Step-by-Step Process To Migrate From Shared To VPS Hosting

To build a website it is essential to have a website hosting plan. People who have just begun with an online presence journey through websites usually opt for a shared hosting plan. Shared hosting is best suited for websites that require limited bandwidth and have limited traffic or static websites.

But when your website grows and becomes more successful your requirements from your hosting plan will increase. You will require enhanced storage, security, performance, bandwidth, RAM resources, and disk space from your hosting plan. This might be a sign to buy VPS hosting services.

Migrating from shared hosting to VPS hosting can be a complex and difficult task. However, some steps can make this process easier. Continue reading to learn about the steps to migrate to VPS from a shared hosting plan.

Steps On How To Migrate From Shared Hosting To VPS Hosting

● Create A Website Backup

Before migrating to VPS hosting, it is essential to create a website backup to avoid data losses due to misconfiguration or errors. Therefore, before making any changes, make sure you download the backup of your website’s files. Below are the steps to backup your website-

• Go to your cPanel.
• Click on file backup. Before proceeding to the next step, make sure you check the date and time of the latest backup.
• Click on download all files and wait for the download process to finish.
• Click on download backup and select copy link address; this link will be used to migrate your website files.

Note: The steps might vary depending on your hosting provider.

● Configure Virtual Private Server

The next step is to configure your virtual private server. The hosting provider usually takes care of this step but if you are an owner of a self-managed VPS then you would have to take care of this step.

It is advisable to select a server template with MySQL, Linux, PHP, and Apache. You can also use other server technologies; make sure you get the details of all available options from your provider.

● Transfer the Website’s Data To The VPS

Transfer all the backed-up data to the new VPS. You can use a secure SSH connection for this transfer. Additionally, you can also use FTP to transfer all the data.

● Check Everything And Make Final Changes

Once you migrate to VPS from your shared hosting account, check if everything is working as it should. Test relevant plugins and try loading your website to make sure everything is working properly.

In case there is an error you can always do additional virtual private server configurations. Make sure you give adequate time to this step to avoid any future mishaps.

● Update DNS Record

The last step is to update DNS records to point the domain to the new VPS. This can be done using the option to change nameservers in your domain registrar account.

You can also use VPS account settings to update DNS records. Keep in mind that it can take around 24 to 48 hours for the changes in DNS records to take effect worldwide.

To Wrap It Up

VPS hosting offers several benefits such as, flexibility to manage resources, better storage, better security, stable performance, and more. It is designed to handle high-traffic websites without compromising performance.

Therefore, if your website has outgrown shared hosting, it is best to migrate to VPS hosting. Follow the steps mentioned above for a seamless migration process.