Step‑by‑Step Cloudways Migration Guide for Beginners

By Azon Vault On May 4, 2026

Introduction

Moving a website to a new host can feel intimidating, but with Cloudways the process is streamlined and beginner‑friendly. This guide walks you through every step—from preparing your current site to launching on Cloudways—so you can migrate with confidence and zero downtime.

Why Choose Cloudways for Migration?

Managed cloud infrastructure: You get the power of AWS, Google Cloud, or DigitalOcean without the server‑level hassle.
Free migration service: Cloudways offers a complimentary migration for most platforms.
Performance monitoring: Built‑in tools let you track speed and uptime immediately after launch.

Prerequisites Before You Start

1. Backup Your Existing Site

Never migrate without a current backup. Export your database, download all files, and keep a copy in a secure location.

2. Check Compatibility

Make sure your CMS (WordPress, Magento, Laravel, etc.) meets the PHP version and extension requirements of the Cloudways stack you select.

3. Gather Credentials

Current host FTP/SFTP details
Database name, username, and password
Domain registrar access (to point DNS later)

Step‑by‑Step Migration Process

Step 1 – Sign Up and Choose a Server

Create a Cloudways account, pick a cloud provider (AWS, Google, DigitalOcean, Linode, or Vultr), select a server size, and launch the instance. The server is ready in minutes.

Step 2 – Install Your Application

From the Cloudways platform, click Applications → Add Application. Choose your CMS (e.g., WordPress) and give it a name. Cloudways provisions the codebase, database, and web server automatically.

Step 3 – Transfer Files

Connect to your new Cloudways server via SFTP (details are in the Application Management tab).
Upload the wp‑content folder (or equivalent) to the public_html directory.
If you prefer a one‑click move, request Cloudways’ free migration service through the Support tab.

Step 4 – Import the Database

Open phpMyAdmin from the Cloudways dashboard, create a new database, and import the .sql file you exported earlier. Update the wp-config.php (or config file) with the new database credentials.

Step 5 – Update URLs and Test

Use a search‑and‑replace tool (e.g., Better Search Replace plugin) to change old domain URLs to the new temporary Cloudways URL. Verify that pages load, forms submit, and plugins function correctly.

Step 6 – Point Your Domain

Locate the Cloudways temporary domain (e.g., example.cloudwaysapps.com) in the Domain Management section.
Add your custom domain as a Primary Domain.
Update your DNS A‑record to point to the IP address provided by Cloudways.
Allow 24‑48 hours for DNS propagation, then test the live site.

Step 7 – Enable SSL

Cloudways integrates with Let’s Encrypt. From Application Management → SSL Certificate, request a free certificate, install it, and enable “Force HTTPS” to secure all traffic.

Post‑Migration Checklist

Check site speed with GTmetrix or PageSpeed Insights.
Verify that all internal links and images load correctly.
Test email functionality (SMTP settings may need updating).
Set up automated backups in Cloudways (recommended weekly).
Enable Cloudways’ built‑in CDNs or integrate a third‑party CDN for extra performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I migrate a site larger than 2 GB?

Yes. For very large sites, contact Cloudways support to arrange a staged migration or use the rsync command over SSH.

Will my SEO rankings be affected?

As long as you keep the same URL structure and properly configure 301 redirects for any changed URLs, rankings should remain intact.

Do I need to cancel my old hosting plan?

Wait until the new site is fully live and backed up. Once you confirm everything works, you can safely cancel the previous host.

Is the free migration service limited?

Cloudways offers free migration for most popular CMS platforms. Custom applications or multi‑site networks may require a paid service.

What if I encounter an error during migration?

Open a support ticket from the Cloudways dashboard. Their 24/7 team can troubleshoot file permissions, database connection issues, or server configuration problems.

Conclusion

Migrating to Cloudways doesn’t have to be a nightmare. By following this step‑by‑step guide, backing up diligently, and leveraging Cloudways’ managed services, you’ll enjoy faster load times, scalable resources, and hassle‑free server management.

Ready to Move?

Start your free Cloudways trial today, and let the experts handle the heavy lifting. Create your account now and experience premium cloud hosting without the technical headaches.