HostGator Pro Migration: Important Information to Know for a Smooth Migration
Migrating to HostGator is a great option for anyone who is looking but doesn't have the know-how or the time to move their website files, databases, and other important data file. After purchasing the migration, it's vital to understand the migration process to avoid any complications. This article covers the essential steps and requirements for migrating your website, email, and other services to HostGator Pro. From pre-migration tasks to post-migration activities, this guide will help ensure a smooth transition.
Here are the topics discussed in this article.
Key Information for a Successful Pro Migration
- Do not make changes to your website or DNS
- Refrain from making any changes to your website or DNS until the migration is fully completed.
- This is the final step in the migration process. The migration team operates Monday through Friday, from 7 AM to 5 PM MST, and will communicate via email.
- Communication and time frame
- We will contact you using the email provided during purchase. If your contact details need updating, inform our support team.
- Migrations typically take 2-4 business days after verification (once we’ve confirmed all necessary information).
- Migrations cannot be pre-scheduled.
- DNS Updates: You are in control
- After the migration, you can update your DNS whenever it fits your business schedule.
- After the migration, you can update your DNS whenever it fits your business schedule.
- Communication best practices
- For efficient service, use email for migration-related inquiries to help us track your concerns properly.
- Our team replies within 24-48 business hours. For urgent matters, our support team is available 24/7 via phone.
- Prepare to provide access
- Ensure that you provide the necessary access credentials before migration starts. For specific details needed, please refer to the information below.
- Ensure that you provide the necessary access credentials before migration starts. For specific details needed, please refer to the information below.
- Two-factor authentication and device verification
- Two-Factor Authentication: Disable two-factor authentication during the migration process.
- Device Verification: Some hosts (like GoDaddy and SiteGround) require device verification for new logins. If this is the case, contact our support team with the verification code. Make sure to call during our business hours: Monday - Friday, 7:00 AM - 5:00 PMMST.
- We migrate everything "as-is"
- Your content will be migrated exactly as it is, with no changes made to your website before or after the migration.
- Your content will be migrated exactly as it is, with no changes made to your website before or after the migration.
- Post-migration DNS update
Once the migration is complete, we will send an email with instructions on how to update your DNS and go live. Here’s what to expect:- The migration is complete upon receiving the email from our migration team, and the case is closed. Replies to this email will not be received, but you have a 14-day review period to work with our team if needed.
- If any changes are required during this period, submit a Request Change through your Customer Portal by following these steps:
- Log in to your Customer Portal.
- Click on Professional Services in the left-hand menu. (You can only see this tab if you submit a migration request.)
- Click on Request Change.
- Enter the URL of any errors or questions, and click Submit.
- Be sure to update your DNS promptly.
- We offer one complimentary data resync within the 14-day review period. Additional resync requests will require an extra purchase.
- If a database resync is required, DNS must be updated, and your website should remain in maintenance mode during the resync to avoid permanent data loss.
Access Needed for Migration
Pro Website Migration
Access to your files and databases is required to successfully migrate your website. WordPress dashboard credentials alone won’t suffice. Ideally, we need SSH access, but cPanel or FTP access is acceptable in some cases.
- Login link (where your website is currently hosted)
- Username
- Password
Pro Email Migration
For email migration, provide the same IMAP settings used to connect an email client to your account. POP settings will not work.
- Email address
- Password
- IMAP server hostname (usually mail.domain.com or imap.domain.com, but confirm with your previous host)
- If migrating to/from Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, we require admin credentials.
- We only migrate to Google Workspace accounts purchased through us.
- Ensure that your professional email and Google Workspace mailboxes are created before purchasing a migration.
- Credentials for both the source and new Pro/Google Workspace mailboxes are needed.
Pro cPanel Migration
We are excited to announce our new product, Pro cPanel Migration, available for $199.00. This service facilitates the migration of an entire cPanel as-is. Please note that this product is available on Shared, VPS, or Dedicated servers.
Requirements differ for internal vs. external accounts when migrating via cPanel:
Internal migration (migration between two HostGator accounts)
- Source account details
- Destination account details
- List of content to be migrated
External migration (migration from a different hosting provider to HostGator)
- Must be a cPanel account
- cPanel account login link
- Username
- Password
- SSH access should be provided for a successful migration. Root access is ideal but not mandatory. Without SSH access, migration may fail.
To submit a migration request, please go to your Customer Portal's Marketplace. Instructions are listed in the following articles.
Migrating to HostGator improves your hosting capabilities, but it’s important to follow specific steps to ensure a smooth transition. This guide covers the important information needed to manage your migration, from preparation and communication to post-migration processes. You’ll learn about the necessary steps to take before making DNS changes, how to provide the correct access credentials, and best practices for migrating both your website and email. We also provide details on what to expect during the migration and how to update your DNS to finalize the process.