Migrating without downtime
The order of steps that keeps your site and email available throughout the move.
Downtime happens when DNS points to the new server before everything is ready there. So the work is done in reverse: prepare everything first and change DNS last.
The plan#
- Lower the TTL of your DNS records at your current DNS provider (e.g. to the lowest allowed value) at least a day or two before the move. Terms are explained in DNS records explained.
- Prepare everything at ScyHost: files, database, email addresses and SSL.
- Test using the hosts file: Preview your site before changing DNS.
- Freeze changes on the old site (orders, comments, posts) or briefly enable maintenance mode, then export the database again and upload it.
- Change DNS and monitor the site: DNS propagation.
- Keep the old account active until you have checked that traffic and email arrive at the new server.
During propagation some visitors may keep seeing the old server for a while, which is normal. We cannot promise the exact duration in advance, because it depends on DNS caching at individual providers. If you need help planning, open a ticket and state your domain, current host and the type of site.
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Related articles
Preview your site before changing DNSHow to check that your site works on ScyHost before pointing your domain to it.DNS records explainedWhat A, AAAA, CNAME, MX, TXT and NS records mean and when you change them.DNS propagationWhy a DNS change is not instant, how to check it and what to do while you wait.Moving your site to ScyHostAn overview of the steps for moving an existing site from another host, from the backup to the nameserver change.