete. During propagation (2-48h), some visitors will see the site on the old server, others on the new — but everyone sees a working site. Only after DNS has fully propagated and you have confirmed everything works on the new server can you cancel the old hosting.

Yes, BeoHosting offers completely free migration from any hosting provider. Our expert team moves all files, databases, email accounts and DNS settings without interruption to your site. Just send us credentials for the old host and we will take care of the rest.

That is why the first step is a full backup. If something goes wrong, you can always restore the site to its previous state from the backup. Also, do not turn off the old host until you have fully verified the new one works. With BeoHosting free migration, our team has experience with thousands of migrations and knows how to solve every possible problem.

No, your domain stays the same. Domain and hosting are independent services. When changing hosts, you only change nameservers at your domain registrar to point the domain to the new server. Your site will have the same address (URL) as before — visitors will notice no difference except possibly faster loading if you moved to better hosting.

Our guarantees for your peace of mind

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15-day guarantee

We refund without questions in the first 15 days.

Free migration

We migrate your site with no downtime — you do nothing.

24/7 support

Our experts are here 24/7 via tickets and live chat.

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