Sign Up To A New Web Hosting Provider
The first step of switching web hosts is to choose a new hosting provider and sign up with their plan.
As we mentioned above, some WordPress hosting providers also offer site migration. This can be especially handy if youre not very tech-savvy or just want to save time. During this step, you should also decide whether you want to use a migration service or proceed manually.
Import Your Database To The New Host
Finally, its time to import your database into your new hosting provider. This process should be similar to exporting an existing database to your computer, especially if your new host uses the same administration tools as the old one.
If youre using phpMyAdmin, click on the database you want to use, then select the Import tab. Simply follow the steps provided on-screen to start the processthe tool should notify you automatically when the upload is complete.
Knowing When It’s Time To Change Your Web Host
Making the switch to a new web host can be a stressful time which is why many site owners prefer not to switch web host unless it’s necessary. After all why waste time and energy when everything is working alright?
So when is the right time to start looking for a new host? How do you know that your web host is the root cause of your website problem?
Here are a few hints:
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How Long Does It Take To Initiate A Transfer
Here is a bit of good news for you: completing a domain name transfer does not take long at all. If you take the time to sit down and stay on top of it, the steps you need to take can be completed in an hour or two. We recommend the process be completed in one sitting, when possible, for security purposes.
How To Change Your Domain Name: A Step
Whether youve been the proud registrant of your domain for one day, a few months or even several years, a change of heart may leave you wondering, How do I change the domain name of an existing website to a new one?.
Dont panic. Were here to help.
Maybe your dream domain name has recently become available, or youve decided to rebrand your website and need to buy a domain name thats more in line with your new look. Whatever the reason, there are steps to follow to ensure that the change wont affect your website, or your website visitors.
If youre a complete newbie to the world of domains or would like to brush up on your knowledge before we begin, start by reading our domain definition.
Ready? Lets begin.
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How To Transfer Your Domain To A New Host
Now that you understand why you might want to transfer your domain name, its time to discuss how to get it done. Youll need two things: a domain thats still active, and an account on the platform where you want to transfer it to. The latter is easy enough to secure just sign up to your new web host or registrar as you would any other site. Then proceed to the first step.
Transfer Your Domain Name To Fastcomet
If you consider transferring your domain name to a new domain name registrar, the very first step would be to make sure that your new registrar not only supports but also registers your domain name extension .
Even if some country-specific domains or uncommon TLDs are not supported by a registrar, that does not necessarily mean it won’t support the domain name. Despite the fact that you won’t be able to transfer your domain to your chosen registrar, you can still use it by changing your domain’s name servers to point to the said registrar. However, most common domains are usually supported.
FastComet supports more than 500 domain extensions and we will transfer one domain name for free per newly purchased account. Domains transferred to FastComet will be automatically renewed for free for a full year from the date of transfer as a value-added extra. You can request the free domain registration transfer any time within the life of your hosting account. Note that when signing up for our services using the âI already have a domainâ field, this does not automatically post a domain name transfer order on your behalf.
Nameservers change
Changing your name servers while your domain is being transferred may cause the transfer to fail. Be sure that you have updated your name servers before the transfer begins so that your domain will be working as soon as possible.
If you would like to learn more about the process or are having difficulty, check our domain transfer tutorial.
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How To Switch Web Hosts Transfer A Website In 5 Steps
If youve finally had it with your current hosting provider, it might be time to pick up and learn how to switch web hosts. Whether youre not getting what you need or are sick of the always-escalating pricing schemes, tons of other options abound that are ready to give you complete hosting happiness.
Even better, moving a site to a new hosting service doesnt have to be as arduous as moving to a new house or apartment it can actually be fairly easy if you take the right steps. Dont fret about downtime or losing files. Site transfers are easy enough for beginners to accomplish, and many hosts will even take care of the move for you for free.
Instead of continuing to pull out your hair over your current hosting situation, go for the painless process of switching hosts. With some advice from a trusty web hosting expert and a helpful host, the move will just take a day or two, without breaking a sweat.
See more dedicated hosting providers »
Monitor The Sites Uptime
When a new DNS is assigned, your transfer is basically complete. Youll want to monitor your servers uptime diligently over the next couple of days to make sure everything is working properly.
Its critical to not drop your guard and that you notice if there are any issues as soon as possible. Of course, monitoring your websites uptime does not imply that you need to visit your website every 5 minutes it means that youll need to use tools and apps to help with the task.
Some useful tools you can rely on are Pingdom, Uptime Robot, and Monitor Us. Regardless of the tool you choose, you need to calibrate them to monitor the following elements: Ping, HTTP, DNS Server, and TCP port.
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A Good Web Host = Better Sleep At Night
When I switched to InMotion Hosting years ago the tech support was so helpful and switched my site over safely and soundly while I slept. I awoke up to website that functioned quickly and reliably without a single glitch in service.
If you dont feel that level of comfort, or are bothered about negative reports youve seen on your web host, it may be time for a change.
