{"id":35081,"date":"2026-07-17T09:05:52","date_gmt":"2026-07-17T09:05:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/1grid.co.za\/knowledge\/?post_type=ht_kb&#038;p=35081"},"modified":"2026-07-17T09:05:53","modified_gmt":"2026-07-17T09:05:53","slug":"website-migration-to-1-grid-how-to-prepare","status":"publish","type":"ht_kb","link":"https:\/\/1grid.co.za\/knowledge\/website-migration-to-1-grid-how-to-prepare\/","title":{"rendered":"Website Migration to 1-grid: How to Prepare\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With the right preparation, a website migration to 1-grid can be completed with little or no noticeable downtime.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This guide will help you prepare for migrating your website to 1-grid while minimising downtime and reducing the risk of service interruptions.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">By the end of this guide, you will learn what to do before your migration begins, what to expect during the process, and how to prepare your website, email\u00a0services\u00a0and DNS settings for a smooth transition.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/1grid.co.za\/knowledge\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/1-grid-Images-for-KB-Articles-1000-x-600-px-79.png\" alt=\"How to Prepare for a Website Migration to 1-grid\" class=\"wp-image-35082\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-ht-block-toc  is-style-outline htoc htoc--position-wide toc-list-style-plain\" data-htoc-state=\"expanded\"><span class=\"htoc__title\"><span class=\"ht_toc_title\">Table of Contents<\/span><span class=\"htoc__toggle\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\"><g fill=\"#444\"><path d=\"M15 7H1c-.6 0-1 .4-1 1s.4 1 1 1h14c.6 0 1-.4 1-1s-.4-1-1-1z\"><\/path><path d=\"M15 1H1c-.6 0-1 .4-1 1s.4 1 1 1h14c.6 0 1-.4 1-1s-.4-1-1-1zM15 13H1c-.6 0-1 .4-1 1s.4 1 1 1h14c.6 0 1-.4 1-1s-.4-1-1-1z\"><\/path><\/g><\/svg><\/span><\/span><div class=\"htoc__itemswrap\"><ul class=\"ht_toc_list\"><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#htoc-before-you-begin\">Before You Begin&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#htoc-steps-to-prepare-for-a-website-migration-to-1-grid\">Steps to Prepare for a Website Migration to 1-grid<\/a><ul class=\"ht_toc_child_list\"><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#htoc-step-1-review-your-existing-website\">Step 1: Review Your Existing Website&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#htoc-step-2-create-a-full-backup\">Step 2: Create a Full Backup&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#htoc-step-3-review-your-dns-settings\">Step 3: Review Your DNS Settings&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#htoc-step-4-migrate-your-website\">Step 4: Migrate Your Website&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#htoc-step-5-test-the-website-before-updating-dns\">Step 5: Test the Website Before Updating DNS&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#htoc-step-6-update-your-dns-records\">Step 6: Update Your DNS Records&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#htoc-step-7-monitor-your-website-during-propagation\">Step 7:&nbsp;Monitor&nbsp;Your Website During Propagation&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"htoc-what-this-means\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What This Means<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A website migration involves moving your website and its associated services from one hosting provider to another.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Depending on your website, a migration may include:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li id=\"htoc-website-files\">Website files\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li id=\"htoc-databases\">Databases\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li id=\"htoc-email-accounts\">Email accounts\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li id=\"htoc-dns-records\">DNS records\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li id=\"htoc-ssl-certificates\">SSL certificates\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li id=\"htoc-website-applications-such-as-wordpress\">Website applications such as WordPress\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While the website itself is moved to a new hosting server, your domain name usually\u00a0remains\u00a0the same. Once the website migration to 1-grid is complete, your domain&#8217;s DNS records are updated so visitors begin accessing your website from the new server.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Because these DNS updates take time to spread across the internet, some visitors may temporarily see your old website while others see the new one. This process is known as&nbsp;<strong>DNS propagation<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"htoc-before-you-begin\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Before You Begin<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Before starting your migration, ensure that you have:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li id=\"htoc-an-active-1-grid-hosting-service\">An active <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/1grid.co.za\/hosting\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">1-grid hosting service<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li id=\"htoc-access-to-your-current-hosting-account\">Access to your current hosting account\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li id=\"htoc-access-to-your-domain-s-dns-management\">Access to your domain&#8217;s DNS management\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li id=\"htoc-a-recent-backup-of-your-website-and-databases\">A recent backup of your website and databases\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li id=\"htoc-a-list-of-your-email-accounts-if-email-is-also-being-migrated\">A list of your email accounts (if email is also being migrated)\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Having this information ready can help reduce delays.