Moving your website from HostGator to a new hosting provider can be done quickly and easily. This guide will walk you through backing up your site, transferring files, and updating your domain. If you prefer, you can also provide your new hosting provider with your HostGator login details so they can handle the migration for you. Whether you are an expert or a novice, here are the essential steps to migrate from Hostgator.
Step 1: Check Your HostGator Hosting Type #
HostGator offers different types of hosting plans, but most websites are hosted on:
• cPanel-based hosting (Shared, Reseller, VPS, and older Dedicated plans)
• Custom portal (for newer cloud-based plans and managed WordPress hosting)
If your account uses cPanel, the migration process is straightforward. If you’re on a managed WordPress plan, check with HostGator support for backup options.
Step 2: Back Up Your Website #
NOTE: Many hosting providers (including us) offer free migration services. You can provide your Hostgator login details so they can export your website files and database for you.
Option 1: Let Your New Hosting Provider Handle It
Many hosting providers (including us) offer free migration services. You can provide your HostGator login details so they can export your website files and database for you.
Option 2: Manual Backup
For HostGator cPanel Users
1. Log in to HostGator cPanel.
2. Go to File Manager → Open the public_html folder.
3. Select all files and download them as a ZIP file.
4. You can also use FTP (FileZilla, Cyberduck). Your FTP credentials are in cPanel under “FTP Accounts.”
For HostGator Managed WordPress or Cloud Hosting Users
1. Log into your HostGator dashboard.
2. If a backup tool is available, download a full website backup.
3. If there is no backup tool, use a WordPress backup plugin like UpdraftPlus or All-in-One WP Migration.
Step 3: Back Up Your Database #
For cPanel Users
1. Go to cPanel → phpMyAdmin.
2. Select your database and click Export → Quick → SQL.
3. Download the file.
For Managed WordPress Users
1. Check if HostGator offers a database export tool.
2. If not, use a WordPress plugin like WP Migrate DB to export your database.
Step 4: Upload Your Website to the New Host #
If your new hosting provider is handling the migration, they will take care of this step. Otherwise, follow these steps:
1. Log into your new hosting provider’s control panel (cPanel or other).
2. Open File Manager → public_html → Upload your website files.
3. If using FTP, connect with the new hosting provider’s details and upload the files.
Step 5: Import Your Database #
1. Create a new MySQL database in the new hosting panel.
2. Open phpMyAdmin → Select your new database → Click Import.
3. Upload the .sql file you downloaded from HostGator.
Update Your Website’s Database Settings
For WordPress, edit wp-config.php:
define('DB_NAME', 'new_database');
define('DB_USER', 'new_user');
define('DB_PASSWORD', 'new_password');
define('DB_HOST', 'localhost');For Joomla, update configuration.php with the new database details.
Step 6: Update Your Domain & DNS #
1. Log into your domain registrar (e.g., GoDaddy, Namecheap, or HostGator if your domain is registered there).
2. Find the DNS settings and update the nameservers to your new hosting provider.
3. Wait for DNS changes to take effect (can take 2-24 hours).
Final Steps to migrate from Hostgator #
Test your website before updating DNS by using a temporary URL or hosts file.
Set up emails with your new hosting provider if needed.
Enable SSL (HTTPS)—most hosts offer free SSL.
Want a Hassle-Free Migration? We Can Help!
We offer free migration services for new customers. Just provide us with your Hostgator login details, and we’ll take care of everything!
✔ High-performance NVMe SSD storage
✔ Easy cPanel management
✔ Free SSL and backups
✔ 24/7 support, including migration help
Contact us today for a smooth, worry-free migration!
