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How do I switch hosting providers without my website going down?

Switching hosting doesn't have to mean downtime. This guide explains the process step by step to migrate to Bacan without losing anything.

Before You Buy

Switching hosting providers is simpler than it seems if done in the right order. The goal is to have the website running on the new server before redirecting traffic, so visitors never notice the transition.

Steps to migrate to Bacan with zero downtime

  1. Sign up for a new plan at Bacan. You will receive access credentials for the control panel (cPanel or DirectAdmin) and the new server's IP address.
  2. Make a full backup of your current hosting. Download all files via FTP and export the databases from phpMyAdmin or your current provider's control panel.
  3. Upload the files to the new server. Connect to the Bacan panel, create the database, import the SQL, and upload the files to the public_html folder.
  4. Verify everything works on the new server. You can access the website by IP or by editing the hosts file on your computer before changing the DNS.
  5. Change your domain's nameservers. At the registrar where you have the domain, update the DNS to point to Bacan. This change can take anywhere from a few hours to 48 hours to fully propagate across the network.
  6. Cancel the service with your previous provider once the propagation is complete and you confirm everything is working correctly.

Does Bacan offer help with migration?

Yes. If you need help with the migration process, you can contact our support team. In many cases we can assist with the transfer of files, databases, and configuration to make the transition as smooth as possible.

What happens to my email during the switch?

Email works while the old DNS are still active. When you change the nameservers, Bacan's new DNS take control and email starts arriving at the Bacan server. To avoid losing messages during the transition:

  • Set up the same email accounts in the Bacan panel before the switch.
  • If you use an email client (Outlook, Thunderbird, etc.), update the server configuration once the switch is complete.

How long does migration take?

For a simple website (WordPress with a database), the technical process of copying and configuring on the new server usually takes between 30 minutes and 2 hours. DNS propagation is what can take the most time: between 1 and 48 hours depending on the registrar and geographic area, although in most cases it completes in less than 4 hours.