The Perfect Guide On How To Migrate Magento 2 To A New Server

Magento 2 is huge, it’s known for its flexibility and scalability, has become one of the go-to platforms for e-commerce businesses worldwide. When it comes to handling large e-commerce websites with tons of products, Magento 2 stands out as a reliable choice. Its rich feature set and extensive customization options have made it a favorite among retailers, large and small. However, as an online store grows, there may come a time when the current hosting environment no longer meets the needs of the business, leading to the need to migrate Magento 2 to a new server.

But why would an organization choose to move Magento 2 from one server to another? The reasons are manifold:

• Performance Optimization: A new server may offer more powerful resources, allowing for faster load times and an overall more responsive site.
• Enhanced Security: Security is paramount in the e-commerce industry. Migrating to a new server might provide advanced security protocols and dedicated support to keep customer data safe.
• Scalability: As your business grows, so too will your website’s needs. A new server can provide the scalability required to handle increased traffic and more complex operations.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Sometimes, finding a more economical hosting option without compromising on quality and performance is a solid reason to migrate Magento 2 webshop.
• Compliance and Regulations: Different regions may have different legal and compliance requirements. Migrating to a new server in a particular geographic location may be necessary to meet these standards.
• Technological Advancements: The world of technology is constantly evolving. Moving to a server that supports the latest technologies can ensure that your site remains competitive and on the cutting edge.

Moving Magento 2 to a new hosting environment is not a decision to be taken lightly. It involves careful planning, coordination, and execution to ensure that all the essential data, configurations, and extensions are transferred without loss or disruption.

This guide aims to shed light on the entire process, providing a step-by-step pathway to ensure a successful migration. Whether you’re looking to optimize your store’s performance, enhance security features, or simply align with the latest technology trends, understanding how to properly migrate Magento 2 is a valuable skill that can set your e-commerce site up for continued success.

Step-by-Step Guide to Migrate Magento 2: A Comprehensive Walkthrough

Migrating Magento 2 to a new server is a complex task that requires meticulous attention to detail. Below is a step-by-step guide that will walk you through the entire process, highlighting best practices and considerations to ensure a smooth transition:

1. Evaluate and Select a New Hosting Provider

• Assess Your Needs: Begin by thoroughly analyzing your current website’s performance, traffic patterns, storage demands, and unique features. Consider future growth projections to understand what you will require from the new server. Your choice should align with both your present and future needs.
• Compare Hosting Options: Research various hosting providers and compare them based on critical factors such as performance, scalability, security, customer support, compliance, and cost. Look into customer reviews and ratings to gauge the reputation and reliability of the providers.
• Ensure Compatibility: It’s vital to verify that the chosen hosting provider supports Magento 2’s specific requirements, such as particular PHP versions, MySQL, server configurations, and other technical specifications. Misalignment in these areas can lead to functionality issues post-migration.
• Investigate Customer Support: Check the level of customer support provided by the hosting provider. Consider factors like 24/7 availability, responsiveness, and the technical expertise of their support team. Efficient support will be crucial if you encounter any issues during or after migration.
• Consider Security Measures: Evaluate the security features offered by the hosting provider. This may include firewalls, malware scanning, intrusion detection systems, and regular security audits. Security is paramount in maintaining the integrity and privacy of your Magento 2 site.
• Check Scalability: Look into the scalability options of the hosting provider. As your business grows, your hosting needs may change, and the provider must be able to accommodate these changes without significant disruptions or additional costs.
• Analyze Downtime History: Investigate the provider’s history regarding server downtimes. Frequent or extended downtimes can severely impact your site’s availability and user experience.
• Review Contract Terms: Carefully read the terms and conditions of the hosting contract. This includes understanding any limitations, additional fees, the cancellation policy, and what exactly is covered in the package you’re selecting.

