Switching WordPress hosting providers can seem daunting but it doesn’t have to be a stressful experience.
I’ve been through this myself a few times and I can tell you once you understand the process it’s actually quite straightforward.
It’s all about planning and managing your DNS settings.
The Importance of DNS in WordPress Hosting
Think of your domain name as your website’s address.
DNS (Domain Name System) is like the postal service translating that address into an IP address – a numerical identifier that computers use to communicate with each other.
When someone types in your domain name DNS locates the corresponding IP address and your website loads.
When you switch hosting providers you’re essentially changing your website’s location.
So you need to update the DNS records to reflect the new IP address assigned by your new hosting provider.
Two Common Scenarios: Managing Your Own DNS Records vs. Relying on Your Host
There are two main scenarios to consider when switching WordPress hosting providers:
Scenario 1: You Manage Your Own DNS Records
If you’re managing your DNS records yourself you’re in control of updating them.
This usually means you’ve purchased your domain name from a registrar like GoDaddy Network Solutions or Namecheap and you’re making changes within their administration console.
Some might use a third-party DNS service like CloudFlare.
Scenario 2: Your Old Host Manages Your DNS Records
In this case your old hosting provider is responsible for configuring your DNS records.
You’ll need to transfer this responsibility to your new provider and that involves changing your nameserver (NS) records.
Updating DNS Settings When Managing Your Own DNS Records
Let’s break down the process for updating DNS settings when you’re managing your own records.
1. Migrate Your WordPress Site
The first step is to migrate your WordPress site including its database and files to your new hosting provider.
This is like packing your belongings and moving them to your new house.
There are different ways to migrate your website.
Some hosting providers offer their own migration services while others recommend using third-party tools like VaultPress or Migrate Guru.
You can also manually migrate your website using FTP (File Transfer Protocol) and a database migration tool.
2. Test Your Website on the New Host
Once your WordPress site is migrated it’s crucial to test everything thoroughly on the new host.
This ensures your website functions correctly and all features work as expected.
Most hosting providers offer staging environments which are copies of your live website where you can test changes without affecting your live visitors.
3. Place a Content Freeze
Before making any DNS changes it’s essential to place a content freeze on your old website.
This means temporarily stopping all posting commenting and purchasing activities.
Imagine it as putting a “Do Not Disturb” sign on your old website while you move.
This is important because you don’t want any new content to be published on your old website after the DNS update.
Otherwise visitors might encounter inconsistencies or missing content.
4. Migrate Recent Changes
While the content freeze is in place make one final migration of recent changes from your old website to your new website.
This ensures that all recent content comments and orders are transferred to the new environment.
5. Test Your Website Again
After migrating recent changes it’s crucial to test your website once more.
This final test ensures that everything works as intended and no issues arise during the transition.
6. Update A Records
Now it’s time to update your A records to point to your new hosting provider’s IP address.
A records are responsible for mapping your domain name to an IP address.
You’ll need to update both the “www” and “non-www” versions of your A records.
For example if your domain name is “yourdomain.com” you’ll need to update the records for “www.yourdomain.com” and “yourdomain.com.”
7. Understand DNS Propagation
Once you’ve updated your A records it’s important to understand the concept of DNS propagation.
DNS propagation refers to the process of updating DNS servers around the world with your new DNS records.
This can take a few hours or even longer depending on the size of the internet.
During this time some visitors might still be directed to your old website.
However most visitors will be able to access your website on the new host within a few hours.
This is why it’s essential to test your website thoroughly on the new host before updating your DNS records.
Updating DNS Settings When Your Old Host Manages Your DNS Records
Now let’s move on to the second scenario where your old hosting provider manages your DNS records.
1. Migrate Your WordPress Site
This step is identical to the first scenario.
Migrate your WordPress site to your new hosting provider using the method that best suits your needs.
2. Test Your Website on the New Host
Again it’s crucial to test your website thoroughly on the new host to ensure everything functions correctly.
3. Change Nameserver (NS) Records
The primary difference between this scenario and the previous one is that you’ll be changing your nameserver (NS) records instead of A records.
NS records tell the DNS system which nameservers are responsible for resolving your domain name.
You’ll need to update your NS records at your domain registrar such as GoDaddy Network Solutions or Namecheap.
Your new hosting provider will provide you with the new nameserver addresses.
4. Understand the Impact of NS Record Changes
Changing nameserver records can take up to 48 hours to propagate throughout the internet.
During this time some visitors might still be directed to your old website.
It’s essential to be aware of this potential downtime and communicate it to your visitors if needed.
Other Important Considerations
Here are some additional points to consider when updating your DNS settings:
1. Backup Your Website
Always back up your website before making any major changes to your DNS records.
This ensures you have a copy of your website in case something goes wrong.
2. Communicate with Your Visitors
If you expect downtime during the DNS update communicate with your visitors about the changes.
This might involve placing a message on your website or sending out an email notification.
3. Use a DNS Monitoring Tool
There are DNS monitoring tools available that can help you track the progress of your DNS propagation.
This can help you identify any issues and ensure a smooth transition.
Conclusion
Updating your DNS settings when switching WordPress hosting providers can be a bit technical but with the right knowledge and planning it doesn’t have to be intimidating.
By following the steps outlined in this article you can ensure a smooth and successful transition keeping your website online and accessible to your visitors throughout the process.
Remember take it step by step test everything thoroughly and communicate any potential downtime with your visitors.
And if you’re unsure about any part of the process don’t hesitate to reach out to your hosting provider for assistance.