Domains and website migration: what to check first

Know who controls each account

The domain, hosting and email may be managed in different places. Find the registrar, recovery email and person with DNS access. Moving a website does not automatically move its email service.

Prepare before changing DNS

Copy files and data, configure compatible software and test the destination. For a store, agree on handling orders placed between the final copy and the switch so new data is not lost.

Test HTTPS, forms and outgoing email.
Preserve email and third-party DNS records.
Agree on a switching window and rollback.
Keep previous hosting until checks are complete.

After the move

DNS changes may not appear everywhere at once. Check different networks, error logs and incoming enquiries. Confirm that backups are created in the new environment.

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