Selecting a new hosting provider is a critical decision in the process to migrate Magento 2, as it sets the foundation for the site’s performance, security, and growth potential. By dedicating time and attention to this step, you can ensure that the chosen provider aligns perfectly with your needs and those of your Magento 2 site. It’s a decision that should be made with thorough research, consideration, and understanding of both your immediate and long-term goals. Check our guideline on how to choose the best hosting provider that suites your needs.

2. Backup Your Current Magento 2 Site

Carrying out a comprehensive backup of your Magento 2 site is a fundamental step to kickstart the migration process. The importance of this step cannot be overstated, as it serves as a security measure to restore your site if any issues or complications arise during the migration. This step should encompass all elements of your site, including:

• Database: Your database is the backbone of your Magento 2 site, holding all the crucial data including product information, customer data, order details, store configurations, and much more. Use Magento’s built-in tools or a trusted database management system like phpMyAdmin to backup your database.
• Media Files: This includes all images, videos, PDFs, and other media you’ve used in your product descriptions, blog posts, pages, and other parts of your Magento 2 site. These assets play an integral role in creating an engaging and visually appealing site, so make sure you have a full backup.
• Themes and Extensions: If you have customized themes and extensions, it’s crucial to back them up as well. These are unique elements that give your site its functionality and appearance, and losing them can significantly impact your site’s look and feel post-migration.
• Code Files: These are the files that contain the Magento application code, including any custom modifications you’ve made to the codebase. This backup will ensure you don’t lose any custom functionality.
• Configuration Files: Don’t forget about your configuration files, especially .htaccess, env.php, and config.php files. These files hold important configurations related to your website’s settings and losing them can disrupt the functioning of your site post-migration.

Each of these backups should be stored securely, preferably in multiple locations to mitigate risks. A smart approach is to keep a local backup on a secure server, a cloud backup, and another on a physical storage device if possible. By meticulously backing up your Magento 2 site, you not only safeguard your valuable data but also ensure a smoother transition to the new server, giving you peace of mind throughout the process.

3. Prepare the New Server Environment

Preparing the new server environment is a critical step in migrating your Magento 2 site. It requires careful planning and thorough attention to detail to ensure that the new server is properly configured and optimized to support your Magento 2 website. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you prepare the new server:

• Choose the Right Hosting Provider: Selecting the right hosting provider is vital. Look for a provider that offers dedicated support for Magento 2 and has a track record of high performance and reliability. Consider factors like bandwidth, disk space, scalability, and support when making your choice.
• Verify Server Requirements: Magento 2 has specific server requirements that must be met. Ensure that the new server meets all the necessary prerequisites including PHP version, required PHP extensions, database support (MySQL or MariaDB), web servers (Apache or Nginx), and more.
• Configure PHP Settings: Magento 2 relies heavily on PHP, and having the right PHP settings is crucial. This includes memory limit, max execution time, and other PHP configuration directives that affect performance and functionality. Review and adjust them accordingly.
• Set Up a Database: Create a new database on the new server for Magento 2. Make sure that it’s configured with the right character set and collation. Proper database setup is crucial for data integrity and performance.
• Configure Web Server: If you’re using Apache or Nginx, make sure it’s configured correctly to work with Magento 2. This includes setting up the virtual host, securing directories, configuring URL rewrites, and other web server-specific settings.
• Install Required Extensions and Libraries: Magento 2 may require certain PHP extensions and libraries to function properly. Ensure that you have all the required extensions and libraries installed and configured on the new server.
• Secure the Server: Implementing security measures is vital. This includes setting up a firewall, configuring security modules like ModSecurity (for Apache), regularly updating server software, and other best practices to keep your Magento 2 site safe.
• Optimize for Performance: Implement performance-enhancing practices like caching strategies, Content Delivery Network (CDN) integration, and other server-level optimizations. Ensuring your server is optimized for speed will enhance the user experience on your site post-migration.
• Test the Environment: Before proceeding with migration, thoroughly test the new server environment. This includes checking the compatibility with Magento 2, database connectivity, PHP functionality, and web server configuration. It’s imperative to identify and fix any issues at this stage to ensure a smooth migration.

