Search Our Database

Using Transfer Tool for cPanel Server Migration via WHM

Last updated on |
by

Introduction

The WHM Transfer Tool is a built-in utility that simplifies the process of migrating accounts, websites, email data, and service configurations from one cPanel & WHM server to another. Instead of manually backing up and restoring accounts, the Transfer Tool allows the destination server to connect directly to the source server, package the selected accounts, and restore them automatically.

This tool is most commonly used when:

  • Moving to a new server with upgraded hardware or a new hosting provider.

  • Consolidating or splitting accounts across multiple servers.

  • Migrating email hosting accounts with minimal disruption.

By using the Transfer Tool, administrators can ensure a smoother migration with reduced downtime, as it handles account data, DNS zones, email settings, and service configurations in a single operation.

Important Note ⚠️: WHM Transfer Tool can migrate accounts, data, and most service configurations automatically, but security settings, custom rules, and third-party licenses must be reconfigured manually

Prerequisites

  • Root or full reseller access on both servers.

  • Both servers must have a valid or trial cPanel & WHM license.

  • SSH/WHM API connectivity (ports 22 and 2087 open).

  • Destination server with hostname, IP, and enough disk space.

  • DNS access at registrar to update A/MX records after migration.

 

Step-by-Step guide

Step 1: Access Transfer Tool

  1. Go to Search bar search Transfer Tool
  2. Click on the Transfer Tool

 

Step 2: Connect to the source

  1. Fill in Source Server IP
  2. Enter SSH Port
  3. Enter Root Password
  4. Click on Scan Remote Server

 

Important Note ⚠️: If the source server does not allow password authentication, you must upload the destination server’s public SSH key to the source server so that the new server can connect via SSH

Step 3: Select Accounts, Packages, and Service Configurations to Migrate

Important Note ⚠️: Migration is a pull operation — the new server pulls data from the source server, not the other way around.

 

Step 4: Verify Migration (Account )

  1. Go to List Accounts on the destination server → confirm the account is not yet present.
  2. Select the account and run Complete Transfer.
  3. Return to List Accounts → verify the account now appears on the new server.

 

 

 

Conclusion

The WHM Transfer Tool provides a reliable way to migrate cPanel accounts, packages, and service configurations from an old server to a new one with minimal downtime. Always run the tool from the new server, verify that accounts have been transferred correctly, and re-apply any security settings or custom configurations that are not included in the automatic migration.