Migrating from Hostnet: complete guide for a smooth transition

Are you planning to migrate your website from Hostnet to another hosting provider? You're not alone. Many website administrators consider making a switch for various reasons. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explain step by step how to safely and efficiently migrate your website, databases, email, and domain name to a new host.

Why website administrators migrate from Hostnet

There are several reasons why people decide to host elsewhere:

Price level: Hostnet's packages can be more expensive than some competitors for similar specifications.

Performance for specific needs: Very resource-intensive websites may benefit from specialized VPS or cloud solutions.

More modern alternatives: Some newer providers offer more cutting-edge features and better interfaces.

Specialized WordPress hosting: For WordPress-only sites, specialized managed WordPress hosts may perform better.

Cancellation period and contract terms at Hostnet

Before you start migrating your website, it's essential to thoroughly review the contractual terms:

Cancellation period: Hostnet typically applies a one-month cancellation period. This means you must cancel at least one month before your desired end date. Always check your specific contract in your customer portal or contact customer service to be certain of your situation.

Automatic renewal: Note that many hosting contracts automatically renew. If you don't cancel on time, you often renew for a whole year. Set a reminder in your calendar so you don't forget this.

Refund policy: Early cancellation usually doesn't result in a refund for remaining months. Therefore, plan your migration smartly: start preparing, execute the transfer, and test everything thoroughly before canceling. This way you get maximum value from your paid period.

Domain name ownership: Check if your domain name is registered in your own name. You can verify this through a WHOIS lookup. If Hostnet is listed as owner instead of you, request an ownership change in time. This is crucial for a smooth transfer.

Domain name transfer: If you're moving your domain name to a new provider, you'll need a transfer code (EPP code or authorization code). Request this code from Hostnet before canceling. Some providers block transfers after cancellation.

Backups and data ownership: You always have the right to your own data. Make a complete backup in time to be safe, as access to your account may expire after cancellation.

Exporting data: step-by-step instructions

Exporting all your website data is the most important phase of migration. Follow these steps carefully:

Step 1: Log in to the Hostnet customer panel

Log in to the Hostnet control panel. This is usually accessible via the Hostnet website, where you log in with your username and password. You'll then enter the dashboard where you can manage all your hosting products and domain names.

Step 2: Download website files

For downloading your website files, you have several options:

Via File Manager (recommended for smaller websites):

• Navigate to the File Manager in your control panel
• Go to the folder where your website is located (often public_html, www, or httpdocs)
• Select all files and folders
• Click "Compress" or "Archive" to create a ZIP file
• Download this ZIP file to your local computer

Via FTP (recommended for larger websites):

• Download an FTP client like FileZilla (free)
• Request your FTP credentials in the control panel (hostname, username, password)
• Connect to the FTP server
• Navigate to your website folder
• Select all files and download them to a local folder on your computer
• FTP is more reliable for large amounts of data and automatically resumes after interruptions

Important: Download all subfolders, including hidden files like .htaccess. These are often essential for your website to function correctly.

Step 3: Export database

If your website uses a database (for example for WordPress, Joomla, Drupal, or Magento), you must also export it:

Via phpMyAdmin:

• Open phpMyAdmin from your control panel
• Select your database in the left menu
• Click the "Export" tab at the top
• Choose the "Quick" method and "SQL" as format (sufficient for most cases)
• For larger databases: choose "Custom" and check "Save output to a file"
• Click "Go" or "Start" to download the .sql file
• Save this file in a safe location

Tips:

• Export as .sql format
• For very large databases (100MB+): consider compression (gzip) or ask your new host for direct database transfer
• Note the database name, username, and password - you'll need these for the import

Step 4: Create email backup

If you use email accounts through Hostnet, also back up your emails:

Email via IMAP:

• If you use IMAP, your emails are already synchronized locally in your email client (Outlook, Thunderbird, Apple Mail)
• For safety, make an extra export of important folders
• Note all email settings (IMAP/POP server, ports, usernames)

Email via webmail:

• Log in to the webmail environment
• Export important emails manually or use an email client to download everything via IMAP
• Take screenshots of your email settings

Email forwarders and filters:

• Note all configured forwarding rules
• Document spam filters and autoresponders
• You'll need to manually reconfigure these at the new host

