How to Migrate Your Website to BearHost

Migrating your website to BearHost is straightforward. Follow this guide for a smooth transition.

Before You Start

Gather this information from your current host:

• Website files access (FTP or file manager)
• Database access (phpMyAdmin)
• Email accounts list
• DNS records

Migration Steps

Step 1: Back Up Your Current Site

Files:

1. Connect to your current host via FTP
2. Download all files from public_html

Database:

1. Access phpMyAdmin at your current host
2. Export your database as SQL file

Email:

1. Back up important emails using your email client
2. Note all email accounts and forwarders

Step 2: Set Up BearHost Hosting

1. Purchase a hosting plan at BearHost
2. Note your new cPanel credentials
3. Don't change nameservers yet

Step 3: Upload Files to BearHost

1. Connect to BearHost via FTP
2. Upload all website files to public_html
3. Verify files uploaded correctly

Step 4: Create and Import Database

1. Create a new database in BearHost cPanel
2. Note the database name, user, and password
3. Open phpMyAdmin and import your SQL file
4. Update your website configuration file with new database details

Step 5: Test Your Site

1. Find your temporary URL in cPanel or use your server IP
2. Test all pages and functionality
3. Fix any broken links or errors

Step 6: Migrate Email

1. Create email accounts in BearHost cPanel
2. Configure email clients with new server settings
3. Import backed up emails if needed

Step 7: Update DNS

Once everything works:

1. Update nameservers to BearHost (ns1.bearhost.com, ns2.bearhost.com)
2. Or update A records to point to your new server IP
3. Wait 24-48 hours for propagation

WordPress Migration

Use a plugin for easier WordPress migration:

1. Install Duplicator or All-in-One WP Migration on your current site
2. Create a migration package
3. Download the package
4. Install WordPress on BearHost
5. Import the migration package

Free Migration Service

Don't want to do it yourself? Contact our support team for free migration assistance with qualifying hosting plans.

Post-Migration Checklist

• [ ] All pages load correctly
• [ ] Forms and functionality work
• [ ] SSL certificate installed
• [ ] Email sending and receiving
• [ ] DNS fully propagated