Preparing the new server environment for Magento 2 is a multifaceted task. It’s highly recommended to involve server administrators or IT specialists with Magento 2 expertise to handle this phase. This careful preparation ensures that the new server is not only compatible with Magento 2 but is also configured for optimum performance, security, and scalability, setting a solid foundation for your website’s new home.

4. Migrate Data and Files

Migrating the data and files from the current Magento 2 site to the new server is one of the most critical stages of the entire migration process. It involves transferring various types of data, such as products, categories, customers, orders, as well as media files, theme files, and extensions. Here’s a detailed guide to help you efficiently migrate data and files:

• Create a Migration Plan: Outline what data and files need to be migrated. Prioritize them according to your business needs and establish a timeline for migration.
• Backup Everything: Before starting the migration, make sure you have an up-to-date backup of all your Magento 2 files and databases. This step is crucial for recovering your site if anything goes wrong during migration.
• Use Data Migration Tools: Consider using Magento 2’s official data migration tool or other reliable third-party tools. They are designed to simplify the process, especially for complex databases.
• Migrate the Database: Start with migrating your Magento 2 database. This includes all product information, customer data, orders, configurations, and more. Ensure that the data structure on the new server matches that of the old server.
• Transfer Media Files: Migrate all media files, such as images, videos, and PDFs, ensuring that they are placed in the correct directories on the new server. Verify that file permissions and ownership are set correctly.
• Migrate Themes and Extensions: Carefully migrate Magento 2 themes and extensions. Make sure that they are compatible with the version of Magento running on the new server, and test them thoroughly to avoid conflicts.
• Adjust Configuration Settings: Once the data and files are migrated, update the configuration settings, including base URLs and database connection details, in the env.php file.
• Test Data Integrity: After migration, conduct thorough testing to ensure that all data has been accurately transferred and that there are no inconsistencies or errors.
• Perform Incremental Migration: If the migration process spans several days or weeks, you may need to perform incremental data migration to sync the newly added data.
• Consider SEO Aspects: Maintain URL structures, and take care to handle redirects properly so that the migration doesn’t negatively impact your site’s SEO.
• Optimize After Migration: Once everything is in place, optimize the site on the new server for performance by configuring caching, compressing images, and other best practices.
• Monitor Post-Migration: After the migration, continue to monitor the site for any issues, and be ready to make necessary adjustments.

The migration of data and files is a meticulous process that requires attention to detail and careful planning. Depending on the complexity of your Magento 2 site, you may want to consider enlisting professional help or using specialized tools. Taking the time to get this step right ensures that your Magento 2 site will continue to function seamlessly on the new server, with all the essential data and functionality intact.

5. Test the Site on the New Server

Testing your Magento 2 site on the new server is an essential step to ensure that the migration was successful and that all elements of the site are functioning as intended. The testing phase involves thorough checks, validations, and monitoring to identify any potential issues that need to be resolved. Here’s an expanded look into how to conduct a comprehensive testing process:

