Bringing existing customers over from another host is often the first job on a new reseller plan. Because both servers run cPanel, a full account transfer moves everything at once: files, databases, email, DNS zones, SSL and cron jobs. This guide explains the options and a safe cutover plan.
Before you start
- An MdmHost reseller or master reseller plan with enough free accounts and disk space.
- Access to the old host: either WHM/root, or each customer's cPanel login.
- A list of accounts and their domains.
Choose a transfer method
| Method | When to use it |
|---|---|
| MdmHost migration help | Easiest. Open a ticket with the old host details; our team moves the accounts for you. |
| WHM Transfer Tool | You have root or reseller WHM access on the old server and the Transfer Tool privilege on the new one. |
| Full cPanel backup and restore | You only have cPanel access on the old host. |
Method: WHM Transfer Tool
The Transfer Tool connects to the old server over SSH and copies accounts directly. On most shared reseller plans this tool needs a privilege that MdmHost enables on request.
- Go to WHM → Transfers → Transfer Tool.
- Enter the Remote Server Address, the SSH port and the login (root or a reseller with SSH access).
- Click Scan Remote Server.
- Tick the accounts to copy, and choose your package for each.
- Click Copy and watch the progress log.
Method: full backup and restore
- On the old host, in each cPanel, go to cPanel → Files → Backup and click Download a Full Account Backup. Choose Home Directory as destination.
- Wait for the email that says the backup is complete. The file is named like
backup-11.13.2026_10-00-00_user.tar.gz. - Restore it on MdmHost following restoring a cPanel backup in WHM.
Note: Restores of full cPanel backups are a root-level function on many servers. If you do not see the restore tool, upload the file and send us a ticket; we will restore it under your reseller account.
Cutover plan
- A day before, lower the TTL of the domain's records at the old host to 300 seconds.
- Transfer the accounts.
- Test each site with a hosts-file entry or a temporary URL before changing DNS.
- Change the domain's nameservers at the registrar to yours (see private nameservers).
- Keep the old hosting active for a few days in case mail arrives there during propagation.
Check afterwards
- Websites load over HTTPS. Run AutoSSL if needed (see AutoSSL for customers).
- Email accounts exist and old messages are present.
- PHP version matches what the site needs (see changing PHP version).
- Cron jobs run and contact forms send email.
Troubleshooting
"Account already exists"
The username or domain is taken on the new server. Restore with a different username or remove the old copy.
Transfer fails with an SSH error
The old host blocks SSH from our IP or uses a different port. Ask them to allow the connection, or use the backup method.
Frequently asked questions
Will customers' passwords change?
No. A full cPanel transfer keeps the cPanel, email and FTP passwords, so customers log in as before.
Does the transfer include email?
Yes. Mailboxes, forwarders, filters and autoresponders are part of a full cPanel backup.
Can I transfer from Plesk or DirectAdmin?
Not with the cPanel Transfer Tool. Open a ticket; our team can advise on migrating from other control panels.