Option #: Outsource Your Site Move
Picking a web host that offers free migration service is the best option for beginners and busy business owners.
Web hosting is a competitive industry hosting companies are doing all they can to win new customers. Many hosting companies, including some great ones that I recommend, provide free website migration service to new customers. All you need to do is request a migration after signing up with the new provider and their support team will take care of the heavy-lifting.
In most cases, this is the preferred way so you can save time and focus on other crucial work with your website.
Here’s what you need to do if you are going with this option:
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When Do I Update Nameservers
So now we know that Nameservers cannot be updated when the transfer is in progress i.e. for 48 hours or 7-10 days.If you need your site to go live with a new host ASAP then bare this in mind, it might be a good idea to initiate a Domain Transfer only after you have changed the Nameservers to your new host!
What Are The Correct Steps To Move Both My Domain Name And Website To Avoid Downtime
Transferring both your domain name and website to a new web host doesn’t have to be a painful process. When moving a website to a different web host, you need to:
You can either outsource these tasks to your new hosting company or you can transfer your sites manually or using a plugin.
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Authorize The Domain Transfer
Once you enter the authorization code, you’ll be contacted by both your old registrar and your new provider. You’ll be asked to confirm your contact details and officially approve the transfer. Ensure the contact info you’ve provided to both registrars is correct and be prepared to answer questions about why you’re leaving your current service.
Final Check & Troubleshooting
FastComet is committed to making it easy to transfer your site to your new hosting account. In case the provided information required for the successful website migration is sufficient you will receive a confirmation that your transfer has been initiated.
Upon the website transfer, we will copy your content on your new server with us while you will keep the site up and running with the current host. It will be the exact same mirror copy of your Hosting Account with the previous Hosting Provider. Once the transfer is completed you will have your website running on both servers like mirrors. Our technical support team will update you via ticket and request you to double-check and verify its successful accomplishment.
You can test your web pages using a hosts file modification on your computer, to make the DNS requests for domains go to a specified IP address. By using the Hosts file modification, you can fake your local computer to go to your website allowing you to see a live view without allowing access to the site on the web. Once you verify your website working on a hosts file modification, you can proceed and point your domain to FastComet nameservers and there will be absolutely no downtime for your website.
Note
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Switching Domain Providers: What To Keep In Mind
Domains are often purchased from hosting providers that offer the required online storage space for your website. However, that doesnt mean that the domain is inextricably linked to the domain provider. In fact, provider services offer standalone deals where the domain and the provider are completely independent of one another. So theres good news if youre dissatisfied with your current domain provider: you can easily transfer your domain to another internet service provider. Read on to find out more about how to move your domain to a new hosting provider.
Transfer your domain to IONOS
With our easy transfer process you can be sure your domain is transferred as quickly and hassle-free as possible.
Transfer your domain now and benefit from a wide range of comprehensive features.
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Transfer Your Files To The New Domain Name
So you have a bundled-up website and a new domain name how do you bring the two together? First off, make sure your new domain is all set up and ready to host your website. That entails checking the domain name system, or DNS, settings with your registrar. Your domain registrar may or may not be different from your web host DNS servers tell your registrar where the domains website files are located. Your DNS addresses will come from your web hosting provider, while you will need to add that information with your registrar . Changes to your DNS can take up to 24 hours to take effect, so be patient.
Once the new domain is set up, its time to set up the space where your files will reside. Use the MySQL Databases or MySQL Database Wizard components of your control panel to create a new database. WordPress users should be careful to write down their database name, user identification, and password next step for them will be updating the wp-config.php file in one of the backups with that new information.
Before you can upload the information in your database, you need to create a new, blank database in cPanel.
From here, youll have three options that look similar to what you encountered in the previous step. After all, once everything is packed, it must be unpacked, right? Anyway, your choices for uploading your database and static file backups in their new home:
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My Domain Name Registrar Denied My Request Why What Do I Do
There are a few reasons why your request may have been denied.
There could be a discrepancy between your information and that of the domain owner. Alternatively, they cant verify that youre the owner. Make sure your contact information is up to date, and be sure to send what they need from you .
The domain name owner may have sent an objection to the transfer. If youre not the domain name owner, be sure to get in contact with them to resolve the issue.
If you owe your DNS registrar any fees from previous domain purchases, they may have put your domain name on hold. Be sure to pay any outstanding amount owed.
Your domain name may still be under Lock in your portal. Make sure this setting is set on Unlocked.
Alternatively, you may be under the 60-day Change of Registrant lock, in which case youll have to wait 60 days to make the transfer.
Back Up Your Website Files And Databases
After youve purchased your new hosting plan and before you cancel your old one, youll need to back up your website in its entirety and move it over to your new server. Download all of your files from the old host they should have specific instructions for doing this in their platform and then migrate them to the new host via FTP. Databases must also be backed up by downloading the files, uploading them, and then restoring the database using a control panel or SSH. Emails can sometimes be transferred but at the very least should be archived so they can be preserved. This step is crucial to maintaining the integrity of your site just as it was on the old host.
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