• Create a Testing Plan: Establish a structured testing plan that outlines what needs to be tested, including functionality, compatibility, performance, and security. Define testing scenarios that cover various user roles and real-world situations.
• Check Functionality: Test all the features and functionalities of the site. This includes product searches, checkout processes, payment gateways, user registration, order tracking, and more. Ensure that every feature operates smoothly.
• Validate Links and URLs: Verify that all internal and external links are working properly. Pay special attention to broken links and ensure that the URL structure matches that of the old server.
• Test Extensions and Themes: If you have custom themes or third-party extensions, test them thoroughly to make sure they are compatible with the new server environment and that they don’t conflict with other components.
• Performance Testing: Assess the site’s loading speed, responsiveness, and general performance on the new server. Compare it to the performance on the old server and optimize if necessary.
• Mobile Responsiveness Testing: Ensure that the site looks and functions well on various mobile devices and browsers. Verify that images, menus, buttons, and other elements are displayed correctly.
• Security Checks: Conduct security assessments to ensure that the new server environment is secure. Check for vulnerabilities, secure all data connections, and make sure that security plugins or modules are configured properly.
• SEO Considerations: Review SEO elements like meta tags, canonical URLs, and redirects. Ensure that you don’t lose any SEO value during the migration.
• User Experience Testing: Test the site from a user’s perspective to ensure an excellent user experience. Evaluate navigation, layout, design, and overall usability.
• Compatibility Testing: Check the compatibility of the site with different browsers and operating systems. This ensures that all your users have a consistent experience, regardless of how they access your site.
• Stress Testing: Simulate high traffic to see how the site performs under pressure. This can help identify any scalability issues that might need to be addressed.
• Monitor Error Logs: Keep an eye on server error logs and Magento logs for any unusual or unexpected errors that might have occurred during or after the migration.
• Get Feedback: If possible, consider having real users test the site in the new environment and provide feedback on their experience. Their insights might uncover issues you didn’t anticipate.
• Document Results: Keep detailed records of the testing process, findings, and the resolutions implemented. This documentation can be valuable for future reference or further optimization.

Testing a migrated Magento 2 site on a new server is not just about checking if the site is live. It’s a multifaceted process that demands time, expertise, and meticulous attention to detail. By being thorough and methodical, you ensure that the migration process concludes successfully, resulting in a robust and resilient site that continues to serve your customers effectively on the new server. If necessary, consider involving a team of professionals with experience in Magento 2 to assist in this critical phase of migration.

6. Update DNS Records and Go Live

The final step in migrating your Magento 2 site is updating the DNS (Domain Name System) records and making your site live on the new server. This step requires precision and careful consideration, as any mistake could lead to your site being inaccessible to users. Here’s a detailed guide to help you successfully complete this critical phase:

• Schedule the Go-Live Time: Choose a time that will have the least impact on your customers. Typically, this might be during off-peak hours or a time when your site experiences the least traffic. Notify your users in advance if there’s expected downtime.
• Prepare a Rollback Plan: Before making any changes, prepare a rollback plan. If something goes wrong, you’ll want a way to revert to the previous state quickly to minimize downtime.
• Backup DNS Configuration: Make a backup of your current DNS configuration. This is crucial in case you need to revert to the old settings.
• Configure DNS Settings on the New Server: Before updating the DNS, make sure that your new server’s DNS settings are correctly configured. This includes A records, CNAME records, MX records, and any other necessary DNS configurations.
• Update DNS Records with the Domain Registrar: Log into your domain registrar account where your domain is registered, and update the DNS records to point to the new server’s IP address. This process varies slightly depending on the registrar, so refer to their documentation if needed.
• Set Appropriate TTL Values: The TTL (Time to Live) value determines how long DNS information is cached. Setting a low TTL value before migration can make the DNS propagation faster. Remember to reset it to a normal value after the migration is successful.
• Monitor DNS Propagation: DNS propagation can take anywhere from a few minutes to 48 hours. Use DNS checker tools to monitor the propagation and see when your site is accessible worldwide through the new server.
• Verify Email and Third-party Services: If you have email services or third-party integrations (such as payment gateways) associated with your domain, make sure they are functioning properly after the DNS update.
• Test the Site Again: Even after careful testing on the new server, it’s wise to perform a full site check once more after going live to catch any issues that might only appear in the live environment.
• Inform Search Engines: If your site has a significant change in URL structure or other major modifications, consider informing search engines through their respective webmaster tools to ensure that indexing happens smoothly.
• Monitor Site Performance and User Feedback: Keep an eye on site performance and gather user feedback for the next few days. Respond to any unexpected issues promptly.
• Document the Process: Keep detailed records of the entire DNS update process, including changes made, dates, times, and any issues encountered and resolved. This documentation can be an invaluable resource for future reference.

