The decision to migrate from shared hosting to VPS represents a significant milestone—your website has outgrown its starter home and needs more robust infrastructure. Yet the migration process itself intimidates many website owners. What if something breaks? What if you lose data? How long will the site be down? These concerns often delay migrations longer than necessary, allowing performance problems to persist and frustrate users.

This comprehensive guide walks through migrating from cheap shared hosting India to cheap VPS hosting India, demystifying the process and ensuring a smooth transition with minimal downtime and maximum confidence.

Before You Begin: Is Migration Really Necessary?

First, confirm migration is the right move:

Clear Signs You Need VPS

Performance consistently poor: Pages load slowly (3+ seconds) despite optimization efforts.

Resource limit warnings: Regular emails from hosting provider about CPU or memory usage.

Traffic growth: Exceeding 20,000-30,000 monthly visitors consistently.

Plugin limitations: Cannot install needed plugins due to shared hosting restrictions.

E-commerce operations: Running WooCommerce or payment processing with reliability concerns.

Multiple websites: Managing 3+ sites on expensive separate shared hosting plans.

When to Stay on Shared Hosting

Traffic under 10,000 monthly: Shared hosting handles this comfortably for most sites.

Budget extremely constrained: VPS costs ₹500-₹1,500 versus ₹100-₹300 for shared hosting.

Zero technical skills: Without technical expertise or willingness to learn, unmanaged VPS creates problems. Consider managed VPS if migrating.

Performance is acceptable: If current hosting meets needs, don’t migrate just because VPS sounds more professional.

Understanding Migration Components

Successful migration requires moving several elements:

Website Files

What’s included:

• WordPress core files (or other CMS)
• Themes and plugins
• Uploaded media (images, videos, documents)
• Custom code and scripts
• Configuration files

Size consideration: Note total file size—impacts transfer time and required VPS storage.

Databases

What’s included:

• WordPress database (posts, pages, comments, settings)
• User accounts and metadata
• Plugin data and configurations
• Custom application data

Critical: Database exports must be complete and uncorrupted. This is your content—losing it is catastrophic.

Email Accounts

What’s included:

• Email addresses (@yourdomain.com)
• Existing email messages
• Mail settings and configurations
• Forwarding rules and filters

Alternative: Consider migrating email to Google Workspace or similar service separately from website migration.

DNS Settings

What’s controlled:

• Domain name pointing to hosting server
• Subdomain configurations
• Email routing (MX records)
• Other DNS records (TXT, CNAME, etc.)

Timing: DNS changes take 4-48 hours to propagate globally, though often complete within hours.

Pre-Migration Preparation (Critical Steps)

Preparation prevents problems. Never skip these steps:

Step 1: Complete Backup of Current Site

Create comprehensive backups:

Files backup:

• Download complete website files via FTP/SFTP or cPanel File Manager
• Verify download completed successfully (check file count and sizes)
• Store locally on your computer (not just on server)

Database backup:

• Export database via phpMyAdmin or cPanel backup tool
• Download .sql file to local computer
• Verify file isn’t corrupted (open in text editor—should contain SQL commands)

Email backup (if migrating email):

• Download emails via IMAP to local email client
• Export to safe format (MBOX or PST)
• Verify emails are accessible locally

Backup timing: Create backups immediately before migration for most current content.

Step 2: Document Current Configuration

Record critical information:

PHP version: Check current PHP version (affects compatibility)

WordPress version: Note current version

Plugin list: Document all active plugins

Theme details: Record theme name and version

Custom configurations: Note any special .htaccess rules, cron jobs, or custom settings

Why it matters: Matching configurations on VPS prevents compatibility issues.

Step 3: Choose and Set Up VPS

Select appropriate VPS specifications:

Minimum for WordPress: 1-2GB RAM, 1-2 CPU cores, 20-40GB storage

Recommended for growing sites: 2-4GB RAM, 2-4 CPU cores, 40-80GB SSD

For multiple sites or high traffic: 4-8GB RAM, 4+ CPU cores, 80GB+ storage

Choose management level:

Unmanaged VPS: Lower cost (₹400-₹800/month), requires technical skills for setup and maintenance.

Managed VPS: Higher cost (₹1,000-₹2,500/month), provider handles server configuration, updates, security—ideal for non-technical users.

For first migration: Unless technically proficient, managed VPS prevents frustrating complications.

VPS setup requirements:

Install control panel: cPanel, Plesk, or alternative for easier management (managed VPS typically includes this).

Configure web server: Apache or Nginx installation and configuration.

Install database server: MySQL or MariaDB.

Install PHP: Match or exceed shared hosting PHP version.