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"htoc-steps-to-prepare-for-a-website-migration-to-1-grid\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Steps to Prepare for a Website Migration to 1-grid<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h6 id=\"htoc-step-1-review-your-existing-website\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Step 1: Review Your Existing Website<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h6>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before making any changes, review your current hosting environment.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Check that you know:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li id=\"htoc-where-your-website-is-hosted\">Where your website is hosted\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li id=\"htoc-which-domain-name-is-connected-to-the-website\">Which domain name is connected to the website\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li id=\"htoc-which-databases-are-in-use\">Which databases are in use\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li id=\"htoc-whether-email-is-hosted-with-the-same-provider\">Whether email is hosted with the same provider\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li id=\"htoc-which-ssl-certificate-is-installed\">Which SSL certificate is installed\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Having a clear understanding of your current setup helps ensure nothing is overlooked during the migration.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h6 id=\"htoc-step-2-create-a-full-backup\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Step 2: Create a Full Backup<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h6>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Always create a complete backup before migrating.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Your backup should include:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li id=\"htoc-website-files1\">Website files\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li id=\"htoc-databases1\">Databases\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li id=\"htoc-images-and-media\">Images and media\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li id=\"htoc-email-data-where-applicable\">Email data (where applicable)\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li id=\"htoc-configuration-files\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.techtarget.com\/searchitoperations\/definition\/configuration-file\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Configuration files<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A recent backup provides an&nbsp;additional&nbsp;layer of protection should anything unexpected occur during the migration.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h6 id=\"htoc-step-3-review-your-dns-settings\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Step 3: Review Your DNS Settings<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h6>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before updating your website to the new hosting environment, review your existing <a href=\"https:\/\/1grid.co.za\/knowledge\/understanding-dns-records-and-how-to-check-these\/\"><strong>DNS records<\/strong><\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Where possible:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li id=\"htoc-record-your-current-dns-settings\">Record your current DNS settings.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li id=\"htoc-lower-your-dns-time-to-live-ttl-value-before-migration-if-you-manage-your-own-dns\">Lower your DNS Time to Live (TTL) value before migration if you manage your own DNS.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>TIP: <\/strong>Reducing the TTL in advance may help speed up DNS propagation once your records are updated.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h6 id=\"htoc-step-4-migrate-your-website\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Step 4: Migrate Your Website<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h6>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once your new hosting account is ready, transfer your website to the new server.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>This may include:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li id=\"htoc-uploading-website-files\">Uploading website files\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li id=\"htoc-importing-databases\">Importing databases\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li id=\"htoc-migrating-recreating-email-accounts\">Migrating\/recreating email accounts\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li id=\"htoc-restoring-backups\">Restoring backups\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li id=\"htoc-installing-ssl-certificates\">Installing SSL certificates\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li id=\"htoc-verifying-website-functionality\">Verifying website functionality\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>IMPORTANT: <\/strong>Once migration is complete, it will be important to test all migrated content.