Website Migration Checklist

Create a full backup of site files and assets

Backup the webroot, media, and any uploaded files; store off-server with timestamped copy.

Export the latest database dump and verify integrity

Use mysqldump/phpMyAdmin and confirm the dump imports locally before migrating.

Inventory current server settings and services

Record PHP version, extensions, PHP-FPM/nginx/apache configs, crons, and mail settings.

Prepare a rollback plan and verify backups are accessible

Document rollback steps, restore point, and key contacts in case you need to revert.

Set up the new hosting environment (DB, users, PHP, services)

Create DB/user, match PHP version/extensions, and configure cron jobs and permissions.

Upload site files to the new host via SFTP and set permissions

Transfer files securely, maintain owner/group, and set web-safe permissions for folders/files.

Import the database on the new host and update configuration files

Import dump, update DB credentials and connection strings, and test DB connections.

Test the new site via a temporary URL or hosts file before changing DNS

Use a hosts file override or preview URL to confirm pages, login, and dynamic features.

Reissue or install the SSL certificate and confirm HTTPS

Install cert on new server, verify chain, and check for mixed-content warnings.

Lower DNS TTL ahead of the cutover

Set TTL to 300–600 seconds 48–72 hours before switching to speed propagation.

Update MX and email DNS records or execute your email migration plan

Ensure MX, SPF, DKIM, and DMARC are ready; schedule mail cutover to avoid loss.

Update domain A/AAAA records to point to the new host

Change the records during the planned window and monitor propagation.

Set up 301 redirects and URL mappings for changed pages

Implement server-level 301s or rewrite rules to preserve SEO and user bookmarks.

Run pre-launch smoke tests

Quickly verify core functionality before public traffic switches.

Load the homepage and log into admin/user accounts

Confirm site loads quickly and admin access works without errors.

Submit contact, order, and key forms and verify notifications

Check form submissions, transactional emails, and webhook endpoints.

Verify HTTPS, certificate details, and redirect behavior

Confirm valid cert, no mixed content, and canonical URLs redirect correctly.

Monitor DNS propagation and check the live site from multiple locations

Use propagation checkers and spot-check geographic access and latency.

Run a crawler to find broken links and fix or map redirects

Use tools like Screaming Frog to detect 4xx/5xx and update routes or redirects.

Submit updated sitemap and check Google Search Console for errors

Upload sitemap, request reindexing if needed, and monitor coverage reports.