cPanel to cPanel Migration: Complete Guide for Data-Loss-Free Transfer

Introduction to Migration Between cPanel Servers

Transferring full accounts between cPanel servers requires a methodical approach to ensure data integrity. This process includes user configurations, web files, MySQL databases, and email accounts.

Prerequisites

• Root or WHM access on both servers (source and destination)
• Compatible cPanel/WHM versions (check compatibility)
• SSH connection between servers (port 2087 open)
• Sufficient disk space on the destination server

Step 1: Generate a Backup on the Source Server

1.1 WHM Access

Log into WHM and navigate to Transfers > Generate Migration.

1.2 Migration Configuration

1. Select "Transfer to Another cPanel/WHM Server"
2. Enter the destination server's IP
3. Enable the following options:
   • Include email accounts
   • Include SQL databases
   • GZIP compression

1.3 Start Transfer

The migration will generate a .cpmove file in /home/cpmove-username.tar.gz. Monitor the process via SSH with:

tail -f /var/log/cpanel/transfer_log

Step 2: Receive the Account on the Destination Server

2.1 Automatic Configuration

WHM will automatically detect the incoming transfer. Check under Transfers > Incoming Transfers.

2.2 Manual Restoration (Optional)

If the automatic transfer fails, use:

/scripts/restorepkg /home/cpmove-username.tar.gz

Official restoration documentation: WHM Restoration Guide

Handling MySQL Databases

Common Issue	Solution
Username conflicts	Modify prefixes in /var/cpanel/databases/dbhub.json
Permission failures	Run /scripts/mysqlperms

Email Synchronization

To avoid losing emails during the transition:

• Set up temporary MX records (MX Tool)
• Use IMAP Sync with tools like imapsync (imapsync documentation)

Post-Migration Verification

1. Validate DNS with dig/nslookup
2. Test FTP/SSH connections
3. Verify cron jobs and redirects

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can migration be done without downtime?

Yes, by using DNS with low TTLs and syncing IMAP email before the cutover.

How are domains with SSL certificates handled?

WHM will automatically transfer the certificates, but you should verify their installation under SSL/TLS > Manage SSL Sites.

What should be done if the restoration fails?

Check /var/cpanel/logs/restorepkg.log and run disk checks with:

df -h && mount

Are PHP configurations migrated?

Yes, but you may need to adjust versions if they differ between servers (use the PHP-FPM Manager).