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h6 id=\"htoc-step-5-test-the-website-before-updating-dns\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Step 5: Test the Website Before Updating DNS<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h6>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before directing visitors to the new server, test your migrated website carefully.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Confirm that:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li id=\"htoc-pages-load-correctly\">Pages load correctly.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li id=\"htoc-images-display-properly\">Images display properly.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li id=\"htoc-forms-submit-successfully\">Forms\u00a0submit\u00a0successfully.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li id=\"htoc-databases-connect-correctly\">Databases connect correctly.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li id=\"htoc-user-logins-work\">User logins work.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li id=\"htoc-ssl-certificates-are-functioning\">SSL certificates are functioning.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li id=\"htoc-website-features-behave-as-expected\">Website features behave as expected.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Identifying&nbsp;issues before updating your DNS helps minimise disruption once visitors begin accessing the new server.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h6 id=\"htoc-step-6-update-your-dns-records\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Step 6: Update Your DNS Records<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h6>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once\u00a0you&#8217;re\u00a0satisfied that your migrated website is working correctly,<strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/1grid.co.za\/knowledge\/how-to-update-your-domains-nameservers-at-1-grid\/\">update your domain&#8217;s DNS records<\/a><\/strong> to point to your new hosting server.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>After the DNS update:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li id=\"htoc-some-visitors-may-reach-the-old-server\">Some visitors may reach the old server.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li id=\"htoc-others-may-reach-the-new-server\">Others may reach the new server.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li id=\"htoc-this-is-expected-while-dns-propagation-completes\">This is expected while DNS propagation completes.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>IMPORTANT: <\/strong>Propagation typically completes within\u00a0<strong>24 hours<\/strong>, although some internet service providers may take up to\u00a0<strong>48 hours<\/strong>\u00a0to refresh their cached DNS information.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h6 id=\"htoc-step-7-monitor-your-website-during-propagation\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Step 7:&nbsp;Monitor&nbsp;Your Website During Propagation<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h6>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>While DNS propagation is taking place:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li id=\"htoc-monitor-your-website-for-unexpected-behaviour\">Monitor your website for unexpected behaviour.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li id=\"htoc-test-your-website-from-multiple-networks-or-devices\">Test your website from multiple networks or devices.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li id=\"htoc-verify-that-email-is-sending-and-receiving-correctly-if-email-services-were-migrated\">Verify that email is sending and receiving correctly if email services were migrated.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li id=\"htoc-avoid-making-major-website-changes-until-propagation-has-completed\">Avoid making major website changes until propagation has completed.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once propagation finishes, all visitors should consistently reach your website on its new hosting environment.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"htoc-important-things-to-know\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Important Things to Know<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li id=\"htoc-dns-propagation-is-a-normal-part-of-every-website-migration-and-may-take-up-to-48-hours-to-complete\">DNS propagation is a normal part of every website migration and may take up to\u00a0<strong>48 hours<\/strong>\u00a0to complete.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li id=\"htoc-most-websites-experience-little-or-no-noticeable-downtime-when-migrations-are-carefully-planned\">Most websites experience little or no noticeable downtime when migrations are carefully planned.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li id=\"htoc-website-files-databases-email-services-and-dns-records-may-all-form-part-of-a-migration-depending-on-your-hosting-setup\">Website files, databases, email\u00a0services\u00a0and DNS records may all form part of a migration, depending on your hosting setup.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li id=\"htoc-if-your-email-services-are-also-being-migrated-email-delivery-may-briefly-route-through-either-the-old-or-new-server-during-dns-propagation\">If your email services are also being migrated, email delivery may briefly route through either the old or new server during DNS propagation.