Step 5: SSL certificate information

If you use an SSL certificate:

Let's Encrypt (free):

• You don't need to export this
• Your new host can generate a new Let's Encrypt certificate (often automatically)

Paid SSL certificate:

• Download the certificate files (.crt, .key, .ca-bundle)
• These are often found under "SSL/TLS" in the control panel
• Store these securely - you'll need them at the new host
• Check your certificate's expiration date

Preparing DNS for a smooth transition

DNS settings determine where your domain name points. Careful preparation prevents downtime:

Document current DNS settings

Before changing anything, document your current DNS configuration:

• Log in to your domain name management (at Hostnet or external domain registrar)
• Go to DNS settings or "DNS Management"
• Take screenshots or note all records:
  • A-record (points to IP address of web server)
  • MX-records (mail server routing)
  • CNAME-records (subdomains)
  • TXT-records (SPF, DKIM for email)
• This information is your safety net if something goes wrong

Check nameservers

• Note the current nameservers (for example ns1.{provider}.nl and ns2.{provider}.nl)
• After migration, you'll change these to your new host's nameservers
• Some people choose to use an external DNS service (Cloudflare, Route53) for more control

Lower TTL for faster propagation

TTL (Time To Live) determines how long DNS records are cached:

• Lower your TTL value to 300 seconds (5 minutes) a few days before migration
• This ensures DNS changes propagate faster worldwide
• TTL is often set to 86400 (24 hours) by default, meaning changes can take a long time
• After successful migration, you can raise the TTL again

MX records for email

Pay extra attention to MX records:

• These determine where your email is sent
• If you host email with another provider (like Google Workspace, Microsoft 365), don't change these records
• If your email is at Hostnet and moving: update these to your new host's mail servers
• Test email thoroughly after DNS change

Recommended alternatives to Hostnet

Looking for a good replacement? Here are three strong alternatives:

1. TransIP

TransIP offers similar hosting for often lower prices with a more modern control panel.

Why suitable: Often cheaper, good quality.

2. Vimexx

Vimexx distinguishes itself through performance and excellent customer service.

Why suitable: Premium performance, good support.

3. Antagonist

Antagonist offers no-nonsense hosting with focus on privacy and speed.

For comprehensive comparisons of these providers, check our detailed reviews and comparison tool.

Migration checklist: don't forget anything

Use this checklist to ensure you don't overlook anything:

• Contract terms and cancellation period checked
• Complete backup made of all website files
• Database exported via phpMyAdmin
• Emails and email settings backed up
• SSL certificate details noted/downloaded
• DNS settings documented (screenshots)
• TTL lowered to 300 seconds
• New hosting account created
• Website and database uploaded to new host
• Website tested on new host (via preview URL or hosts file)
• DNS records updated to new host
• Email settings configured on new host
• Website functionality fully tested (forms, checkout, logins)
• Email sending and receiving tested
• SSL certificate active and working
• 404 errors and broken links checked
• Website speed tested
• Old hosting only canceled after successful migration
• Backups kept for at least 3-6 months

Frequently asked questions about migrating from Hostnet

How long does a website migration typically take?

For a standard website with database and email: 2-4 hours of active work, spread over 2-3 days (for testing and DNS propagation). Very large or complex websites may take longer.

Can I migrate my website without downtime?

Yes, that's possible. First upload everything to your new host and test via a temporary URL. Only when everything works 100%, change the DNS. There may be a short overlap period during DNS propagation (maximum 24-48 hours, often much shorter).

What happens to my email during migration?

When you change DNS, emails can temporarily arrive at the old or new server. Therefore use IMAP (not POP3) and keep both email accounts active until DNS is fully propagated. Check both inboxes the first days after the switch.

Can Hostnet do the migration for me?

Hostnet may offer migration support, but if you're moving to a competitor they'll likely be less helpful. Many new hosts offer free migration services - ask about it.

Do I have to move my domain name too?

No, you don't have to. You can leave your domain name at Hostnet and just have the DNS point to your new hosting. Many people choose to keep domain name and hosting separate for flexibility.

This guide was last updated in December 2025. Always check current terms with Hostnet and your new provider for the most recent information.