How to Migrate Your Website to New Hosting in 2026
Switching hosting providers does not have to be stressful. A properly planned migration ensures zero downtime and no data loss. Here is how to migrate your website step by step, from backing up files to verifying DNS propagation.
To migrate your website: back up all files and databases, upload them to your new host, import databases, test everything via a temporary URL, update DNS settings, then monitor for 48-72 hours before cancelling old hosting. BearHost offers free migration assistance.
Prepare and Back Up
Sign up for your new hosting before cancelling the old one. You need both active during migration to ensure zero downtime. BearHost offers free website migration assistance where our team handles the entire process for you.
Create a complete backup: download all files from public_html via FTP, export all databases using phpMyAdmin, note email settings, and save any SSL certificates or .htaccess files. BearHost provides automated daily backups once you are migrated.
Upload Files and Import Databases
Upload all website files to the public_html directory on your new host via File Manager or FTP (FileZilla recommended). Maintain the same directory structure to avoid broken links. Set correct permissions: 755 for directories, 644 for files.
Create a new database using MySQL Database Wizard, then import your .sql backup via phpMyAdmin. For WordPress, update wp-config.php with the new database name, username, password, and host (usually localhost).
Test Before Switching DNS
Test your website using the temporary URL from your welcome email or by modifying your local hosts file. Check forms, checkout, user logins, image loading, and navigation. Verify SSL installation and email functionality.
Fix any broken links or paths referencing your old hosting environment before proceeding to the DNS switch.
Update DNS and Monitor
Log into your domain registrar and update nameservers to point to BearHost (provided in your welcome email). This takes 4-48 hours to propagate. Alternatively, update A records for faster propagation (1-4 hours). Keep old hosting active for 48-72 hours during propagation.
Monitor your website closely for 48 hours after DNS changes. Use DNS Checker to verify global propagation, test from multiple devices, and check analytics and error logs. Once confirmed working, you can safely cancel your old hosting account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
Follow these steps and you will achieve a seamless migration with zero downtime. BearHost makes it easy with free migration assistance, automated backups, instant SSL, and 24/7 expert support. BearHost shared hosting at BearHost Shared Hosting includes free migration on all plans.
