How to Move a Website Between Hosting Accounts

Whether you're consolidating accounts, upgrading to a new plan, or moving a client's site to their own account, migrating a website between hosting accounts involves a few key steps: transferring files, moving the database, and updating the domain configuration.

Step 1: Back Up Your Files

From your old hosting account, download all of your website files using the cPanel File Manager or an FTP client. The files you need are typically inside public_html or a subdirectory within it.

Step 2: Export the Database

In cPanel, go to Databases > phpMyAdmin.
Select the database for your site.
Click Export and download the SQL file.

Step 3: Set Up the New Account

Log in to the new hosting account. Create a new database and user via MySQL Databases, assign the user full privileges, then import your SQL file using phpMyAdmin.

Step 4: Upload Your Files

Upload your website files to the public_html directory (or appropriate subdirectory) of the new account using File Manager or FTP.

Step 5: Update Your Configuration

Update your app's config file (e.g., wp-config.php) with the new database name, username, and password. If your site URL is changing, update that too.

Step 6: Update DNS

Point your domain's nameservers or A record to the new hosting account. Allow up to 24–48 hours for DNS propagation.

If you'd prefer to have the dotCanada team handle the migration, contact our support team - we offer migration assistance.