To migrate your site to SiteGround with zero downtime, the key is to copy all files and the database to the new server before changing your DNS, then verify everything works using your computer's hosts file.
Many people fear hosting migrations because they think their site will go down for hours. With the right methodology, downtime can be zero seconds — or at worst, a few minutes during DNS propagation.
Why SiteGround Is Worth Migrating To
SiteGround offers servers in multiple locations (including North America and Europe), proprietary caching technology (SuperCacher), 24/7 support, and migration tools that simplify the process.
Their StartUp, GrowBig, and GoGeek plans all include one free managed migration by their team. That said, understanding the manual process gives you full control and lets you handle multiple sites or migrations on your own schedule.
Step 1: Purchase SiteGround — Do NOT Update DNS Yet
Buy your SiteGround plan and, when the setup wizard asks whether you want to update nameservers, choose "Later" or skip that screen. This is the most common mistake: pointing DNS before the site is live on the new server.
Note down your SiteGround hosting details:
- Server IP address (found under Site Tools → Domains)
- FTP or SFTP credentials
- Database name, user, and password (you'll create these in the next step)
Step 2: Copy Your Files to the New Server
Option A: Automatic migration with the SiteGround plugin (WordPress)
SiteGround offers the free SiteGround Migrator plugin in the WordPress repository. Install it on your current site, enter the migration token generated by the SiteGround panel (Site Tools → WordPress → Migrator), and the plugin copies files and database automatically.
- Install SiteGround Migrator on your current WordPress site.
- In SiteGround's Site Tools, generate a migration token.
- Enter the token in the plugin and click Transfer.
- Wait for the process to finish (10–60 minutes depending on site size).
Option B: Manual migration (any CMS or static site)
- Files: Connect to your current host via FTP/SFTP, compress the site root into a ZIP, and download it. Then upload the ZIP to SiteGround and extract it into the correct folder (
public_html). - Database: On your current host, open phpMyAdmin, select the database, and export a
.sqlfile. In SiteGround, create a new database under Site Tools → Database → MySQL and import the.sqlfile. - Update the connection string: Edit your CMS config file (
wp-config.phpfor WordPress) with the new database name, user, and password on SiteGround.
Step 3: Verify the Site Works on SiteGround Before Changing DNS
This step is the heart of the zero-downtime method. You'll "trick" your computer into loading the site from the new server so you can test it without anyone else noticing.
- Find the server IP in SiteGround (Site Tools → Domains → Nameservers & IPs).
- Edit your computer's
hostsfile:- Windows:
C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts - Mac/Linux:
/etc/hosts
- Windows:
- Add a line like:
123.45.67.89 yourdomain.com www.yourdomain.com - Save the file and open your browser — you'll now see the site from SiteGround.
- Click through all pages, test forms, logins, and checkout flows (if you have an online store). Make sure everything works 100%.
- Once satisfied, remove the lines you added to the
hostsfile.
If you find errors at this stage — broken URLs, missing images, database errors — fix them now, before anyone else sees them.
Step 4: Update DNS and Wait for Propagation
With the site verified and working on SiteGround, it's time to update your DNS:
| Method | Action | Estimated time |
|---|---|---|
| Nameservers | Change to ns1.siteground.net / ns2.siteground.net at your registrar | 2–48 hours |
| A record | Point to SiteGround's IP (propagates faster) | 15 min – 4 hours |
During propagation, some users will see the site on the old host and others on SiteGround. That is why it's critical that the site works identically on both servers. Do not delete anything from the old host for at least 72 hours.
Step 5: Enable SSL on SiteGround and Force HTTPS
SiteGround includes free Let's Encrypt certificates. Once DNS has propagated, activate yours under Site Tools → Security → SSL Manager. Select your domain, choose Let's Encrypt, and click Get.
Then enable the forced HTTPS redirect under Site Tools → Speed → HTTPS Enforcer. This ensures all traffic uses the secure connection.
For more hosting migration guides and provider comparisons, check out our hosting comparisons section.
Key Takeaways
- Zero downtime is achieved by copying the full site to SiteGround before updating DNS.
- The SiteGround Migrator plugin automates most of the work for WordPress sites.
- Use your computer's
hostsfile to verify the site on the new server before anyone else sees it. - Only change DNS once the site works at 100% on SiteGround.
- Keep your old hosting active for at least 72 hours after the DNS change as a safety net.
- Activate the free SSL certificate and HTTPS redirect once DNS has fully propagated.
If you'd prefer to hand off the process, the team at elenlace.com handles zero-downtime hosting migrations for businesses in Mexico, including full post-migration verification.
FAQ
Does SiteGround offer a free migration?
Yes, all SiteGround plans include one free managed migration performed by their technical support team. WordPress users can also use the SiteGround Migrator plugin for free to handle migrations themselves at any time.
How long does DNS propagation take?
Nameserver changes can take between 2 and 48 hours to propagate globally. If you update only the A record (the IP), propagation is faster: 15 minutes to 4 hours. You can monitor progress at dnschecker.org.
What if my site has errors on SiteGround after migrating?
The most common issues are: old domain URLs stored in the database (use the Better Search Replace plugin in WordPress to update them), incorrect file permissions (755 for folders, 644 for files), and incompatible PHP versions. Check your PHP version under Site Tools → PHP Manager.
Can I migrate a non-WordPress site to SiteGround?
Yes. The manual process of copying files via FTP and importing the database works for any CMS (Joomla, Drupal, PrestaShop) or static HTML site. SiteGround's 24/7 support team can also assist with CMS-specific migration steps if needed.
Prefer it done for you? El Enlace handles hosting and professional web development.
Further reading
Other providers and guides worth comparing:
