My dears switching WordPress hosting providers can feel like navigating a maze especially when it comes to those DNS settings.
Don’t you worry though! With a little patience and these steps it’ll be smoother than a freshly baked pie.
Think of me as your kindly old auntie guiding you through this.
Check our top articles on How to Update DNS Settings When You Switch WordPress Hosting Providers
Understanding the DNS Dance: A Gentle Introduction
Before we dive in let’s chat about what DNS actually is. Think of it as the internet’s phone book. When you type a website address like www.yourwonderfulwebsite.com your computer uses DNS to find the actual server location (the IP address) where that website lives. Changing hosting means updating this address in the phone book so everyone can still find you.
Why the Fuss About DNS?
Now you might be asking “Why all this bother with DNS? Can’t I just change the address and be done with it?” Well my dears it’s not quite that simple.
Think of the internet as a vast network of interconnected computers all communicating with each other.
When you update your DNS settings it takes some time for this change to propagate throughout the entire system.
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That’s what we call “DNS propagation” and it can take a few minutes to a few hours – sometimes even longer depending on your DNS settings.
That’s why we need a bit of forethought and preparation.
Scenario 1: You’re the DNS Boss
you’re managing your own DNS records.
That means you’re in charge of updating the information at your domain registrar – the place where you originally bought your domain name (like GoDaddy Namecheap or Google Domains). It’s like being the head chef fully in control of the kitchen.
Step-by-Step Guide: A Recipe for Success
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Migrate Your Site: First things first move your website’s files and database to your new hosting provider. Most hosts offer tools to make this easier think of it like moving your kitchen to a bigger space. You’ll often have a temporary website running on both the old and new servers during this transition. This allows you to test everything’s working correctly before making changes to your DNS.
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Testing Testing 1 2 3!: Thoroughly test your website on the new hosting provider’s servers. Is everything working properly? Are your links all in order? Make sure everything is perfectly set up before you announce your move to the world. This would be like testing all your new equipment in the new kitchen before opening for customers.
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Content Freeze: Next implement a content freeze on your old website. No new posts comments or orders. You don’t want any new content getting lost during the migration. It’s like closing the old kitchen for a renovation so that no one can order anything new during the transfer.
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Final Migration and Check: Migrate any new updates from your old website to the new one. After this give everything a final test to be certain that nothing was missed or is causing problems. It’s like double-checking that you haven’t forgotten any ingredients from the old kitchen before you start preparing your menu for the new space.
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Updating A Records: Now it’s time to update your A records. These records tell the internet world where to find your website. In your domain registrar’s control panel locate your A records for
www.yourdomain.comandyourdomain.com(if you use both). Change the IP addresses to those provided by your new hosting provider.
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Patience is a Virtue: Remember DNS propagation? Be patient! It might take a few hours or even longer for your changes to take effect everywhere. If you’ve set up a temporary page on your old host that’ll help ease any disruption for your visitors. This is like waiting for the word to get out that your restaurant has moved to a new location.
Scenario 2: Your Old Host Managed DNS
Now if your old host was managing your DNS records it’s a slightly different process.
But don’t worry it’s still manageable!
Switching Nameservers: A New Address for the Phone Book
In this scenario you’ll need to change your nameservers.
Nameservers are like the main phone book listings themselves.
They point to your new host’s servers which then handle the details of finding your website’s location.
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Site Migration and Testing: This step is exactly the same as the previous scenario. You’ll want to migrate your website test it thoroughly and implement a content freeze to avoid any data loss.
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Find the Nameservers: Contact your new hosting provider. They’ll provide you with their nameservers. These are the updated “phone book addresses” for your website.
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Update at the Registrar: Log into your domain registrar account. Find the section for managing DNS records or nameservers. It usually has clear instructions. Replace your old nameservers with your new hosting provider’s nameservers.
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Propagation Patience: Again be patient with DNS propagation. It can take time for the changes to show effect everywhere. Using a temporary page on your old website will minimize inconvenience for your visitors.
Troubleshooting Tips from Your Experienced Auntie
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Check Your Registrar’s Help: If you get stuck don’t be afraid to use the help section of your domain registrar’s website or contact their support team directly. They’re there to help you out.
Psst! Fellow redditors, migrating your WordPress site got you stressed? 😩 Don’t sweat it! This guide’s got your back. But if you’re REALLY feeling overwhelmed, check out this super helpful resource for a smoother move! 🚀
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Double-Check Everything: Before making any changes double even triple check that you’re using the correct IP addresses or nameservers.
Remember my dears while this process might seem a little daunting at first it’s manageable with the right approach.
Take your time be patient and don’t hesitate to ask for help.
Soon your website will be happily nestled in its new home.
And remember I’m always here if you need a little extra guidance or a warm cup of tea while you navigate this journey.