Configure SSL: Let’s Encrypt or similar for HTTPS.

Managed VPS advantage: Provider handles all technical setup, allowing focus on content migration.

Step 4: Test VPS Access

Verify you can access:

• VPS control panel (cPanel/Plesk)
• SSH access (if using command line)
• FTP/SFTP connections
• Database management (phpMyAdmin)

Resolve access issues before migration begins to avoid mid-process delays.

Migration Process: Detailed Steps

Method 1: Manual Migration (Most Control)

Best for: Technical users wanting complete control, or learning the process thoroughly.

Step 1: Upload Website Files to VPS

Via FTP/SFTP:

1. Connect FTP client (FileZilla, Cyberduck) to VPS
2. Navigate to public_html (or equivalent web root directory)
3. Upload all backed-up website files
4. Verify upload completed (check file count matches backup)

Upload time: 10 minutes to several hours depending on site size and connection speed.

Tip: Compress files into .zip before uploading, then extract on server—much faster for sites with thousands of files.

Step 2: Import Database

Via phpMyAdmin:

1. Access phpMyAdmin on VPS
2. Create new database (note database name)
3. Create database user with strong password
4. Grant user all privileges on new database
5. Select database and click “Import”
6. Choose backed-up .sql file
7. Click “Go” and wait for import completion

Large database consideration: Imports over 50MB may timeout. Split into smaller files or use command-line import if available.

Step 3: Update Database Connection

WordPress-specific:

1. Locate wp-config.php in website files
2. Update database name, username, and password to match VPS database credentials
3. Save file

Verify: Database connection details match exactly what you configured in Step 2.

Step 4: Update Site URLs (If IP Changed)

For WordPress:

Option 1: Via phpMyAdmin:

• Navigate to wp_options table
• Find “siteurl” and “home” entries
• Update both to new domain or temporary IP

Option 2: Via wp-config.php (temporary):

php

define('WP_HOME','http://your-vps-ip-address');
define('WP_SITEURL','http://your-vps-ip-address');

Step 5: Test Site on VPS (Before DNS Change)

Access via hosts file (testing without DNS change):

Windows: Edit C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts

Mac/Linux: Edit /etc/hosts

Add line: VPS-IP-ADDRESS yourdomain.com

Test thoroughly:

• Browse multiple pages
• Test contact forms
• Check images load correctly
• Verify admin dashboard works
• Test checkout (for e-commerce)

Fix issues before DNS changes—easier to troubleshoot while old site still runs normally.

Method 2: Automated Migration Plugin

Best for: WordPress users wanting simplicity, less technical users.

Recommended plugins: All-in-One WP Migration, Duplicator, UpdraftPlus

Process:

1. Install migration plugin on shared hosting WordPress
2. Create migration package (plugin exports files and database)
3. Download package to local computer
4. Install fresh WordPress on VPS
5. Install same migration plugin on VPS WordPress
6. Upload and restore migration package
7. Test thoroughly before DNS change

Advantages: Simplified process, less technical knowledge required, automated configuration updates.

Disadvantages: Large sites may exceed plugin size limits, premium versions often required for full features.

Method 3: Provider Migration Service

Best for: Non-technical users, mission-critical sites requiring zero downtime.

Process:

1. Contact VPS provider and request migration assistance
2. Provide current hosting details (control panel access or FTP credentials)
3. Provider performs migration (typically 24-48 hours)
4. Review and test migrated site
5. Approve DNS change when satisfied

Cost: Often free for managed VPS, or ₹2,000-₹5,000 for professional migration service.

Advantages: Professional handling, minimal downtime, expert troubleshooting if issues arise.

Best practice: Backup sites yourself even when using provider services—always maintain your own data copies.

DNS Cutover and Going Live

After successful testing, make site live on VPS:

Step 1: Update Nameservers

At domain registrar:

1. Log into domain registrar account (GoDaddy, Namecheap, etc.)
2. Find DNS or nameserver settings
3. Update nameservers to VPS hosting provider’s nameservers
4. Save changes

Propagation time: 4-48 hours for global propagation, though often faster.

Gradual process: Some users see new site immediately, others see old site for hours—this is normal during propagation.

Step 2: Monitor During Transition

Check periodically:

• Test site from different devices/networks
• Monitor email delivery
• Check contact form submissions
• Review analytics for traffic patterns

Common transition issues:

• Email temporarily routes to old server
• Cache showing old site (clear browser cache)
• SSL certificate warnings (verify SSL configured correctly on VPS)

Step 3: Maintain Old Hosting Temporarily

Keep shared hosting active 7-14 days after DNS change:

Why: DNS propagation takes time, some users may still reach old server temporarily.

