Can I move my website to a different host?
Yes, you can move your website to a new host—but only if you own your domain and have access to your site's code or files. Some builders make this easy; others lock you in. The key is knowing what you actually own before you sign up.
- Own your domain outright so no builder can hold it hostage.
- Request your site files or code before switching hosts.
- Moving takes hours to days depending on your site's complexity.
- Template builders are easier to move than custom-built sites.
- Ask the exit question upfront: can I take my code with me?
What does it mean to own your website?
Owning your website means you control three things: your domain name (the web address), your hosting (the server where your site lives), and your site files or code (the actual HTML, CSS, and data that make it work). If a builder controls any of these, they control your exit.
Most template builders let you own your domain if you register it separately, but they keep your site locked inside their platform. Done-for-you builders like SiteFly let you own your code outright as a one-time purchase, meaning you can take it anywhere.
- Domain: the web address (yourshop.com)
- Hosting: the server that serves your site to visitors
- Site files/code: the actual website blueprint and content
You can only move your website if you own your domain, have your site files, and know where to host them next.
Which builders actually let you leave?
Template builders (Wix, Squarespace, Weebly) keep your site inside their ecosystem. You own your domain, but your site lives on their servers in their format. Moving means rebuilding elsewhere or paying a migration service.
Done-for-you builders vary. Some give you the code; others don't. SiteFly gives you full code ownership as a one-time purchase option, so you can host it on any server. Always ask before you commit.
- Template builders: you own the domain, not the site structure
- Custom-built sites: you can own the code if the builder agrees upfront
- Hosted platforms: you're renting the whole thing; moving is hard
Template builders trap your site inside their platform; done-for-you builders with code ownership let you walk away cleanly.
What's actually involved in moving?
Moving a website is like moving a house: you need the keys (domain access), the blueprints (site files), and a new address (new hosting). If you have all three, a developer can migrate it in hours to days. If you're missing any piece, you're stuck rebuilding.
The technical steps are: export your files from the old host, set up new hosting, upload your files, update your domain's nameservers to point to the new host, and test everything. It's not hard, but it requires access and a little patience.
- Export your site files from your current builder
- Sign up for new hosting and get your login details
- Upload your files to the new host
- Update your domain nameservers to point to the new host
- Test your site on the new host before switching over
Moving your website takes a few hours of technical work if you own your files, or weeks of rebuilding if you don't.
Should you care about moving your site?
Yes, because builders go out of business, change their terms, or raise prices. Owning your code is insurance. It costs nothing upfront but saves you from being trapped if things change.
Even if you never move, knowing you *can* move gives you negotiating power and peace of mind. Ask about code ownership before you sign up. It's a fair question.
Code ownership is cheap insurance against being locked into a builder forever.
Questions people also ask
What if my current builder won't give me my site files?
You have limited options: negotiate with them, hire a developer to rebuild your site from scratch, or use a migration service (expensive). This is why asking about code ownership upfront matters. If they refuse, that's a red flag.
Can I move my website without a developer?
If your new host has migration tools and your old builder exports files easily, yes. But most moves need technical help. SiteFly's pricing page has current options; many hosting companies offer free migration services too.
Will my website go down during the move?
Briefly, yes—usually a few minutes to a few hours while nameservers update. Plan the move for low-traffic times. A developer can minimize downtime by testing everything on the new host first.
Do I need to buy a new domain when I move?
No. Your domain is separate from your hosting. You keep the same domain and just point it to your new host. That's why owning your domain outright is so important.
What if I want to move but keep using my current builder?
You can't move the site itself, but you can export your content (text, images, contact info) and rebuild on a new platform. It's tedious but doable if the builder provides export tools.
Current plans and prices live on the pricing page, and the FAQ answers the questions we hear most.