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li id=\"htoc-keep-your-previous-hosting-account-active-until-you-ve-confirmed-that-your-website-and-email-services-are-working-correctly-on-the-new-server\">Keep your\u00a0previous\u00a0hosting account active until\u00a0you&#8217;ve\u00a0confirmed that your website and email services are working correctly on the new server.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li id=\"htoc-avoid-publishing-new-website-content-or-making-significant-changes-during-the-migration-period-as-this-can-lead-to-data-inconsistencies-between-the-old-and-new-servers\">Avoid publishing new website content or making significant changes during the migration period, as this can lead to data inconsistencies between the old and new servers.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"htoc-before-you-move-on\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Before You Move On<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before considering your migration complete, make sure you have:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li id=\"htoc-confirmed-that-your-website-loads-correctly-on-the-new-hosting-environment\">Confirmed that your website loads correctly on the new hosting environment.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li id=\"htoc-tested-your-contact-forms-user-logins-and-key-website-functionality\">Tested your contact forms, user\u00a0logins\u00a0and key website functionality.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li id=\"htoc-verified-that-your-ssl-certificate-is-active\">Verified that your SSL certificate is active.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li id=\"htoc-confirmed-that-email-can-be-sent-and-received-if-email-services-were-migrated\">Confirmed that email can be sent and received if email services were migrated.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li id=\"htoc-checked-that-your-dns-records-point-to-the-correct-server\">Checked that your DNS records point to the correct server.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li id=\"htoc-allowed-sufficient-time-for-dns-propagation-before-investigating-access-issues\">Allowed sufficient time for DNS propagation before investigating access issues.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li id=\"htoc-confirmed-that-all-website-content-is-present-before-cancelling-your-previous-hosting-service\">Confirmed that all website content is present before cancelling your\u00a0previous\u00a0hosting service.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"htoc-common-mistakes-to-avoid\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Common Mistakes to Avoid<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li id=\"htoc-cancelling-your-previous-hosting-account-before-dns-propagation-has-completed\">Cancelling your\u00a0previous\u00a0hosting account before DNS propagation has completed.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li id=\"htoc-forgetting-to-create-a-backup-before-beginning-the-migration\">Forgetting to create a backup before beginning the migration.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li id=\"htoc-updating-website-content-during-the-migration-process\">Updating website content during the migration process.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li id=\"htoc-assuming-dns-updates-take-effect-immediately-worldwide\">Assuming DNS updates take effect\u00a0immediately\u00a0worldwide.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li id=\"htoc-forgetting-to-test-email-services-after-updating-dns\">Forgetting to test email services after updating DNS.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"htoc-if-this-didn-t-work\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>If This Didn&#8217;t Work<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If your website or email services are not working correctly after migration, gather the following information before contacting 1-grid Support:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li id=\"htoc-your-domain-name\">Your domain name.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li id=\"htoc-your-hosting-package-details\">Your hosting package details.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li id=\"htoc-the-approximate-time-the-migration-or-dns-update-was-completed\">The approximate time the migration or DNS update was completed.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li id=\"htoc-any-error-messages-displayed\">Any error messages displayed.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li id=\"htoc-screenshots-of-the-issue-where-possible\">Screenshots of the issue (where possible).\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li id=\"htoc-details-of-any-website-functionality-that-is-not-working-correctly\">Details of any website functionality that is not working correctly.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li id=\"htoc-confirmation-of-whether-email-services-are-also-affected\">Confirmation of whether email services are also affected.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Providing this information will help our Support team investigate the issue more efficiently.