How Do I Change Website Hosts?

Not all hosting providers are created equal. Maybe your current host has slow response times, poor support, or hidden fees. Maybe you’ve outgrown shared hosting and need more speed or control. Or maybe you’re consolidating services after a site redesign.

Changing website hosts is a common move for growing businesses, but it’s also one of the most nerve-wracking if you’re not sure what’s involved. Let’s walk through the key steps, risks, and questions so you can make the move with confidence.

What Happens When You Change Website Hosts?

When you change website hosts, you’re moving the actual files, databases, and settings that power your website from one server environment to another. Your domain name usually stays the same, but the destination it points to (your host’s server) is updated behind the scenes.

The new host becomes responsible for delivering your content to users. If the switch is handled properly, visitors never notice the change.

This process includes:

Copying your site files and databases to the new host
Repointing your DNS records (so your domain directs traffic to the new server)
Verifying that everything functions the same or better on the new host

Done right, this can be seamless. Done wrong, it can cause downtime, broken links, or lost data.

How to Change Website Hosts Without Downtime

Yes, you can change hosts without your site going offline. It comes down to sequence and timing.

Here’s the typical process:

Set up your new hosting account. Choose a host and prepare your environment (e.g., server type, PHP version, SSL settings).
Migrate your website content. Most providers offer a migration tool or service, or you can do it manually via FTP and database export.
Test your site on the new server. Many hosts offer a staging URL or temporary preview domain so you can check functionality before going live.
Update your domain’s DNS settings. Point your domain (via A record or nameservers) to the new host.
Wait for DNS to propagate. This usually takes 24–48 hours, but some changes apply faster.
Monitor your site. Use tools like uptime checkers and analytics to make sure the site behaves as expected post-migration.

Important: Do not cancel your old hosting plan until you’ve verified that your new site is live and working across all devices and locations.

Will Changing Website Hosts Affect SEO?

If done correctly, no—changing website hosts shouldn’tt negatively affect your search rankings.

Here’s what to double-check to keep SEO intact:

Your URLs stay the same. No restructuring your links or page slugs.
Your SSL certificate is active. Most good hosts offer a free Let’s Encrypt SSL, but make sure HTTPS is enabled.
Page speed stays equal or improves. A better host might even boost performance.
Your uptime remains stable. Avoid any outages during the transition.
All tracking scripts (GA4, meta pixels, etc.) are moved over. These don’t carry over automatically unless you reinstall them.

Most SEO loss from a host change comes from broken links, incomplete file transfers, or forgetting to reapply key settings like canonical tags or redirects.

What About Email When You Change Website Hosts?

Many users overlook this: if your email is hosted through your web host (e.g., cPanel email), moving your website will not automatically move your email.

Here’s what you need to know:

If you’re using Gmail (via Google Workspace) or Microsoft 365, your email will not be affected by the host change—as long as you leave your MX records unchanged.
If you’re using your host’s native email system, you’ll need to migrate mailboxes manually or switch to a dedicated email provider.
Always back up important mail data before a host transition.

Double-check your DNS settings after the move to make sure email delivery is still functioning. It’s common to update A records while forgetting to preserve MX records.

Does Changing Hosts Change How You Log In?

In most cases, no. If you’re using a CMS like WordPress, your login URL (e.g., /wp-admin) and credentials stay the same after migration.

That said:

Your hosting provider’s control panel and login (for managing files, databases, and backups) will change.
You may need to reset permissions, database users, or FTP credentials depending on the setup of your new environment.

It’s a good idea to save all login links and passwords before and after the switch, so you’re not locked out mid-migration.

Can You Cancel Your Old Host Immediately?

Hold off. Once you’ve updated DNS and confirmed that your site works from multiple devices and locations, wait at least 48 hours before canceling your old host.

Why the delay?

DNS propagation takes time globally. Some users might still be routed to the old server for a day or two.
If something breaks, you’ll want the old files available as a fallback.
Your domain registration may also be tied to your current host, so make sure you’ve accounted for renewal if needed.

Give yourself a window to catch and fix any post-migration issues before cutting ties completely.

How Long Does It Take to Change Website Hosts?

Most small to medium websites can be migrated in under 2–3 hours of hands-on time, plus DNS propagation.

Here’s a rough breakdown:

Migration and testing: 1–2 hours
DNS update: 5–10 minutes
DNS propagation: Up to 48 hours (but often faster)

Some hosts offer “white-glove” migration support, which shortens your effort but still requires you to test and approve everything post-transfer.

Do I Need a Developer to Change Website Hosts?

That depends on your site setup.

You don’t need a developer if:

You’re using a common CMS like WordPress or Webflow
Your new host offers automated migration tools
Your site is small and relatively simple

You may need one if:

You have a custom-coded site with API integrations
You need to migrate advanced DNS, email, or database configurations
You’re switching environments (e.g., from shared to VPS) and need help optimizing server settings

FMK often supports teams in this process, even if they don’t need full dev support, just strategic oversight or migration QA.

How Do You Know If the New Host Is Better?

After migrating, compare performance and experience across a few dimensions:

Site speed and load time — Use tools like GTmetrix or PageSpeed Insights.
Support responsiveness — Can you reach someone when something breaks?
Uptime and reliability — Look for a host with transparent uptime reporting and fast incident resolution.
Dashboard usability — Is the control panel intuitive?
Extra tools — Some hosts offer free staging sites, backups, or security scans.

A good host will make your site feel faster, your team feel supported, and your setup easier to manage over time.

Food for Thought About Changing Website Hosts

Changing website hosts doesn’t have to be risky or disruptive, particularly if you map out the steps, test carefully, and keep DNS changes timed with your migration.

Whether you’re moving to improve performance, cut costs, or unify your stack, a clean host transition can give your site the speed and support it deserves.

Need help planning or executing a host switch?

FMK helps teams migrate safely, without lost data, downtime, or SEO hits.
From evaluating new platforms to handling redirects, staging tests, and email setups, we can guide your next move and make it seamless.

Reach out if you’re planning a host change and want it done right.