To migrate hosting and a domain in Australia, inventory the site, email and DNS records, build and test the site on the new host, lower DNS TTL, switch DNS during a quiet period, verify SSL and email, and keep the old host live briefly. For .au domains, check registrar transfer rules with your provider.
Changing web host or registrar sounds technical, yet most problems come from forgotten details: email records, a subdomain nobody remembered or an SSL certificate that did not carry over. This guide gives Australian businesses a calm checklist for moving hosting and domains with minimal downtime and no lost email.
Key takeaways
- Inventory everything first: website files, databases, email, DNS records, subdomains and certificates.
- Build and test on the new host before changing DNS.
- Lower DNS TTL in advance so the switch propagates quickly.
- Email deserves its own plan; many outages are really mail problems.
- Keep the old host available for a short rollback window.
1What does hosting and domain migration involve?
It involves moving website files, databases, email and DNS to a new provider, and sometimes transferring the domain registration itself. Hosting and domain registration are separate services, and you can change one without the other. Our hosting and domain migration service covers both, and our web migration page covers wider site moves.
Hosting move
Site files, databases and server settings move to a new server.
DNS change
Records are updated so the domain points to the new host.
Registrar transfer
The domain registration moves to a new registrar, if needed.
2Why do Australian businesses migrate?
Common reasons are slow performance, poor support hours, rising renewal costs, security concerns or a wish to consolidate accounts. Some want hosting with local data centres for latency or policy reasons. Others are moving because a developer or agency previously controlled the accounts. Whatever the reason, take control of logins and records as part of the project.
3How do you inventory the current set-up?
Inventory by listing the domain registrar, nameservers, all DNS records, hosting plan, site platform, databases, email provider, SSL certificates and third-party services. Export the DNS zone, since missing records are a common cause of outages.
- Registrar, owner contact and renewal date.
- Nameservers and every DNS record.
- Website files, databases and cron jobs.
- Email accounts, forwarders and mail host.
- SSL certificates and redirects.
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4What about .au domains and registrar rules?
Domains ending in .au are administered under auDA policy, and eligibility rules apply, such as a local presence requirement for some names. Transfer steps usually use an authorisation code and can include waiting periods, so ask your registrar for the current process. Do not let the domain lapse during a move.
| Item | Check | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Domain eligibility | Rules for your name | Avoid transfer rejection |
| Auth code | Request early | Needed to transfer |
| Renewal date | Not close to expiry | Avoid lapse |
5How do you protect email during the move?
Protect email by copying MX, SPF, DKIM and DMARC records exactly, and by deciding whether mailboxes stay with the current provider. If you use Zoho Mail or another hosted service, confirm records before cutting DNS. Send and receive test messages from outside your network after the switch. See Zoho Mail if you plan to consolidate email.
6How do you switch with minimal downtime?
Lower the DNS TTL a day or two beforehand, test the new site using a hosts file or temporary URL, then update DNS during a quiet period for your business. After the switch, check the site, forms, SSL, redirects and email. Leave the old host running for several days in case you need to roll back, and confirm nothing still points to it.
7What does it cost and how do you start?
Costs depend on site size, complexity and email needs, so we scope first. Hosting fees vary by provider and plan. Start by listing your accounts and renewal dates, then read more on the ERPHUBs Australia blog. Book a free consultation with ERPHUBs, an independent Zoho Authorized Partner, and we will plan your move.
Hosting and Domain Migration
Plan, test and switch hosting, DNS and email with minimal downtime.
Frequently asked questions
Not if the new host is built and tested first and DNS is switched carefully. Brief inconsistencies can occur while DNS propagates, so plan the change for a quiet period.
Yes. Hosting and domain registration are separate. You can point your existing domain to a new host by changing DNS records.
TTL is the time DNS resolvers cache a record. Lowering it before a switch helps changes take effect faster. Raise it again after the move is stable.
It should not if MX, SPF, DKIM and DMARC records are copied correctly. Test sending and receiving after the switch and keep the old mail settings until verified.
Usually yes, with an authorisation code and eligibility checks. Ask your registrar about the current steps, timing and any fees.
A small site can move in a day or two of work, plus propagation time. Larger sites with complex email or integrations take longer.