Migrating your website to OBHost is straightforward using either automated cPanel backups or manual file transfer methods. If your current host uses cPanel, you can create a full backup, upload it to your new account, and our support team will restore it for you. For non-cPanel hosts or manual control, you'll transfer files via FTP, export and import databases, and recreate email accounts before updating your domain's DNS settings.
Two Migration Methods Available
OBHost offers two proven approaches to move your website data from your previous hosting provider. The cPanel migration method is faster and handles most technical details automatically, while the manual migration gives you complete control over every file and setting. Both methods result in a fully functional website on our platform, and our support team is available throughout the process if you need assistance.
Special Note for WordPress Users: If you're moving a WordPress site specifically, we have a dedicated WordPress migration guide that streamlines the process with platform-specific instructions.
cPanel Migration Method (Automated)
This is the recommended approach if your current hosting provider uses cPanel. The process leverages cPanel's built-in backup system to create a complete snapshot of your account, which our team then restores to your new hosting environment.
Step 1: Create Your Full Backup
Log into your current cPanel account and locate the Backup icon in the main dashboard. Select the "Full Website Backup" option to create a complete copy of your hosting account, including all files, databases, email accounts, and configurations. Some providers disable this feature, so if you don't see it, contact your current host and request they either enable it or create the backup for you.
Step 2: Download the Backup File
Depending on your account size, backup creation can take anywhere from a few minutes to several hours. Once complete, cPanel will send you an email notification if you selected that option. Return to the backup manager and download the backup file, which will be named something like backup-2.28.2015_21-49-59_USERNAME.tar.gz where the date reflects when the backup was created and USERNAME matches your account name.
Step 3: Upload to Your OBHost Account
Using the FTP credentials provided in your welcome email, connect to your new hosting account and upload the backup file. For security purposes, upload the file to your root directory rather than the public_html folder. Large backup files may take considerable time to upload depending on your internet connection speed.
Step 4: Request Restoration
Once your backup file has finished uploading, open a support ticket to notify our team. We'll restore your backup files, properly map all account components, and verify that your data is complete and consistent. This restoration process typically completes within a few hours, though complex accounts may take longer.
Step 5: Update DNS Settings
After we confirm your restoration is complete, update your domain's nameservers to point to the addresses provided in your welcome email. If you're using custom nameservers as a reseller, use those instead. Log into your domain registrar's control panel and change the nameserver records. DNS propagation typically takes 4-48 hours worldwide, though many users see their sites resolve to the new servers within a few hours.
Manual Migration Method
For hosts that don't use cPanel or if you prefer hands-on control, the manual migration method involves individually transferring files, databases, and email accounts. While more time-intensive, this approach works with any hosting platform and gives you complete visibility into what's being moved.
Step 1: Transfer Website Files
Connect to your current host via FTP and download all website files to your computer. Make sure to include hidden files like .htaccess, which control important server configurations. Enable "Show hidden files" in your FTP client to see these files. Once downloaded, use the FTP credentials from your OBHost welcome email to upload all files to your public_html folder on our servers.
Step 2: Export and Import Databases
If your website uses a database (WordPress, Joomla, Drupal, and most content management systems do), you'll need to migrate it separately. Log into PHPMyAdmin on your old host, select each database, and use the Export function to download a .SQL file. These files contain all your database content and structure.
Next, log into your cPanel account with OBHost and click MySQL Database Wizard. Follow the prompts to create a new database and user, granting "All Privileges" to the user. Record the database name, username, and password carefully. Then open PHPMyAdmin on your new account, select your newly created database, and use the Import function to upload your .SQL file.
Step 3: Update Configuration Files
Your website's configuration files need to reference the new database credentials. For WordPress sites, edit the wp-config.php file and update the database name, username, and password to match what you created in Step 2. Remember that cPanel prefixes database names and usernames with your account username followed by an underscore (USERNAME_databasename). Other platforms have similar configuration files that need updating.
Step 4: Migrate Email Accounts
Email migration depends on whether you use POP3 or IMAP protocols. For POP3 accounts, your emails are already stored locally on your devices, so simply recreate the email addresses in your OBHost cPanel and update the server settings on your devices to point to the new mail servers listed in your welcome email.
For IMAP and webmail users whose emails are stored on the server, you'll need to transfer them using an email client:
- Install an email client like Outlook or Mozilla Thunderbird on your computer
- Add your old email account using your previous host's server settings
- Add your new email account using OBHost server settings
- Recreate your folder structure in the new account
- Copy emails folder-by-folder from the old account to the new account
Once transferred, your emails will appear in webmail and sync across all your devices configured with IMAP.
Step 5: Point Your Domain
As the final step, update your domain's nameservers to the addresses provided in your welcome email. If you registered your domain through a separate registrar, log into their control panel to make this change. DNS changes propagate gradually across the internet, so expect 4-48 hours before everyone worldwide sees your site on the new servers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the migration process take?
For cPanel migrations, the process typically completes within 24-48 hours from when you upload your backup file and notify our team. Manual migrations vary based on your website's complexity and size, but most users complete them within a few hours of work. DNS propagation adds another 4-48 hours before your site is fully accessible worldwide on the new servers.
Will my website be down during migration?
Your website remains live on your old host throughout the entire migration process. Only after you update DNS settings does traffic begin shifting to the new servers, and even then your old host continues serving some visitors until DNS propagation completes globally. This means there's virtually no downtime when you migrate properly.
What if my current host doesn't use cPanel?
Use the manual migration method described above. It works with any hosting platform since it relies on standard protocols like FTP and database exports. While it requires more steps than automated cPanel migrations, the process is straightforward and our support team can guide you through any challenging parts.
Can your support team handle the entire migration for me?
Yes, for cPanel migrations we restore your backup files once you upload them. For manual migrations, our team can provide guidance and assistance throughout each step. If you encounter any issues or have questions during your migration, simply open a support ticket and we'll help ensure a smooth transition.
Our support team is available 24/7 to assist with any migration questions or issues you encounter during the process. Visit https://www.obhost.net/contact or email support@obhost.org for technical assistance with your website migration.
