GoDaddy is great for domains, but many site owners prefer a host focused on hosting. If you want to move your website from GoDaddy hosting to HostGator, the process is simple, and HostGator includes a free site migration tool to help.
Here is how to switch without losing your content or having downtime.
| Step | What you do |
|---|---|
| 1 | Buy HostGator hosting |
| 2 | Back up your site on GoDaddy |
| 3 | Migrate your site to HostGator |
| 4 | Test the site on HostGator |
| 5 | Point your domain to HostGator |
| 6 | Cancel GoDaddy hosting (keep the domain) |
Why Switch to HostGator?
- Free SSL, unmetered bandwidth, and free Cloudflare CDN.
- A free site migration tool.
- Easy cPanel control panel.
- 24/7 support and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Step 1: Get HostGator Hosting
Sign up for a HostGator plan. During sign-up, choose the option to use a domain you already own and enter your GoDaddy domain. Get the current discount on our HostGator coupon page. Not sure which plan? See HostGator shared hosting plans compared.
Step 2: Back Up Your Site
Before you move anything, take a full backup. On WordPress, a free plugin like UpdraftPlus or Duplicator can back up your files and database. You can also download a backup from your GoDaddy hosting dashboard. Keep the backup on your computer or cloud storage.
Step 3: Migrate Your Site
You have two options:
- Use HostGator’s migration help: from your HostGator Customer Portal, use the free site migration tool or request migration help. Eligibility and terms depend on your plan, so check with HostGator support in live chat.
- Do it yourself: install WordPress on HostGator, then restore your backup with the same plugin you used to create it (for example, Duplicator or All-in-One WP Migration).
Do not cancel your GoDaddy hosting yet. Your site keeps running there while you move.
Step 4: Test Your Site on HostGator
Before switching your domain, make sure everything works on HostGator: pages, images, forms, and logins. HostGator support can help you preview the site before DNS changes.
Step 5: Point Your Domain to HostGator
Change your domain’s nameservers at GoDaddy to the ones HostGator gave you. Follow our guide: how to point a GoDaddy domain to HostGator. DNS changes can take a few hours, up to 48 hours. Because your site is live on both hosts during this time, visitors see no downtime.
If you use email with your domain, set it up at HostGator (or keep your email provider’s DNS records) before switching, so you do not miss messages.
Step 6: Cancel GoDaddy Hosting
Once your site loads from HostGator and everything works, cancel your GoDaddy hosting plan. Keep your domain registered at GoDaddy, or transfer it later if you want everything in one place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does HostGator migrate sites for free?
HostGator includes a free site migration tool and offers migration help on many plans. Check the current terms with HostGator support before you start.
Will I have downtime when switching hosts?
No, if you keep GoDaddy hosting active until DNS has fully switched to HostGator.
Do I need to move my domain to HostGator too?
No. You can keep the domain at GoDaddy and just change its nameservers.
How long does a migration take?
A small WordPress site can be moved in under an hour. DNS updates may take up to 48 hours.
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