How to Migrate Your Magento Website to New Hosting

Improved Performance
Upgrading to a high-performance hosting provider can solve issues like sluggish loading times, boosting user satisfaction and conversion rates. Enhanced RAM, CPU, and storage resources contribute to faster processing times.

Better Security.
Top-tier hosting providers offer advanced security measures, including firewalls, DDoS protection, and malware scanning. For online stores, safeguarding customer data is paramount, and migrating to a more secure environment mitigates data breach risks.

Scalability for Growth
As your business grows, so does the demand for more resources. High-performance providers can support increased traffic and transaction volumes seamlessly, avoiding the slowdowns and crashes associated with resource limitations.

Enhanced Support and Uptime
Migrating to a reliable hosting provider with high uptime guarantees ensures your store stays available to customers. Managed hosting solutions often include 24/7 support to help with any server-related issues.

Consider the following factors when selecting hosting for Magento:

• Compatibility with Magento Requirements

The host should support PHP 8.2 or higher, along with MySQL or MariaDB. Optimized hosting packages specifically for Magento, including features like SSD storage and CDN integration, improve load times. Learn more about Content Delivery Network.

• Scalability

Choose a provider with flexible scalability options, allowing you to upgrade resources without downtime.

• Security Features

Look for hosts with built-in security layers: SSL certificates, firewall protection, and malware scanning. Learn more about Security guarantees.

• Reliable Support

With Magento’s complexities, 24/7 technical support is essential, particularly for real-time troubleshooting during high-traffic periods.

Migrating a Magento store is a delicate process. Here are the preliminary steps:

Review Hosting Environment Requirements
Check the PHP version, MySQL database support, and operating system. Opt for Linux, Apache, Nginx, MySQL, and PHP (LAMP) stacks as they provide stable environments for Magento.
Check Hosting Resources
Assess your current resource usage, including CPU, RAM, and storage, to ensure the new server can handle your store’s needs.
Update Magento and Extensions
Before migrating, make sure Magento and any extensions are up-to-date. Outdated versions can lead to compatibility issues.
Disable Caching
Clear your Magento cache and disable cache management in the backend to prevent potential issues during data migration.

• Create a Full Backup

To ensure you have a secure backup if anything goes wrong, create a complete copy of your database and file system. You can use Magento’s built-in backup function, or if phpMyAdmin is available, it’s also an option for exporting the database. For a more robust approach, particularly if phpMyAdmin isn’t available, consider using SSH access and the mysqldump command to back up your database directly from the server.

• Clone Your Store

Cloning your store to a staging environment on the new server allows you to test the setup without affecting the live site. Clone both the database and files for a complete environment replica.

• Sync Database and Files

Using tools like rsync or scp, transfer your files from the old server to the new one. For databases, use mysqldump or phpMyAdmin to export the database.

• Transfer Custom Configurations

If your Magento store has custom configurations (like specific PHP settings or server rules), transfer them to the new server’s local.xml or env.php files.

• Run Compatibility Tests

Check compatibility between your Magento setup and the new server environment, including PHP, MySQL, and Apache versions.

• Review Database Connections

Ensure the database connection settings in app/etc/env.php are configured correctly.

• Test Extensions and Integrations

Check that third-party extensions and API integrations work correctly. Missing third-party tools can disrupt functionality.

• Resolve Common Migration Issues

Magento migrations can cause unexpected problems like missing images, broken links, or error messages. Troubleshoot by reviewing server logs and cache files.

• Configuring Cache and Indexing

Re-enable caching and set up indexing. Proper cache configuration reduces load times, enhancing the user experience.

• Optimizing Performance

Assess server performance by testing load speeds and server response times. Adjust settings in Magento's backend or the hosting control panel for optimal results.

• Updating DNS Records

Update DNS settings to point to the new hosting IP address. Propagation can take up to 24 hours, so plan accordingly.

• Resolving Issues with Magento Cache Files

Magento’s cache can cause resource-related errors if not handled properly. Clear and rebuild the cache to eliminate sluggish website behavior.

• Choose a Maintenance Window

Schedule the migration during low-traffic times to minimize impact on sales and customer experience.

• Use a Data Migration Tool

Magento’s data migration tool can help with data consistency and speed, especially when transferring products, customers, and orders.

• Document Every Step

Document each step taken to troubleshoot issues more effectively and maintain a clear process for future migrations.

• Communicate with Your Customers

Inform customers of any planned downtime to set expectations.

• Implement Security Protocols

Protect transferred data with SSL and encrypted connections. Regularly monitor security logs to detect and prevent any unauthorized access. Learn more about the monitoring process.

How long does a Magento migration take?
A typical migration takes a few hours to a day, depending on the store's size and complexity. Testing and troubleshooting may extend this timeline.

Do I need to back up my store before migration?
Yes, a full backup is essential to protect your data if issues arise during migration.

What if my Magento version is outdated?
Consider updating before migrating, as older versions may have compatibility issues with modern hosting environments.

Can I perform Magento migration myself?
While possible, using a professional migration service minimizes risks and ensures data accuracy.

How will migration impact my SEO?
Properly configuring redirects, preserving URLs, and managing caching prevent significant SEO impacts during migration.

Migrating your Magento website to Scalesta can greatly improve your store’s performance, security, and scalability—at no cost. Scalesta’s dedicated migration team handles the transition from start to finish, ensuring a seamless experience with minimal downtime.