Domain transfer guide: what you need to know and how to migrate your website properly

Migrating a website to a new hosting provider is a common task, whether for performance, cost, or better support. However, improper handling can result in downtime, broken websites, or lost data.

This guide outlines the essential steps, best practices, and what to expect, especially for Linux shared hosting environments using cPanel or similar platforms.

What is domain propagation?

Domain propagation refers to the time it takes for DNS changes to spread across the internet after updating your domain’s nameservers or DNS records.

• Typical propagation time: 1 to 24 hours
• Maximum duration: up to 72 hours
• Some users may still see the old website during this period

This behavior is normal and expected.

Pre-migration checklist

• Access to current hosting account, with cPanel if this is the case
• Access to new hosting account (or cPanel)
• Domain registrar login
• Full backup of website files and database
• Email backup if applicable

Step-by-step web hosting transfer process

1. Set up the new hosting account

• Access your new Linux (cPanel) shared hosting
• Add your domain in the hosting panel
• Take note of nameservers and login credentials

2. Backup your existing website

Files:

• Download all files from public_html or site directory
• Compress into a ZIP file

Database:

• Access phpMyAdmin
• Export database as .sql file

3. Upload files to the new hosting

• Log in to new hosting control panel
• Upload ZIP file via File Manager or FTP
• Extract into the correct directory

4. Create and import the database

Create database:

• Create database and user
• Assign user with full privileges

Import database:

• Open phpMyAdmin
• Import the .sql file

5. Update configuration files

Update your website configuration with new database details.

Database name
Database user
Database password
Database host (usually localhost)

6. Test the website before going live

Option 1: Use temporary URL if available

Option 2: Modify hosts file to preview site before DNS change

123.123.123.123 yourdomain.com

7. Update domain DNS or nameservers

Once everything is working properly:

• Log in to your domain registrar
• Update nameservers to new hosting provider

ns1.newhost.com
ns2.newhost.com

What happens during propagation?

• Some users will see the old website
• Others will see the new website
• Email delivery may be inconsistent if not configured properly

Important tips during propagation

Do not cancel old hosting immediately

Keep your old hosting active for at least 48 to 72 hours.

Avoid making content changes

Updates during propagation may not sync across servers.

Handle email accounts carefully

• Recreate email accounts on new server
• Backup important emails if needed

Common issues and how to avoid them

Website not loading

• Check DNS propagation
• Verify nameserver settings

Database connection errors

• Check configuration file credentials
• Ensure database user permissions

Missing files or broken layout

• Ensure complete file upload
• Check file permissions

URL or redirect issues

• Update site URL settings
• Review .htaccess configuration

Estimated migration timeline

Best practices for a smooth migration

• Schedule migration during low traffic hours
• Maintain full backups
• Test before DNS changes
• Keep both hosting accounts active temporarily
• Document access credentials

Need assistance?

A web hosting transfer can be done smoothly with proper preparation and execution. Understanding domain propagation, ensuring complete backups, and testing before going live are key to avoiding downtime and data loss.

For professional support with website migration, hosting transfer, or DNS configuration, you may coordinate with iBuild.PH Webhosting Philippines. We provide both shared hosting and VPS webhosting plans for Linux based applications. Just contact us and we can assist you immediately!