Moving a whole reseller business means more than copying accounts: you need to recreate the resellers, give each one their accounts back and keep everyone's limits and logins working. With some planning it can be done with little or no downtime.
Before you start
- An MdmHost VIP Master Reseller plan large enough for every account and reseller.
- A list from the old host: each reseller, their limits and the cPanel accounts they own. On the old WHM, List Accounts with the Owner column gives you this.
- Lower DNS TTLs to 300 seconds a day before the move.
Plan the tree
- Write down every reseller with type (reseller or master), limits and their accounts.
- Check the total fits your plan with headroom (see designing reseller plans).
Recreate the resellers first
Create each reseller in WHMReseller with the same username if possible, so their logins stay familiar (see creating a reseller and creating a master reseller).
Note: If a username is already taken on the new server, choose a new one and tell the reseller before cutover.
Transfer the cPanel accounts
- Easiest: open a ticket with the old host's access details; MdmHost migration help can move all accounts.
- Yourself: use full cPanel backups and restores, or the Transfer Tool where available (see transferring accounts).
Give accounts back to their resellers
Restored accounts usually land under your own ownership. Change the owner of each to the right reseller (see changing account ownership). Then check each reseller sees exactly their customers.
Packages
Packages are private per reseller. Ask each reseller to recreate their packages, or create them on their behalf, and assign accounts to them so future changes apply (see changing an account package).
Cutover
- Update nameserver glue records or A records to the new server.
- Keep the old host active for a few days for late DNS and email.
- Run AutoSSL and check email deliverability for a sample of domains.
Tip: Migrate one small reseller first as a pilot. You will find naming, package and ownership issues before they affect everyone.
Communicate
Tell resellers the new WHM URL, any changed usernames, nameservers and the cutover date. Their customers' passwords stay the same with full cPanel transfers.
Frequently asked questions
Will resellers keep their branding?
Branding settings are not always included in account transfers. Ask resellers to reapply their logo and colours in WHM Customization.
Can I keep the old nameserver names?
Yes. Point the same nameserver hostnames to the new server's IPs; domains do not need to change their nameservers.
How long does a migration take?
Copying depends on data size, often hours for a full reseller tree. Plan the DNS switch for a quiet time.
What about resellers' WHMCS installs?
Each reseller updates their own WHMCS server settings to the new hostname and API token after cutover.