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Hosting & Server
Migrate a shared site to a VPS without downtime
The DNS + dual environment method allows you to switch to a new VPS without a single visitor notices the break.
Migration steps
- Install WordPress and your plugins on the new VPS, without switching DNS yet.
- Export database and WP-Content files from old hosting.
- Test the new site via the local hosts file before any public DNS change.
- Lower the TTL DNS to 300 seconds 24 hours before rocking.
- Switch the DNS to the new VPS once the tests are validated.
Test before DNS toggle
# on your local machine (Linux/Mac) sudo nano /etc/hosts
# Add this line with the new VPS IP 123.45.67.89 monsite.comTip: Keep the old server active at least 48 hours after the rocker, until the DNS propagation reaches 100% of visitors.
frequently asked questions
How long does the DNS propagation last?
Generally between 1 and 24 hours with a TTL lowered in advance, sometimes up to 48 hours in rare cases.
Are emails affected by migration?
If your MX records do not change and stay with the same provider, your emails are not impacted by the site migration.