Quick answer
Can I move my website to another provider?
A website built from normal files can usually move to new hosting. One built inside a closed website builder may have to stay there, or be rebuilt somewhere else.
Your domain stays in your account; it just gets pointed at the new website.
The jargon
The words you'll come across, in plain English.
- Provider: the company that built or looks after your website.
- Hosting: where your website is kept so people can visit it.
- Domain: your website address. It's separate from the website itself.
- DNS: the settings that tell the internet where your website and email live.
- TTL: how long the internet remembers your DNS settings before checking again.
- Redirect: an automatic forward from an old page address to the new one.
- Website builder: a service like Wix or Squarespace where the site is built inside their system.
What needs moving?
What needs moving?
- The website files, or an export
- Photos and downloads
- Domain access and its settings
- Where your forms send enquiries
- Analytics and Search Console access
- Old page addresses that need sending to new ones
- Who your email is with, and its settings
- Hosting and backup details
Who owns it?
Do I own my website?
You might own your words, photos and your paid for website, while the web designer keeps their own templates and tools. Your agreement should say what you get handed over, and what a new company would need.
Clear from day one
You control the domain and know how your site is built, where it's hosted and what you'd get if you left.
Found out in a panic
Nobody knows who has the domain, whether the site can be moved, or where the forms send enquiries.
Same addresses
How do I move hosting without changing addresses?
If your domain and page addresses stay the same, set up and test the new hosting first, then switch your domain over. Google suggests lowering your DNS TTL to a few hours at least a week before the move, so the switch takes effect sooner. Keep the old hosting running until no visits reach it any more.
New addresses
What if my page addresses change?
Match each important old page to its new one, and set up permanent redirects so anyone using the old address lands in the right place. Update your Google profile, adverts, cards and Search Console too. You may move about on Google for a while.
A good handover
What does a good handover look like?
- Agree what's moving.And anything that won't work in the new place.
- Get access safely.Domain, hosting and anything connected.
- Set up the new hosting.And test it before switching.
- Switch over carefully.Change only what's needed, then test calling and forms.
- Keep an eye on it.Forms, email, errors, visits and Google.
- Then cancel the old one.Only once the new one's working and you've kept a backup.
Sprint Start
Can I move a Sprint Start website?
Once your Sprint Start website is yours, it can move to other hosting. A straightforward handover is included. Anything complicated, like rebuilding or fixing problems, is quoted before we start.
Sources
Where this guide comes from.
Checked against these official pages on 27/10/2026. Next check due 27/01/2027. Things can change sooner, so check the official page before an important decision.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions.
Can I keep my domain?
Yes. Keep it in your account and just change the settings that point it at the new site.
Will my email stop working?
It shouldn't, if your email settings are kept. Send a test after any change.
Will moving affect Google?
Moving host on its own shouldn't. Faults, slow pages, changed words or broken redirects can.
Can every website be moved?
No. Some website builders don't let you take it with you, so it needs rebuilding.
When should I cancel the old hosting?
Once the new one is tested, working, and you've kept a backup.
What if my old designer won't help?
Check your contract and what you already control. See what if my web designer owns my domain. For a serious dispute, get independent technical or legal advice.
Got a question?
Send us a message and we'll point you in the right direction.
We're happy to help, even if it's not about a website.
