How to Transfer cPanel Accounts Between Servers
Transferring cPanel accounts between servers can help you migrate websites, maintain client data, or upgrade your hosting infrastructure with minimal downtime. Here’s a step-by-step guide to make the process smooth:
1. Prepare Both Servers
- Ensure Compatibility:
Confirm that both your source and destination servers are running compatible versions of cPanel/WHM. - Check Network Connectivity:
Verify that the servers can communicate with each other over SSH. - Backup Data:
Always create a full backup of your accounts on the source server as a precaution.
2. Use WHM’s Transfer Tool
WHM includes a built-in Transfer Tool that simplifies the migration process.
a. Log in to WHM on the Destination Server
- Access WHM:
Open your browser and log in to the WHM interface on your destination server using root credentials.
b. Open the Transfer Tool
- Navigate to Transfer Tool:
In WHM’s left sidebar, search for Transfer Tool (under the Transfers section) and click on it.
c. Configure Transfer Settings
- Source Server Details:
Enter the source server’s IP address or hostname, along with the SSH port (usually 22), and provide root credentials or an SSH key for authentication. - Select Accounts:
The Transfer Tool will display a list of available cPanel accounts on the source server. Select the accounts you want to migrate. You can choose individual accounts or select all.
d. Start the Transfer
- Initiate Transfer:
Review your settings and click Copy or Transfer to begin the migration process. - Monitor Progress:
WHM will show a progress screen, and you can review logs for any errors during the transfer.
3. Verify the Migration
- Test Accounts:
Once the transfer is complete, log in to several migrated cPanel accounts on the destination server to ensure that websites, databases, and email configurations are intact. - Update DNS:
Update your domain’s DNS records to point to the new server’s IP address. Lower TTL values before the migration to speed up propagation. - Confirm Functionality:
Check that all aspects of the websites (content, links, applications) are functioning as expected.
4. Final Cleanup
- Cancel Old Hosting (if applicable):
Once you’re confident the migration is successful and DNS has fully propagated, consider canceling the old hosting account to avoid duplicate charges. - Inform Clients:
If you’re transferring accounts for clients, notify them about the migration and any actions they may need to take.
Final Thoughts
Using WHM’s Transfer Tool is an efficient way to migrate cPanel accounts between servers with minimal manual intervention. By preparing both servers, configuring the transfer properly, verifying the results, and updating DNS settings, you can ensure a smooth transition.
Ready to move your accounts? Log in to WHM on your destination server and start the transfer process today!
