How to Migrate a Website to Plesk

Step 1: Decide How You’re Migrating

There are two main ways to migrate your site:

We’ll cover both methods below.

Option 1: Using the Plesk Migration Tool (Easy Method)

This works if the old server runs Plesk, cPanel, or a supported control panel.

Step 2: Open the Plesk Migration Tool

1. Log in to your Plesk control panel
   https://yourdomain.com:8443

2. In the left menu, click Tools & Settings

3. Under Tools & Resources, click Migration & Transfer Manager

4. Click Start a New Migration

Step 3: Enter Source Server Details

You’ll need:

• Old server’s IP address or hostname

• SSH port (usually 22)

• Root or admin login credentials

1. Select the panel type (e.g., Plesk, cPanel)

2. Enter the login info

3. Click Prepare Migration

Make sure remote access (SSH) is allowed on the old server

Step 4: Choose What to Migrate

After scanning the source server:

• Select domains, mail accounts, databases, and files

• Click Start Migration

This can take minutes or hours depending on size

Step 5: Verify and Test the Site

Once complete:

• Check files, databases, and emails in the new Plesk setup

• Visit your site using a temporary domain or your hosts file to test it before changing DNS

Option 2: Manual Migration to Plesk

Use this if your source doesn't support automated tools.

Step 1: Backup Your Files and Database

On your old server:

1. Use FTP or File Manager to download your website files

2. Use phpMyAdmin or a DB export tool to export your MySQL database

Step 2: Upload Files to Plesk

In your new Plesk panel:

1. Go to Websites & Domains > File Manager

2. Upload your website files into /httpdocs/

Step 3: Import Your Database

1. In Plesk, go to Databases > Add Database

2. Create a new database with a user/password

3. Open phpMyAdmin, select your new DB

4. Click Import, and upload the .sql file you exported earlier

Step 4: Update Configuration Files

Update your site’s configuration files (like wp-config.php or config.php) to match the new database name, username, and password.

Step 5: Preview Before Updating DNS

Use the Preview button in Plesk, or update your local hosts file to test the site before changing nameservers.

Step 6: Update DNS or Name Servers

Once tested:

• Log in to your domain registrar (e.g., Namecheap, GoDaddy)

• Change DNS settings to point to the new server IP

DNS changes take 1–24 hours to fully propagate

Pro Tips

• Back up your old website before starting migration

• Always test on the new server before switching DNS

• Use Plesk’s built-in Backup Manager for post-migration safety

• Contact your hosting support if you need SSH enabled on the source server