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How to Move Your Website to a New Host (Without Downtime)

By UK Host Compare editorial · Updated · About us

Moving host sounds risky, but the method is simple: copy everything to the new host, test it privately, then switch DNS while the old host is still running. Here's the checklist.

1. Before you start

  • Note your renewal date with the current host so you don't pay for another term.
  • Find out where your domain is registered and where your DNS is managed (they may be different from your host). Our glossary explains the terms.
  • List everything that depends on the old host: website files, databases, email mailboxes, cron jobs, SSL, any subdomains.
  • Check whether the new host offers free migration. Some do it for you; ask before you buy.

2. Take a full backup

Download a copy of your files and a database export (or a full cPanel/WordPress backup). Keep it off both servers. This is your rollback if anything goes wrong.

3. Lower your DNS TTL a day ahead

In your DNS settings, reduce the TTL on your A/AAAA and MX records (e.g. to 300 seconds) at least 24 hours before the switch. Caches then expire quickly when you change records, so the move takes effect faster.

4. Copy the site to the new host

  • WordPress: use the new host's migration tool or a migration plugin, or upload files and import the database, then update wp-config.php with the new database details.
  • Other sites: upload files by SFTP and import databases through the control panel.

5. Test before switching

Preview the site on the new server before DNS changes, using the host's temporary URL or by editing your computer's hosts file to point your domain at the new IP. Check forms, logins, checkout and that HTTPS works.

6. Plan email carefully

If email moves too, create the same mailboxes at the new host first, then change the MX records. Copy old mail across with IMAP (many hosts offer a tool) and update the settings in Outlook or on your phone. If email stays where it is, leave the MX records unchanged.

7. Switch DNS

Either change the A/AAAA records to the new server's IP, or change nameservers to the new host. Changes are usually visible within hours but can take up to 48 hours to reach everyone. Keep the old hosting active through this period.

8. After the move

  • Confirm the SSL certificate is issued on the new host.
  • Check your site in Google Search Console for crawl errors.
  • Restore your normal DNS TTL.
  • Only cancel the old hosting once the new site and email have run cleanly for a few days, and check whether the old account also holds your domain before you close it.

Choosing where to move

If you're moving because of a renewal price rise, compare 3-year costs in our calculator or browse the full comparison table.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to move a website?
Copying a small site can take under an hour. DNS changes are usually picked up within hours but can take up to 48 hours depending on TTLs and caches, which is why you keep the old host running until the switch is complete.
Will I lose email when I change host?
Not if you plan it: recreate mailboxes at the new host (or keep email where it is) before changing MX records, and copy old mail over via IMAP if needed.

Next steps

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