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"htoc-related-articles\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Related Articles<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li id=\"htoc-how-to-change-your-domain-s-nameservers\"><a href=\"https:\/\/1grid.co.za\/knowledge\/how-to-update-your-domains-nameservers-at-1-grid\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>How to Change Your Domain&#8217;s Nameservers\u00a0<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li id=\"htoc-understanding-dns-propagation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/1grid.co.za\/knowledge\/what-is-dns-propagation-and-why-does-it-take-so-long\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Understanding DNS Propagation\u00a0<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li id=\"htoc-how-to-back-up-your-website\"><a href=\"https:\/\/1grid.co.za\/knowledge\/?s=website+backup&amp;ht-kb-search=1&amp;lang=\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>How to Back Up Your Website<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li id=\"htoc-how-to-restore-a-website-backup\"><a href=\"https:\/\/1grid.co.za\/knowledge\/?s=restore&amp;ht-kb-search=1&amp;lang=\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>How to Restore a Website Backup\u00a0<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li id=\"htoc-troubleshooting-website-downtime-after-dns-changes\"><a href=\"https:\/\/1grid.co.za\/knowledge\/website-down-step-by-step-checks-before-contacting-1-grid-support\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Troubleshooting Website Downtime After DNS Changes\u00a0<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"htoc-faqs\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>FAQs<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary><strong>How long does a website migration take?\u00a0<\/strong><\/summary>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" id=\"htoc-the-migration-itself-varies-depending-on-the-size-and-complexity-of-your-website-once-dns-records-are-updated-propagation-usually-completes-within-24-hours-but-can-take-up-to-48-hours\">The migration itself varies depending on the size and complexity of your website. Once DNS records are updated, propagation usually completes within 24 hours but can take up to 48 hours.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary><strong>Will my website be offline during migration?\u00a0<\/strong><\/summary>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" id=\"htoc-not-necessarily-with-proper-planning-many-website-migrations-are-completed-with-little-or-no-noticeable-downtime\">Not necessarily. With proper planning, many website migrations are completed with little or no noticeable downtime.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary><strong>Why do some visitors still see my old website?\u00a0<\/strong><\/summary>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" id=\"htoc-this-is-usually-caused-by-dns-propagation-during-this-period-different-internet-providers-may-still-direct-visitors-to-your-previous-hosting-server-until-their-dns-records-refresh\">This is usually caused by DNS propagation. During this period, different internet providers may still direct visitors to your\u00a0previous\u00a0hosting server until their DNS records refresh.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary><strong>Should I cancel my\u00a0previous\u00a0hosting account\u00a0immediately?\u00a0<\/strong><\/summary>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" id=\"htoc-no-it-s-recommended-that-you-keep-your-previous-hosting-account-active-until-you-ve-confirmed-that-your-website-email-services-and-dns-updates-are-working-correctly-after-propagation\">No.\u00a0It&#8217;s\u00a0recommended that you keep your\u00a0previous\u00a0hosting account active until\u00a0you&#8217;ve\u00a0confirmed that your website, email\u00a0services\u00a0and DNS updates are working correctly after propagation.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary><strong>Will my emails be affected during migration?\u00a0<\/strong><\/summary>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" id=\"htoc-if-your-email-services-are-migrated-or-your-mx-records-are-updated-email-delivery-may-be-temporarily-affected-while-dns-propagation-completes\">If your email services are migrated or your MX records are updated, email delivery may be temporarily affected while DNS propagation completes.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary><strong>Can I make changes to my website during migration?\u00a0<\/strong><\/summary>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" id=\"htoc-it-s-best-to-avoid-making-significant-changes-until-the-migration-and-dns-propagation-have-completed-to-reduce-the-risk-of-missing-or-conflicting-data\">It&#8217;s\u00a0best to avoid making significant changes until the migration and DNS propagation have completed to reduce the risk of missing or conflicting data.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"htoc-empowering-insight\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Empowering Insight<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/1grid.co.za\/knowledge\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1-grid-Images-for-KB-Articles-1000-x-600-px-1600-x-300-px.png\" alt=\"Empowering Insight\" class=\"wp-image-34464\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Website migrations can seem intimidating, but&nbsp;they&#8217;re&nbsp;a routine part of managing a growing online presence. With good preparation, complete backups and careful testing, most migrations are completed smoothly with minimal disruption to your visitors.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"htoc-need-additional-support\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Need Additional Support?