Updating DNS records and going live is a sensitive operation that demands attention to detail. Collaboration with your hosting provider, domain registrar, or even a specialist in Magento 2 migration can be beneficial. By following these comprehensive steps, you ensure a smooth transition that maintains your site’s integrity, availability, and functionality as you migrate Magento 2 to the new server.

7. Post-Migration Support

Post-migration support is a vital phase after you migrate Magento 2 to a new server. It ensures that all components of your website are functioning as expected and that any unexpected issues are promptly addressed. This step is not only about troubleshooting but also about optimizing the performance of your site on the new server. Here’s an expanded guide to what post-migration support encompasses:

• Continuous Monitoring: The initial days after migration are crucial. Keep an eye on server performance, site speed, user behavior, and other essential metrics to detect any abnormalities. Utilize monitoring tools that provide real-time insights and alerts.
• User Feedback Collection: Encourage users to report any issues they encounter. Feedback from real users can be invaluable in identifying problems that might not be visible through automated testing.
• SEO Analysis: Ensure that your SEO rankings are not affected by the migration. Monitor keyword rankings, backlinks, and overall site visibility in search engines. Tools like Google Search Console can be highly helpful in this regard.
• Security Checks: Perform additional security checks to confirm that the migration did not expose any vulnerabilities. Scan for malware, review firewall configurations, and ensure all security protocols are intact.
• Performance Optimization: If you find any performance issues, analyze what might be causing them. It might be server configuration, outdated plugins, or other reasons. Optimize as needed, which may include implementing caching, CDN, or optimizing images and scripts.
• Provide Support Channels: Offer multiple support channels for users, including live chat, email support, and knowledge base articles related to the migration. This ensures that users have easy access to help if they encounter any problems.
• Documentation: Maintain detailed logs and documentation of all post-migration activities. Include the issues identified, the solutions implemented, and any changes made to the server or website configuration. This documentation can be a lifesaver for future reference or migrations.
• Compliance Checks: Confirm that your site continues to comply with all legal and regulatory requirements, including data protection laws, after the migration.
• Regular Backups: Schedule regular backups of the new server. The initial post-migration period might uncover unforeseen issues, and having recent backups ensures that you can quickly restore to a working state if necessary.
• Final Migration Report: Consider preparing a final migration report. Summarize the entire process, highlight the successes, and detail any challenges and how they were overcome. This report can provide insights for future projects or for stakeholders within your organization.
• Collaborate with Hosting Support: If you’ve moved to a new hosting provider, utilize their support to assist with any server-specific configurations or issues. Most hosting providers offer dedicated support for popular platforms like Magento.

Post-migration support is an ongoing commitment that may require weeks or even months of attention, depending on the complexity of your site. By investing in this phase, you can ensure that your decision to migrate Magento 2 not only preserves the integrity and performance of your website but also enhances it. Engaging with professional migration support services may also be beneficial, as they provide expertise and tools specifically tailored to the needs of Magento websites.

Difference in Migrating Magento 1 and Magento 2

Migrating Magento 1 and Magento 2 may seem similar at a glance, but there are fundamental differences that must be recognized to ensure a smooth migration process. You can find more detailed difference overview here.

Keep in mind, that support for Magento 1 is discontinued by Adobe (company behind Magento).

