The time required to migrate a website depends on several factors, including the size of the website, the complexity of the migration, and how quickly we receive the required access information.
Most standard website migrations are completed within 24 to 48 hours after we receive all the necessary information. However, some migrations may be completed much sooner, while larger or more complex websites may require additional time.
What Factors Affect Migration Time?
The time required to complete a migration can depend on:
- The size of your website
- The number of files and databases
- The type of website or application
- The performance of your current hosting provider
- The complexity of your website configuration
- Whether email migration is also required
- The accuracy and completeness of the credentials provided
- DNS propagation after the migration
Does Website Size Affect Migration Time?
Yes.
Smaller websites with fewer files and databases can generally be migrated more quickly than large websites containing thousands of files, multiple databases, or extensive media libraries.
Large websites may also require additional time for file transfers, database transfers, testing, and verification.
Will My Website Be Offline During the Migration?
In most cases, your website can remain online during the migration.
We normally transfer your website to your new SIRSTEVEHQ hosting account first. After the migration has been completed and basic checks have been performed, you can update your domain's nameservers or DNS records to point to the new hosting account.
This approach helps minimise or avoid downtime during the migration.
How Long Does DNS Propagation Take?
After updating your nameservers or DNS records, changes may take up to 24 to 48 hours to fully propagate across the internet.
During this period:
- Some visitors may continue to see your website on the previous hosting account.
- Other visitors may already be accessing your website from the new SIRSTEVEHQ hosting account.
This is a normal part of the DNS propagation process.
Can I Continue Using My Website During the Migration?
Yes, but we recommend avoiding major changes while the migration is in progress.
For example, avoid:
- Publishing new content
- Uploading large numbers of files
- Installing or removing plugins
- Making significant design changes
- Updating or modifying your database
Making changes during the migration may result in differences between the old and new hosting accounts.
For websites with frequent activity, especially eCommerce stores, we may recommend scheduling the migration during a period of lower traffic.
Will You Notify Me When the Migration Is Complete?
Yes.
Once the migration has been completed, our Support Team will notify you so you can review your website before updating your DNS records or nameservers.
We recommend checking important website functionality, including:
- Website pages
- Images and media
- Contact forms
- Plugins
- Themes
- User accounts
- Shopping cart functionality
- Payment gateways
- Email functionality, where applicable
What Can Delay a Website Migration?
Some common factors that may delay a migration include:
- Missing or incorrect login credentials
- Large or complex websites
- Custom server configurations
- Issues with the current hosting provider
- Slow file or database transfers
- DNS propagation
- Additional troubleshooting required during the migration
Providing complete and accurate access information when submitting your migration request helps us begin the process more efficiently.
Need Help Planning Your Migration?
If you are planning to move your website to SIRSTEVEHQ, purchase your hosting plan and open a support ticket from your Client Area with your migration request.
Our Support Team will review your requirements, advise you on the migration process, and provide an estimated timeframe based on your website and hosting environment. We will also keep you informed throughout the migration process to help ensure a smooth transition.