<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If&nbsp;you&#8217;ve&nbsp;followed the steps in this guide and are still experiencing issues after your website migration,&nbsp;we&#8217;re&nbsp;here to help.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/1grid.co.za\/contact-us\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Contact us<\/strong><\/a> with the information listed in the\u00a0<strong>If This Didn&#8217;t Work<\/strong>\u00a0section. Providing these details upfront will help us investigate your migration more efficiently and get your website back online as quickly as possible.\u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>With the right preparation, a website migration to 1-grid can be completed with little or no noticeable downtime.\u00a0 This guide will help you prepare for migrating your website to 1-grid while minimising downtime and reducing the risk of service interruptions.\u00a0 By the end of this guide, you will learn what&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":21,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"ht-kb-category":[1174,1191,24],"ht-kb-tag":[124,238,307,1504,1795,1911,1661,1909,629,1910,1821,1740],"class_list":["post-35081","ht_kb","type-ht_kb","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","ht_kb_category-hosting","ht_kb_category-domain-names-setup-config","ht_kb_category-website","ht_kb_tag-back-up","ht_kb_tag-cpanel","ht_kb_tag-dns","ht_kb_tag-dns-propagation","ht_kb_tag-domain-management","ht_kb_tag-downtime","ht_kb_tag-getting-started","ht_kb_tag-hosting-migration","ht_kb_tag-migration","ht_kb_tag-website-backup","ht_kb_tag-website-hosting","ht_kb_tag-website-migration"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v22.0 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Website Migration to 1-grid: How to Prepare\u00a0 - 1-grid Knowledge Base<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn how to prepare for a website migration to 1-grid. A step-by-step guide covering backups, DNS propagation, and downtime prevention.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/1grid.co.za\/knowledge\/website-migration-to-1-grid-how-to-prepare\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Website Migration to 1-grid: How to Prepare\u00a0 - 1-grid Knowledge Base\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Learn how to prepare for a website migration to 1-grid. A step-by-step guide covering backups, DNS propagation, and downtime prevention.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/1grid.co.za\/knowledge\/website-migration-to-1-grid-how-to-prepare\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"1-grid Knowledge Base\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/1grid.co.za\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-07-17T09:05:53+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/1grid.co.za\/knowledge\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/1-grid-Images-for-KB-Articles-1000-x-600-px-79.png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@1grid_hosting\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"7 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/1grid.co.za\/knowledge\/website-migration-to-1-grid-how-to-prepare\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/1grid.co.za\/knowledge\/website-migration-to-1-grid-how-to-prepare\/\",\"name\":\"Website Migration to 1-grid: How to Prepare\u00a0 - 1-grid Knowledge Base\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/1grid.co.za\/knowledge\/#website\"},\"datePublished\":\"2026-07-17T09:05:52+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-07-17T09:05:53+00:00\",\"description\":\"Learn how to prepare for a website migration to 1-grid. A step-by-step guide covering backups, DNS propagation, and downtime prevention.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/1grid.co.za\/knowledge\/website-migration-to-1-grid-how-to-prepare\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/1grid.co.za\/knowledge\/website-migration-to-1-grid-how-to-prepare\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/1grid.co.za\/knowledge\/website-migration-to-1-grid-how-to-prepare\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/1grid.co.za\/knowledge\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Website Migration to 1-grid: How to Prepare\u00a0\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/1grid.co.za\/knowledge\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/1grid.co.za\/knowledge\/\",\"name\":\"1-Grid Domain Hosting Knowledge Base\",\"description\":\"\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/1grid.co.za\/knowledge\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/1grid.co.za\/knowledge\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":\"required name=search_term_string\"}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/1grid.co.za\/knowledge\/#organization\",\"name\":\"1-Grid Domain Hosting Knowledge Base\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/1grid.co.za\/knowledge\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/1grid.co.za\/knowledge\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/1grid.co.za\/knowledge\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/1-grid-logo-color.svg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/1grid.co.za\/knowledge\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/1-grid-logo-color.svg\",\"width\":100,\"height\":100,\"caption\":\"1-Grid Domain Hosting Knowledge Base\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/1grid.co.za\/knowledge\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/1grid.co.za\/\",\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/1grid_hosting\",\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/1grid_hosting\/\",\"https:\/\/za.linkedin.com\/company\/1-grid\"]}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Website Migration to 1-grid: How to Prepare\u00a0 - 1-grid Knowledge Base","description":"Learn how to prepare for a website migration to 1-grid. A step-by-step guide covering backups, DNS propagation, and downtime prevention.