Move WHMCS to a New Server

This information only applies to self-hosted WHMCS installations. WHMCS Cloud does not currently support direct access to WHMCS files and databases.

In some circumstances, you may need to move your self-hosted WHMCS installation to a new server. This may require additional steps if the move changes your domain, IP address, or directory structure.

Need help with moving your self-hosted WHMCS installation? Have our team move your WHMCS installation for you.
For steps to move your self-hosted WHMCS installation from one subdomain to another on the same server, see Move WHMCS to a New Subdomain.

Moving WHMCS

To move WHMCS to a new server:

1. Disable the WHMCS cron job.

Disable or remove the WHMCS cron jobs from the old server. This prevents automation from running and making changes.

2. Create a database backup.

Create a backup of your database.

For more information, see Database Backups.

3. Check our system requirements.

Make sure the new server meets the system requirements.

4. Transfer your files.

Transfer the files to the new server.

5. Restore the database on the new server.

Restore the database via phpMyAdmin on the new server and make any changes to the database settings in the configuration.php file.

If your configuration.php file defines custom absolute paths, such as $attachments_dir, $downloads_dir, $templates_compiledir, or $crons_dir, update those paths to match the new server’s directory structure.
For more information about updating the configuration.php file, see The configuration.php File.

6. Update your domain’s DNS records.

Update the DNS records for your domain to point to the new WHMCS server.

For more information, see your control panel’s documentation or consult your hosting provider or system administrator.
DNS record changes can require several hours. Make certain that your changes have fully propagated before you continue.

7. Reissue your license.

Use the appropriate method to reissue your license for the new location:

  • If you purchase your license from WHMCS directly, log in to the WHMCS Member Area, go to Services > My Licenses, select your license key, and click Reissue.
  • If you purchase your license from your hosting provider, contact them to reissue the license.
If you are moving your WHMCS installation to a new hosting provider, you will require a new license key.

8. Update the system URL.

In the WHMCS Admin Area, update the WHMCS System URL at Configuration () > System Settings > General Settings.

For more information, see Update the System URL.

9. Set up your cron job.

Set up the WHMCS cron job on the new server, pointing to the correct path for crons/cron.php.

10. Check your payment gateways and email forwarders.

Check whether the system properly modified your payment gateway callbacks and email forwarders.

11. Update other locations.

Update your custom directory and storage locations and your redirect URIs for any sign-in integrations, mail providers, or payment gateways that redirect users to WHMCS.

If you use PayPal®, you may receive emails about Instant Payment Notification (IPN) failures. For more information, see PayPal IPN Failures.

12. Delete the old WHMCS files.

Delete the WHMCS files from the old location.

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Last modified: 2026 September 30