1. Architecture Differences: Magento 2 comes with a revamped architecture that includes improved indexing, caching, and database optimization. Migrating to or from Magento 2 may require significant changes to accommodate these enhancements.
2. Data Migration Tool: Magento offers a Data Migration Tool specifically designed to facilitate the migration from Magento 1 to Magento 2. It helps in mapping the data and migrating products, customers, orders, etc. This specialized tool doesn’t exist for Magento 1 migrations.
3. Theme and Extension Compatibility: Themes and extensions built for Magento 1 are generally not compatible with Magento 2. During migration, you’ll need to find or build Magento 2 compatible versions, which may not be required when migrating between Magento 1 sites.
4. Code Migration: The coding structure in Magento 2 is substantially different from Magento 1. Custom code used in Magento 1 may need to be entirely rewritten to be compatible with Magento 2.
5. SEO Considerations: While both versions need attention to SEO during migration, Magento 2 offers some advanced SEO features. Proper planning is needed to ensure that the migration leverages these new features without losing current search engine rankings.
6. Performance and Security: Magento 2 offers improved performance and enhanced security measures. When migrating from Magento 1 to Magento 2, it’s essential to understand these changes to utilize them effectively.
7. End of Life for Magento 1: With Magento 1 reaching its end of life, migrating to Magento 2 has become a necessity for many businesses. Understanding the unique aspects of Magento 2 migration is vital for future support and updates.

In conclusion, while the underlying principles of migration remain the same, the specific technical requirements, tools, and considerations are quite different between Magento 1 and Magento 2. A careful understanding of these differences is crucial for a successful migration, whether you are moving from Magento 1 to Magento 2 or conducting migration within the same version.

Conclusion: Move Magento 2 with Confidence

Migrating Magento 2 to a new server is a significant task that demands careful planning, execution, and post-migration support. Though it may seem overwhelming at first glance, following the right strategy, utilizing the correct tools, and paying attention to essential details can turn it into a smooth and successful process. Here’s a comprehensive wrap-up to ensure that you can migrate Magento 2 with full confidence:

• Understand the Purpose: Recognize why you are making the migration, be it for scalability, performance, security, or other business needs. Understanding the underlying motive helps in selecting the right server and planning the migration accordingly.
• Invest in Planning: Proper planning is a critical factor in successful migration. It involves assessing the current setup, preparing the new environment, scheduling the migration at a time that minimizes impact on users, and creating a detailed migration checklist.
• Utilize Professional Tools: Utilizing professional tools and plugins can automate many parts of the process, reducing human error, saving time, and ensuring that no critical data is missed.
• Seek Professional Help if Needed: If the migration process seems too complex, consider engaging a professional Magento migration service. They have the experience, tools, and expertise to handle the migration efficiently.
• Testing is Key: Comprehensive testing in a staging environment helps identify issues before going live. It includes functionality, performance, security, and UX testing. Thorough testing builds confidence in the final migration.
• SEO Considerations: Ensure SEO settings are accurately replicated to the new server. The right redirects, metadata, and URL structures must be in place to prevent any loss in search engine rankings.
• Monitor and Support: Post-migration monitoring and support are not optional but an essential part of the process. Regularly check for issues, optimize performance, and provide necessary support channels for users.
• Keep Users Informed: If the migration might cause any noticeable downtime or changes in user experience, keep your users informed. Transparency builds trust and understanding.
• Document Everything: Keeping detailed documentation of the entire process, from planning to post-migration support, contributes to accountability and can be a valuable resource for future migrations or troubleshooting.
• Celebrate the Success: Migrating to a new server is a big accomplishment. Recognize the efforts of everyone involved and evaluate the outcomes. Analyzing the successes and learning from the challenges ensures continuous improvement.
• Stay Updated: Technology evolves, and staying updated with the latest Magento versions, security patches, and server configurations will keep your site running smoothly in the long run.

By being mindful of these aspects, the process to migrate Magento 2 can be made efficient, secure, and relatively stress-free. It’s not just about moving data but enhancing the overall performance, security, and scalability of your eCommerce site. Whether you’re an eCommerce business owner, a developer, or an IT professional, this guide provides the roadmap to migrate Magento 2 to a new server, move Magento 2 without losing important aspects, and embrace new opportunities for growth and success.

By following this guide, you can ensure that your Magento 2 store continues to thrive on its new server. Happy migrating!