Why Website Migrations Fail (And How to Avoid It)
Moving a website from one hosting provider to another sounds straightforward. Copy the files, move the database, update the DNS and the job is done. In reality, website migrations involve several interconnected systems, and overlooking even a small detail can result in downtime, missing data, broken functionality or email problems.
A successful migration is less about moving files and more about making sure everything surrounding the website moves—or continues working—correctly. Here are some of the most common reasons website migrations fail and how to avoid them.
Migrating Without a Complete Backup
One of the biggest mistakes is starting a migration without first creating a complete, independent backup of the existing website. A hosting provider may already have automated backups, but you should not assume these will remain available once an account is cancelled or a migration begins.
Before making any changes, create a backup containing all website files and databases. Depending on the site, you may also need copies of configuration files, scheduled tasks and other server-specific settings. Most importantly, make sure the backup can actually be restored.
Forgetting That the Database Is Separate
Copying the website’s files is only part of most migrations. Content management systems such as WordPress usually store pages, posts, users, settings and other important information in a database.
If the database isn’t exported and imported correctly, the new website may appear incomplete or fail entirely. Database credentials may also change on the new server, meaning configuration files need to be updated before the site can connect successfully.
Using Different Software Versions
The new hosting environment isn’t necessarily identical to the old one. It might run a different version of PHP, MySQL, MariaDB or other server software. Extensions and configuration options available on the old server may also be missing.
This can expose compatibility problems that weren’t visible before the move. An older website might work perfectly with the PHP version on its existing server but produce errors when placed on a newer environment.
Check the important software versions and requirements before migrating. Where possible, configure the new environment to match the existing one initially, then handle upgrades separately once the migration is complete.
Changing DNS Too Early
DNS determines where visitors are sent when they enter your domain. Updating it should generally be one of the final stages of a migration, not the first.
The new website should be uploaded and thoroughly tested before DNS records are changed. Otherwise, visitors could start reaching a server where the site is incomplete or not working correctly.
DNS changes can also take time to propagate. During this period, some visitors may reach the old server while others reach the new one. Keeping both environments operational during the transition reduces the risk of disruption.
Not Testing the Website Properly
Seeing the homepage load isn’t enough to confirm that a migration has succeeded. Websites often contain functionality that isn’t immediately obvious.
Contact forms should be submitted, logins tested, searches performed and ecommerce transactions checked where applicable. Images, downloads and internal links should also be reviewed. Administrative areas deserve testing too, particularly if the site relies on plugins, APIs or third-party integrations.
Testing the new website before directing real visitors to it gives you an opportunity to fix problems without causing public downtime.
Overlooking Email
Changing web hosting can sometimes affect email, particularly when the old hosting company provides both services. DNS changes made during a migration can accidentally alter or remove MX records and other email-related settings.
Before changing anything, document the domain’s existing DNS records and establish where its email is actually hosted. If email is staying with the existing provider or a third-party service such as Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the relevant DNS records need to remain intact.
A website migration that leaves the website working but stops the company’s email is not a successful migration.
Forgetting SSL Certificates
The existing site’s SSL certificate may not automatically transfer to the new server. If HTTPS isn’t configured correctly before the DNS switch, visitors could encounter security warnings when they reach the migrated site.
Make sure a valid SSL certificate is installed on the new hosting environment and confirm that HTTPS works correctly. Also check redirects so visitors requesting the HTTP version are sent securely to HTTPS.
Cancelling the Old Hosting Too Soon
Once the new site appears to be working, it can be tempting to immediately cancel the previous hosting account. This removes an important safety net.
Keeping the old hosting active for a short period gives you somewhere to fall back to if an unexpected problem emerges. It also allows time for DNS changes to propagate fully and provides an opportunity to check that nothing important was overlooked.
Only cancel the previous hosting once you’re confident that the new site, email, DNS and related services are functioning as expected.
A Migration Should Be Planned, Not Rushed
Website migrations usually fail because individual details are overlooked rather than because moving a website is inherently difficult. The safest approach is to treat migration as a staged process: document the existing environment, create backups, prepare the new server, migrate the data, test everything, change DNS and monitor the result.
Changing hosting providers can improve performance, reliability or costs, but those benefits aren’t worth unnecessary downtime. A little preparation before the move can make the difference between a migration visitors never notice and one that turns into an emergency.