What We Need
Provide access to the existing cPanel account.
To copy the account, Hostmate needs working access to the existing hosting service. The exact access required depends on the old provider and how the account is configured.
- The domain name being migrated.
- The existing cPanel username and access details, or migration access arranged with the old provider.
- Details of any domains, subdomains or services that use DNS records outside the normal cPanel setup.
- Details of any external email service such as Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace.
If Hostmate requires credentials for a migration, use the secure method provided by support rather than placing account passwords in an ordinary email message.
What Usually Transfers
A cPanel-to-cPanel migration can move most of the account together.
Where the source account is compatible, a full cPanel transfer can normally preserve much more than just the website files.
| Item | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Website files | The account home directory and website files are copied to the Hostmate server. |
| Databases | cPanel-managed databases and database users are transferred with the account. |
| cPanel email accounts, mailboxes and stored mail are normally transferred. | |
| Domains | Primary domains, addon domains and subdomains associated with the cPanel account are restored where compatible. |
| DNS zone | Existing cPanel DNS records can be copied so custom website, email and verification records are retained. |
| Account settings | Many cPanel account settings transfer with the account, although some server-specific features may need to be checked or recreated. |
cPanel two-factor authentication does not transfer between servers and must be configured again after the move. Server-level configuration, custom software and provider-specific features can also require manual work.
Pre-Migration Checks
We check for conflicts before the account is copied.
Before starting the transfer, Hostmate checks the destination for common problems that can prevent a clean migration.
- The cPanel username is not already in use on the destination server.
- The primary domain is not already attached to another account.
- The destination does not already contain a conflicting DNS zone.
- Important DNS records can be identified before the cutover.
- The source account is accessible and ready to transfer.
If the account contains addon domains, subdomains or unusual DNS arrangements, these may also need to be checked separately before the final DNS change.
During the Migration
Keep the old account online while the copy runs.
The migration copies the account to Hostmate while the existing hosting remains in place. The time required depends mainly on the size of the account, the amount of email and website data, and the connection speed between the two servers.
In most migrations, the old server continues serving the live site while the account is copied and checked on Hostmate. DNS is changed only when the destination is ready.
Avoid making major website changes during the final migration window if possible. If a site is highly active, such as an online store or membership site, tell Hostmate beforehand so the cutover can be planned around changing data.
DNS Cutover
DNS is changed after the Hostmate copy is ready.
Once the account has transferred successfully, the domain needs to start resolving to the Hostmate server. The exact change depends on where your DNS is currently hosted.
If the domain uses Microsoft 365, Google Workspace or another external mail provider, its MX, SPF, DKIM and other required DNS records must remain in the active DNS zone after the migration.
See Change Nameservers, DNS Records and DNS Propagation for more detail.
Email During Cutover
Mail can temporarily arrive at either server while DNS updates.
DNS changes are not seen everywhere at exactly the same time. During the cutover, some senders may still reach the old server while others have already started using Hostmate.
- Keep the old hosting account active during the propagation period.
- Do not delete old mailboxes immediately after the migration.
- If you use cPanel email, check that the same email accounts exist on the Hostmate copy.
- If you use external email, confirm that the MX and related DNS records were preserved.
Existing mail programs normally continue working once DNS has updated, provided the same mailbox names and passwords were transferred and the device is using the domain name for its mail server.
After the Move
Check the important services before cancelling the old hosting.
- Open the website and several important pages.
- Test forms, logins, checkout or other application features.
- Send and receive a test email for important mailboxes.
- Check addon domains and subdomains.
- Confirm SSL is working without browser warnings.
- Check cron jobs or scheduled application tasks if the site relies on them.
- Re-enable cPanel two-factor authentication if you used it on the old server.
Only cancel the previous hosting after the migration has been checked and DNS has had time to update. If you are unsure, ask Hostmate support to confirm the cutover is complete first.
Need Help?
Want Hostmate to move your cPanel account?
Open a support ticket with the domain name and the name of your current hosting provider. We can tell you what access is required and plan the migration with you.
Open a Support TicketHostmate uses standard cPanel account-transfer processes where supported by the source provider. cPanel Transfer Tool documentation explains the account-transfer process and transfer options.