To transfer a cPanel account to another hosting provider, follow these steps:
Step 1: Prepare for Transfer
- Check Hosting Compatibility: Ensure your new hosting provider uses cPanel, which simplifies the migration.
- Back Up Your Current Site: Log into the existing cPanel account and create a full backup in case you need to restore.
Step 2: Generate a Full cPanel Backup (if using Manual Transfer)
- Log in to cPanel on the current hosting provider.
- Go to Backup Wizard > Back Up > Full Backup.
- Select Home Directory as the destination and enter your email to be notified when it’s done.
- Download the Backup from the file manager or from your email link.
Step 3: Transfer Using cPanel Transfer Tool (If New Host Supports It)
If your new host supports cPanel’s Transfer Tool and you have root access:
- Log into WHM on the new server.
- Go to Transfers > Transfer Tool.
- Enter the IP Address, Username, and Password of your old server.
- Select the account(s) to transfer, and proceed.
Step 4: Manual Upload (If No WHM Access or Different Hosts)
- Log into the new host’s cPanel.
- Go to File Manager and upload the backup file to the root directory (
/home/username). - Restore the backup: Go to Backup Wizard > Restore > Home Directory, then select your backup file.
Step 5: Update DNS Settings
- Get the nameservers from your new hosting provider.
- Go to your domain registrar and update the nameservers to the new ones provided by your host.
Step 6: Verify Transfer
- Allow up to 24-48 hours for DNS propagation.
- Test your website on the new hosting to ensure everything transferred correctly.
This process should cover most cPanel-to-cPanel transfers. For specific guidance, you may also contact your new hosting provider, as they often provide migration assistance.