During this period:

• Redirect old site to new (add notice or redirect)
• Monitor old hosting for any activity
• Verify all traffic shifted to new server before canceling

Step 4: Verify Everything Works

Comprehensive testing post-migration:

Functionality checks:

• All pages load correctly
• Forms submit properly
• Search works
• Shopping cart and checkout (e-commerce)
• User registration/login

Performance checks:

• Page load speeds improved
• No error messages or warnings
• Mobile responsiveness maintained

Technical checks:

• SSL certificate valid
• Google Search Console no errors
• Analytics tracking works
• Email sending functions

Post-Migration Tasks

Update Services Pointing to Old Server

Services to update:

• Google Search Console (verify new server IP)
• CDN configurations (update origin server)
• Monitoring services (update URLs/IPs)
• Backup services pointing to old location

Optimize VPS Performance

Now running on VPS, implement optimizations:

Caching: Install object caching (Redis/Memcached)

Content caching: Configure page caching

CDN: Integrate CloudFlare or similar

Image optimization: Implement lazy loading, WebP format

Database optimization: Run optimization plugins or SQL optimization

Cancel Old Shared Hosting

After 14+ days of stable VPS operation:

• Confirm zero traffic to old server
• Download final backups from shared hosting
• Cancel shared hosting subscription
• Verify cancellation confirmation

Don’t rush: Better to pay one extra month of shared hosting than cancel prematurely and lose access to backups or email.

Troubleshooting Common Migration Issues

Issue 1: White Screen or Database Connection Error

Cause: Incorrect database credentials in wp-config.php

Solution:

• Verify database name, username, password match VPS database
• Check database server is “localhost” or correct IP
• Confirm database user has proper privileges

Issue 2: Missing Images or Broken Links

Cause: Incorrect file permissions or incomplete file upload

Solution:

• Set proper file permissions (755 for directories, 644 for files)
• Re-upload missing files
• Check image URLs in database match new location

Issue 3: Site Still Shows Old Content

Cause: DNS propagation incomplete or browser cache

Solution:

• Clear browser cache and cookies
• Try different browser or device
• Wait additional hours for DNS propagation
• Verify nameservers updated correctly

Issue 4: Email Not Working

Cause: MX records not updated or email accounts not recreated

Solution:

• Verify MX records point to correct mail server
• Recreate email accounts on VPS
• Update email client settings (incoming/outgoing servers)

Issue 5: SSL Certificate Warnings

Cause: SSL not installed or configured incorrectly on VPS

Solution:

• Install Let’s Encrypt SSL certificate
• Update site URLs to HTTPS in database
• Add HTTPS redirect in .htaccess

Migration Checklist Summary

Pre-Migration:

• Complete website backup
• Database export
• Document current configuration
• Choose and setup VPS
• Test VPS access

Migration:

• Upload files to VPS
• Import database
• Update database connection
• Test site on VPS (via hosts file)
• Fix any issues found

Going Live:

• Update nameservers at domain registrar
• Monitor during DNS propagation
• Test thoroughly once DNS propagated
• Verify email working

Post-Migration:

• Update services (Search Console, etc.)
• Implement VPS optimizations
• Keep old hosting 14 days
• Cancel old hosting after verification

Cost Considerations

Migration investment:

DIY approach: ₹0 (your time only)

Migration plugin premium: ₹1,500-₹3,000 one-time

Professional migration service: ₹2,000-₹10,000

Ongoing cost change:

• From: ₹100-₹300/month shared hosting
• To: ₹500-₹2,500/month VPS (managed)

ROI calculation: Better performance, reliability, and growth capacity justify cost increase for sites beyond basic starter phase.

Making Migration Less Stressful

Best practices:

Migrate during low-traffic periods: Weekday mornings typically see less traffic than evenings or weekends.

Allow extra time: Don’t schedule migration right before important events or launches.

Test thoroughly: Better to delay going live than rush with unfixed issues.

Ask for help: VPS providers (especially cheap VPS hosting India with managed services) often provide migration assistance.

Accept imperfection: Minor cosmetic issues during transition are acceptable—functionality matters most.

For most users, particularly those without technical backgrounds, choosing cheap VPS hosting India with managed services and migration assistance provides the smoothest transition path. Providers like bagful offer migration support specifically helping users transition from shared hosting successfully.

Migration from shared to VPS hosting represents growth—embrace it as a positive milestone rather than dreading the technical process. With proper preparation, methodical execution, and adequate testing, migration proceeds smoothly, positioning your website for its next growth phase on infrastructure that won’t hold it back.