How to Migrate a cPanel Account to Another cPanel Server

Quick answer: Move a cPanel account either with the WHM Transfer Tool (copy an account from another server) or by downloading a full account backup and restoring it on the new server. Both carry files, databases, email, and DNS. Keep the old account live, test with the hosts file, then switch DNS.

Moving a cPanel account to another cPanel server is one of the cleanest migrations, because a full cPanel backup carries everything - files, databases, email accounts and messages, and DNS zones - in a single package. Here are the two reliable ways to do it.

Option A: WHM transfer tool (best when you have both servers)

If you have WHM access on the destination server, use Transfer Tool (Copy an Account From Another Server). Enter the source server's address and root credentials, select the account, and WHM copies it across directly, recreating everything on the new server. This is the least manual method and handles large accounts well.

Option B: Full backup and restore

Without server-to-server access, move a backup file:

1. On the old cPanel: Files -> Backup -> Download a Full Account Backup.
2. Transfer the resulting archive to the new server.
3. On the new server's WHM: Restore a Full cPanel Backup, and upload/point to the archive.

The restore recreates the account with its files, databases, email, and settings intact.

Keep the old account live during the move

Do not cancel the old hosting yet. Copy while it stays online so nothing is lost, and so you have a fallback.

Test before switching DNS

Before changing any DNS, preview the site on the new server using your computer's hosts file to map the domain to the new IP (see the migration verification guide). Click through the site, log in, and check email settings. Only when it all works do you update the domain's DNS or nameservers.

Final sync and cutover

Because the site stayed live, re-copy anything that changed since your backup (a fresh database export is usually enough), then switch DNS. With a low TTL set in advance, traffic moves over within minutes.

Frequently asked questions

Which method is easiest?
The WHM Transfer Tool when you have root access to both servers; otherwise a full backup and restore.

Will I lose data during the move?
No - keep the old account live while copying, then re-sync anything that changed before switching DNS.

On a SoftSys managed Linux VPS with cPanel, our team performs the account transfer and verification for you as part of free migration, so the move is handled end to end.