Here’s a comprehensive checklist for a smooth hosting provider transition to help ensure your website migration happens without downtime, data loss, or SEO issues:
Pre-Migration Preparation
-
Choose a Reliable New Host
Evaluate performance, uptime, support, scalability, and price. -
Review Hosting Requirements
Check PHP version, MySQL version, storage, bandwidth, SSL support, etc. -
Backup Your Entire Website
Full backup of files, databases, email (if used), and DNS settings. -
Take Note of DNS and TTL Settings
Lower your DNS TTL to 300 seconds (5 mins) at least 24 hours before migration. -
Inform Stakeholders
Notify team members, clients, or users about potential short downtimes.
During Migration
-
Migrate Website Files
Use FTP/SFTP or a migration plugin/tool (e.g., Duplicator, All-in-One WP Migration for WordPress). -
Export & Import Databases
Use phpMyAdmin or command line. Update configuration files if necessary (wp-config.php, etc.). -
Update Config Files
Modify database hostnames, user, and password in your config files. -
Reinstall SSL Certificate (if needed)
Set up SSL on the new server or migrate existing certificates. -
Set Up Email Accounts (if managed by host)
Ensure all email accounts are recreated and functioning on the new host. -
Verify File Permissions and Ownership
Check folder permissions (typically 755) and file permissions (typically 644).
Testing Before DNS Change
-
Use Hosts File to Test Site on New Server
Update your local hosts file to preview the site before going live. -
Test All Functionalities
Forms, logins, plugins, cart, checkout, search, performance, etc. -
Check for Broken Links or Missing Assets
Images, JS, CSS paths should load correctly.
DNS and Go Live
-
Update Domain DNS Records
Change A record or nameservers to point to the new hosting provider. -
Monitor DNS Propagation
Use tools like whatsmydns.net to check global DNS updates.
Post-Migration Tasks
-
Clear Caches
Server cache, CDN (e.g., Cloudflare), and browser cache. -
Test Again on Live Site
Repeat full-site testing after DNS propagates. -
Monitor Uptime & Performance
Use tools like UptimeRobot, GTmetrix, or Pingdom. -
Reconfigure Scheduled Tasks/Cron Jobs
Set up WP-Cron or custom cron jobs on the new server. -
Update Any Hardcoded URLs
Especially if moving to HTTPS or a new domain. -
Submit New Sitemap to Google/Bing
Ensure search engines are indexing the new server correctly.
Final Clean-Up
-
Cancel Old Hosting After Testing Period
Wait 1–2 weeks before canceling, just in case. -
Update Documentation
Record new host login, IPs, DB credentials, email settings, etc. -
Enable Backups on New Host
Set up automatic backups and test restore functionality.
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