How to Migrate an Existing Website With Zero Downtime

Before you touch anything

  • Take a full backup of files, databases and email from the old host and download it locally.
  • Record the PHP version, database version and any custom extensions in use.
  • Export DNS records from the current provider — especially MX, SPF, DKIM, DMARC and any verification TXT records.
  • Note scheduled tasks (cron jobs) and third-party webhooks pointing at the site.

The migration sequence

  • 1 Provision the new account and note its IP and temporary URL.
  • 2 Upload files (or restore a cPanel full backup, which is by far the fastest path).
  • 3 Create the database, import the SQL dump, and update the application config with the new credentials.
  • 4 Recreate email accounts and, if needed, use IMAP sync to copy existing mail across.
  • 5 Recreate DNS records in the new zone so the zone is correct before it goes live.
  • 6 Test the site on the new server using a hosts-file entry: verify pages, forms, checkout, admin login and outgoing email.
  • 7 Lower DNS TTL to 300 at least 24 hours before cutover.
  • 8 Switch nameservers or the A record, then monitor both servers for 72 hours.

Database and file transfer commands

# Export on the old server
mysqldump -u DBUSER -p DBNAME | gzip > backup.sql.gz

# Copy straight between servers over SSH
rsync -avz --progress ./public_html/ user@newserver:/home/user/public_html/

# Import on the new server
gunzip < backup.sql.gz | mysql -u NEWUSER -p NEWDB

Common migration mistakes

  • Forgetting file permissions and ownership, which breaks uploads and caching.
  • Leaving hard-coded absolute URLs or old server paths inside the database.
  • Migrating email last, causing messages to be delivered to the old server after cutover.
  • Not re-issuing the SSL certificate on the new host before switching DNS, producing browser warnings.
  • Cancelling the old plan immediately — always keep it for a few days.

Let us do it for you

Free migration is included with all HostBotics hosting plans. Open a ticket with your old host's cPanel credentials (or an FTP/database pair for non-cPanel origins) and we schedule the transfer, verify the site on the new server, and coordinate the DNS cutover with you — typically completed within one business day.

Frequently asked questions

Is migration really free?

Yes, standard site and email migrations are included with every hosting plan. Very large or unusual custom stacks are quoted individually before any work starts.

Will my site go offline during the move?

No, if you follow the sequence above. Both servers serve the site during propagation, so visitors reach a working copy either way.

Need a hand applying this?

Our engineers can do it for you. Open a ticket and we will help.

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