Learn about the differences between site migrations and domain transfers in this article.

This article explains the differences between a site migration and a domain transfer. These two terms are sometimes confused, because people may assume that a domain name (example.com) and a website are the same thing. However, they are separate services that can be hosted by the same company or by different companies.

Site Migrations

In a site migration, a hosting account's content is copied from one hosting provider to another. The migrated content usually includes:

• Website files

• E-mail messages

• Databases

• cPanel settings (for cPanel-based accounts)

A site migration does not affect the existing, functioning site. Content is duplicated, not removed. To make the migrated site “live,” the domain’s name servers must be updated to point to the new hosting server.

A site migration can take from a few hours to a couple of days, depending on the size and amount of content being transferred.

Note: For more information about migrating an account from another web host, please see this article.

Domain Transfers

A domain transfer moves the registration for a domain name (for example, example.com) from one registrar to another. This process does not involve migrating any website content.

If you transfer a domain to hosting.com, the site’s content will not automatically move to hosting.com. For example, if you transfer your domain from another registrar to hosting.com and change the name servers to point to hosting.com, your site will not appear unless you also complete a site migration.

A domain transfer may take up to 10 days to complete, depending on the registrar.

Important: While a domain transfer is in progress, you cannot change the name server settings.

Note: For more information about how to transfer a domain, please see this article.

So, What Should I Do?

• If you want to change hosting providers for your website, you must complete a site migration and update the domain’s name servers to point to the new host.

• If you want the convenience of managing both your website and domain name with one company, you should also complete a domain transfer.

• For faster results, update the domain’s name servers to the new provider before initiating the domain transfer, as name server changes cannot be made while the transfer is in progress.