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/1grid.co.za\/knowledge\/website-migration-to-1-grid-how-to-prepare\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Website Migration to 1-grid: How to Prepare\u00a0 - 1-grid Knowledge Base","og_description":"Learn how to prepare for a website migration to 1-grid. A step-by-step guide covering backups, DNS propagation, and downtime prevention.","og_url":"https:\/\/1grid.co.za\/knowledge\/website-migration-to-1-grid-how-to-prepare\/","og_site_name":"1-grid Knowledge Base","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/1grid.co.za\/","article_modified_time":"2026-07-17T09:05:53+00:00","og_image":[{"url":"https:\/\/1grid.co.za\/knowledge\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/1-grid-Images-for-KB-Articles-1000-x-600-px-79.png"}],"twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_site":"@1grid_hosting","twitter_misc":{"Est. reading time":"7 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/1grid.co.za\/knowledge\/website-migration-to-1-grid-how-to-prepare\/","url":"https:\/\/1grid.co.za\/knowledge\/website-migration-to-1-grid-how-to-prepare\/","name":"Website Migration to 1-grid: How to Prepare\u00a0 - 1-grid Knowledge Base","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/1grid.co.za\/knowledge\/#website"},"datePublished":"2026-07-17T09:05:52+00:00","dateModified":"2026-07-17T09:05:53+00:00","description":"Learn how to prepare for a website migration to 1-grid. A step-by-step guide covering backups, DNS propagation, and downtime prevention.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/1grid.co.za\/knowledge\/website-migration-to-1-grid-how-to-prepare\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/1grid.co.za\/knowledge\/website-migration-to-1-grid-how-to-prepare\/"]}]},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/1grid.co.za\/knowledge\/website-migration-to-1-grid-how-to-prepare\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/1grid.co.za\/knowledge\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Website Migration to 1-grid: How to Prepare\u00a0"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/1grid.co.za\/knowledge\/#website","url":"https:\/\/1grid.co.za\/knowledge\/","name":"1-Grid Domain Hosting Knowledge Base","description":"","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/1grid.co.za\/knowledge\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/1grid.co.za\/knowledge\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":"required name=search_term_string"}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/1grid.co.za\/knowledge\/#organization","name":"1-Grid Domain Hosting Knowledge Base","url":"https:\/\/1grid.co.za\/knowledge\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/1grid.co.za\/knowledge\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/1grid.co.za\/knowledge\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/1-grid-logo-color.svg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/1grid.co.za\/knowledge\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/1-grid-logo-color.svg","width":100,"height":100,"caption":"1-Grid Domain Hosting Knowledge Base"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/1grid.co.za\/knowledge\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/1grid.co.za\/","https:\/\/twitter.com\/1grid_hosting","https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/1grid_hosting\/","https:\/\/za.linkedin.com\/company\/1-grid"]}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/1grid.co.za\/knowledge\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ht-kb\/35081","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/1grid.co.za\/knowledge\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ht-kb"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/1grid.co.za\/knowledge\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/ht_kb"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/1grid.co.za\/knowledge\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/21"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/1grid.co.za\/knowledge\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=35081"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/1grid.co.za\/knowledge\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ht-kb\/35081\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":35085,"href":"https:\/\/1grid.co.za\/knowledge\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ht-kb\/35081\/revisions\/35085"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/1grid.co.za\/knowledge\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=35081"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"ht_kb_category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/1grid.co.za\/knowledge\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ht-kb-category?post=35081"},{"taxonomy":"ht_kb_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/1grid.co.za\/knowledge\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ht-kb-tag?post=35081"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}