Comprehensive Step-by-Step Guide to Moving Files Between Hosts in cPanel: Full Details for Seamless Migration

Moving files from one hosting account to another in cPanel involves transferring website files, databases, and configurations to ensure a seamless transition. This process is commonly used during website migration to a new host or server. This guide provides a complete, step-by-step procedure to move files using cPanel tools like File Manager, FTP, or the built-in Transfer Tool, along with database migration and domain setup. It assumes you have cPanel access on both the source (current) and destination (new) hosts.

Prerequisites

Before starting, ensure the following:

• cPanel access to both the source and destination hosts with appropriate credentials (username/password).
• The domain is registered and either pointed to the new host’s nameservers or temporarily managed via IP address.
• Backups of all files and databases from the source host.
• Sufficient disk space on the destination host.
• FTP client (e.g., FileZilla) or SSH access if manual transfer is preferred.
• Database credentials (e.g., MySQL username, password, database name) from both hosts.

Step-by-Step Process to Move Files Between Hosts in cPanel

Step 1: Backup Files and Databases on the Source Host

1. Log in to Source cPanel
   • Access the source host’s cPanel via https://yourdomain.com:2083 or the IP provided by your host.
   • Log in with your username and password.
2. Create a Full Backup
   • Navigate to Files > Backup Wizard or Backups.
   • Click Back up and select Full Backup.
   • Choose a destination (e.g., email or remote FTP server) or download the backup manually.
   • Click Generate Backup. This may take time depending on file size.
   • Once complete, download the backup file (e.g., backup-2025-07-16.tar.gz) from the Backups section or the specified location.
3. Export Databases
   • Go to Databases > phpMyAdmin.
   • Select the database associated with your website from the left panel.
   • Click Export, choose the Quick export method, and select SQL format.
   • Click Go to download the .sql file (e.g., database_name.sql).
   • Repeat for all databases if multiple are used.
4. Backup via File Manager (Optional)
   • Go to Files > File Manager.
   • Navigate to the public_html directory (or root directory of your site).
   • Select all files, right-click, and choose Compress to create a .zip or .tar.gz file.
   • Download the compressed file.

Step 2: Upload Files to the Destination Host

1. Log in to Destination cPanel
   • Access the destination host’s cPanel via https://newdomain.com:2083 or the new host’s IP.
   • Log in with the new credentials.
2. Upload Backup Files
   • Go to Files > File Manager.
   • Navigate to the public_html directory (or the desired root directory).
   • Click Upload, select the downloaded backup file (e.g., backup-2025-07-16.tar.gz) or compressed file, and upload it.
   • Alternatively, use FTP:
     • Install and configure an FTP client (e.g., FileZilla).
     • Enter the destination host’s FTP details (host, username, password, port 21).
     • Upload the backup file to the public_html directory.
3. Extract Files
   • In File Manager, right-click the uploaded .tar.gz or .zip file and select Extract.
   • Choose the extraction path (e.g., public_html) and click Extract File(s).
   • Verify the files are correctly placed (e.g., index files, configuration files).

Step 3: Import Databases on the Destination Host

1. Create a New Database
   • Go to Databases > MySQL Databases.
   • Under Create New Database, enter a name (e.g., newdatabase) and click Create Database.
   • Under MySQL Users, add a new user, set a password, and click Create User.
   • Add the user to the database with All Privileges and click Make Changes.
2. Import the Database
   • Go to Databases > phpMyAdmin.
   • Select the new database from the left panel.
   • Click Import, choose the .sql file downloaded from the source host, and click Go.
   • Wait for the import to complete and verify the data.

Step 4: Update Configuration Files

1. Edit Configuration Files
   • In File Manager, locate configuration files (e.g., wp-config.php for WordPress, configuration.php for Joomla).
   • Right-click, select Edit, and update the database details:
     • DB_NAME: New database name.
     • DB_USER: New database username.
     • DB_PASSWORD: New database password.
     • DB_HOST: Usually localhost unless specified by the host.
   • Save changes.
2. Check Other Settings
   • Update any hardcoded URLs (e.g., in WordPress, use Tools > Site Health > Info to check).
   • For scripts, search for old domain references and replace with the new domain.

Step 5: Test the Website

1. Update DNS Settings
   • Log in to your domain registrar (e.g., GoDaddy, Namecheap).
   • Update the nameservers to the destination host’s nameservers (e.g., ns1.newhost.com, ns2.newhost.com) or point the A record to the new host’s IP.
   • Allow 1-24 hours for DNS propagation.
2. Access the Site
   • Open a browser and visit http://newdomain.com or https://newdomain.com.
   • Check for errors (e.g., 404, 500) and ensure the site loads correctly.
3. Test Functionality
   • Test links, forms, and dynamic content (e.g., login pages, e-commerce).
   • Verify email functionality if configured.

Step 6: Finalize the Migration

1. Install an SSL Certificate
   • In destination cPanel, go to Security > Let’s Encrypt SSL or SSL/TLS.
   • Issue a free SSL certificate for the domain and install it.
2. Clean Up
   • Delete the backup/compressed files from both hosts if no longer needed.
   • On the source host, back up again or terminate the account if migrating fully.
3. Notify Stakeholders
   • Inform users or clients of the new URL (if changed) and test email delivery.

Alternative Method: Use cPanel’s Transfer Tool

If both hosts support it:

1. Log in to Destination WHM
   • Go to https://newhost_ip:2087 and log in as root.
2. Navigate to Transfer Tool
   • Go to Transfers > Copy an Account from Another Server.
3. Enter Source Details
   • Input the source server’s IP, root username, and password.
   • Select the account/domain to copy.
4. Start Transfer
   • Click Copy, and WHM will handle files, databases, and DNS settings.
5. Verify
   • Check the transferred account in the destination cPanel.

Additional Details and Tips

• Downtime: Minimize by pre-staging files and switching DNS last.
• Large Sites: Use FTP/SSH for faster transfers or split backups into parts.
• Troubleshooting:
  • 404 Errors: Check file paths and .htaccess settings.
  • Database Errors: Ensure imported data matches the application version.
  • SSL Issues: Reinstall the certificate if HTTPS fails.
• Security: Change passwords on the destination host after migration.
• Backups: Keep backups on both hosts until migration is verified.

Conclusion

You’ve now successfully moved files from one host to another using cPanel. Test thoroughly and monitor the site for a few days to ensure stability. For further assistance or specific issues, consult your host’s support or cPanel documentation. Let me know if you need help with any step!