A hosting move can be arranged to minimise interruption, but zero downtime is not something to assume. A static brochure site is different from a shop taking orders throughout the day. Agree how live data will be transferred and what happens if a test fails before changing DNS.
Inventory the whole service
List the website files, databases, domain registration, DNS provider, mailboxes, scheduled jobs and external integrations. Record the existing DNS zone, including mail and verification records. The domain can remain with its registrar when website hosting moves; changing hosts does not inherently require a domain transfer.
Back up and prepare the destination
Take a restorable copy of the files and database, and keep access to the old hosting. Set up the correct runtime and required extensions at the destination. For WordPress, files and database both matter; the WordPress migration handbook covers the distinction between moving a server and changing the site's address.
A hosts-file preview or an agreed staging address lets you inspect the destination before public DNS changes. Keep the preview private and check that it cannot send real customer notifications or take accidental live payments.
Test the important journeys
- Open key pages, images and downloads on desktop and mobile.
- Test forms, logins and account access using controlled test details.
- Check HTTPS, redirects, scheduled jobs and outgoing mail.
- For a shop, use the payment provider's test mode and verify the order workflow.
- Check existing page paths, canonical tags and the sitemap.
Agree the final sync and DNS change
A first copy becomes stale while customers continue to write data to the old site. Agree a final sync and, where necessary, a short write or checkout pause. Do not blindly copy an older database over new orders. Confirm which DNS records should change and retain the mail records if email stays with its existing provider.
A lower DNS TTL can reduce the time some caches retain an old answer, but previously cached values still follow their previous expiry. Keep the old service available through the agreed transition and check requests reaching both environments.
Check, then retire the old service
Confirm forms, mail delivery, orders, monitoring and backups on the destination. Keep a rollback decision point and account for any writes made after the move. Cancel the old hosting only after the agreed observation period and data checks. Our free migration service starts with this scope; tell us about busy shops, email and unusual runtimes when you contact the team. It is included on every WordPress hosting and cloud hosting plan.
Hosting that keeps up
We move your sites free and credit what you have paid.
Staged, tested and moved by our UK team, with switch credit up to £100 per qualifying account.
