{"id":38202,"date":"2021-10-22T12:49:29","date_gmt":"2021-10-22T12:49:29","guid":{"rendered":"\/tutorials\/?p=38202"},"modified":"2026-10-30T05:18:43","modified_gmt":"2026-10-30T05:18:43","slug":"how-to-transfer-web-hosting","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"\/au\/tutorials\/how-to-transfer-web-hosting\/","title":{"rendered":"How to transfer web hosting to a new provider"},"content":{"rendered":"

To transfer web hosting, move your website’s files and database to a new hosting provider, test the migrated site, and update your domain’s DNS settings. You can handle the migration manually, use a WordPress migration plugin, or request assistance from your new hosting provider.<\/p>

The best method depends on your website, technical experience, and whether your new host offers migration services.<\/p>

In this guide, we’ll compare the three options and walk through the manual transfer process, including backups, database migration, DNS updates, and post-migration checks.<\/p>

Which website migration method should you use?<\/h2>

There are three main ways to transfer your website to a new hosting provider. The best option depends on your website’s platform, size, and how much control you want over the process.<\/p>

Method<\/th>Best for<\/th>What to consider<\/th><\/tr>
Hosting migration service<\/strong><\/td>Beginners or anyone who wants assistance<\/td>Your new host handles the transfer, but availability and eligibility vary by provider.<\/td><\/tr>
WordPress migration plugin<\/strong><\/td>WordPress websites and self-service transfers<\/td>Plugins simplify file and database transfers, although some have import-size or feature restrictions.<\/td><\/tr>
Manual migration<\/strong><\/td>Custom websites or users who need more control<\/td>You transfer files, databases, and configuration settings yourself. Requires more technical knowledge.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>

For most beginners, a hosting migration service is the easiest option when available. WordPress plugins are a practical alternative for self-service transfers, while manual migration offers more control.<\/p>

If you’re moving to Hostinger from another provider, eligible websites can use its free migration service. However, email accounts and certain server settings may need to be transferred separately.<\/p>

1. Set up your new hosting account<\/h2>

Before transferring your website, activate a hosting plan with enough storage and resources to support your existing site. Make sure the new provider supports your CMS, PHP version, database, and other technical requirements.<\/p>

If you haven’t chosen a hosting provider<\/a> yet, consider its performance, security, and support alongside migration assistance.<\/p>

Once your new hosting account is ready, make sure you have access to its control panel and the tools needed to upload files and databases. Keep your previous hosting account active until the migration is complete and your website works correctly on the new server.<\/p>

2. Export your website’s backup files<\/h2>

The first step to manually transfer hosting is to create an entire site backup and save your website files. The goal here is to set it up on the new hosting account without errors or missing parts.<\/p>

Doing this ensures that when your website goes live on the new hosting account, all its content, plugins, and themes remain the same.<\/p>

\n \n \n \n <\/svg>\n Important\n <\/span>\n

\n Important!<\/strong> It’s crucial not to alter your site files or database once you download them. Doing so risks compromising the website’s structure, which can lead to errors and broken links<\/a>.\n <\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/p>

Back Up Your Files via Hostinger dashboard<\/strong><\/p>

In most cases, the control panel on your old hosting account should offer a full backup export option, which is the easiest way to do this. For example, Hostinger dashboard has a feature that enables users to create a full backup in just a few clicks.<\/p>

To download your website files on Hostinger dashboard<\/strong>:<\/p>

    \n
  1. In your Hostinger dashboard, go to Websites<\/strong>, click the website, then go to Files <\/strong>→ Backups<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>
    \"Backups<\/a><\/figure>
      \n
    1. Click View backups.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
    2. Navigate to Files backups<\/strong>, select the most recent date in the drop-down menu and click Download files.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>
      \"Download<\/a><\/figure>
        \n
      1. Once the files are ready, you’ll receive a notification that will prompt you to download them.<\/li>\n<\/ol>

        Back<\/strong> Up Your Website Files Manually<\/strong><\/p>

        If your current hosting provider doesn’t offer a simple backup feature, you’ll have to conduct a manual website backup<\/a>. Before proceeding, make sure that you have access to a File Transfer Protocol (FTP) client<\/a><\/strong>, like FileZilla, to download the website files.<\/p>

        First, connect to the FTP server via an FTP client. Today, we will be using FileZilla<\/a>.<\/p>

          \n
        1. In Hostinger dashboard, go to Websites<\/strong>, click the website, then go to Files <\/strong>→ FTP Accounts<\/strong> and gather your hosting account’s FTP details.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        2. Open FileZilla, go to File <\/strong>→ Site Manager <\/strong>→ New Site<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        3. Set Logon Type <\/strong>to Normal<\/strong>. Then, fill in your website’s FTP account details:\n