A PRACTICAL HOSTING GUIDE

Website Migration Checklist

Moving to another web host? Here are seven steps to protect your website, email and domain settings during the switch.

A hosting move isn’t just about copying a website. Your domain, email, DNS and connected services need attention too. Use this guide to plan a more controlled transfer.

Before you move

List your website files, databases, email accounts, DNS records, domain registrar and any external integrations. Confirm you can access your current hosting panel and your domain DNS settings.

Back up your website and email

Take a current backup of website files and databases. If email is hosted with your old provider, plan mailbox migration separately and check you have copies of important messages.

Check compatibility

Review your PHP version, WordPress plugins, SSL setup, cron jobs and any custom scripts. An existing site working at one host doesn’t guarantee an identical configuration elsewhere.

Prepare the new hosting

Set up your hosting account and recreate any essential email addresses, databases or application settings before switching DNS.

Test before changing DNS

Preview the new site where possible. Check forms, logins, images, ecommerce checkouts, redirects and email sending or receiving. For larger sites, plan a short content-freeze window.

Switch carefully

Update the appropriate DNS records or nameservers only after testing. DNS propagation varies, so keep the old hosting active until visitors and email are reaching the intended services reliably.

Check after the move

Retest the site and emails, confirm HTTPS works, check for broken links and monitor errors. Cancel the old service only when the transfer is complete.

Common questions about changing web hosts

Can I move a website without downtime?

Careful preparation can reduce or sometimes avoid visible interruption, but the result depends on your existing setup, DNS timing and services involved. Don’t cancel your previous hosting before checking the new one.

Will transferring my domain move my website?

Not necessarily. A domain transfer changes the registrar managing your domain; website hosting and DNS can be separate. Decide whether you need to change the registrar, the host or both.

What happens to my business email?

Email is often the part people forget. Identify where your mailboxes are currently hosted and plan mailbox copying and DNS changes carefully. Read our guide to transferring email.

Considering Hex Hosting?

See our hosting options, WordPress hosting and customer migration stories. If you’re unsure what your site needs, get in touch before you switch.