Guides
How to Migrate a Minecraft Server to a New Host (Step-by-Step)
Moving your Minecraft server to a new host? Here's how to move your world, plugins, mods, and configs with minimal downtime—and what to do about IP changes and player reconnection.
Switching Minecraft server hosts doesn't have to be chaotic. Whether you're moving for better performance, support, or price, you can migrate a Minecraft server to a new host with minimal downtime if you follow a clear process. This guide walks you through backing up on the old host, uploading to the new one, and getting players reconnected.
To migrate a Minecraft server to a new host:
- Create a full backup of your world and server files
- Set up a new server with the same Minecraft version and type
- Upload and replace world, plugins/mods, and configs
- Test the server on the new host
- Update IP address or DNS and notify players
What you need to migrate
- World folder(s) — your Minecraft overworld, nether, end
- server.properties — port, max players, motd, etc.
- Plugins (Paper/Spigot) or mods (Forge/Fabric) and their configs
- Whitelist, ops, bans — often in root or in a plugin folder
- Any custom JVM flags or startup scripts you use
Step 1: Back Up Your Minecraft Server Completely
Before touching anything, create a full backup. To transfer a Minecraft server safely, use your current host's backup tool if available, or stop the server and download the entire server directory (or at least the world, world_nether, world_the_end folders, server.properties, plugins or mods, and whitelist.json / ops.json). For more on what to backup, see our Minecraft server backups guide.
Step 2: Set Up the New Minecraft Server (Same Version & Type)
On the new host, create a server with the same Minecraft version and server type (Vanilla, Paper, Spigot, Fabric, Forge, etc.). Start it once so it generates default files, then stop it. This gives you a clean server.properties and folder structure to merge into. When you change Minecraft hosting provider, matching version and type avoids world and mod conflicts.
Step 3: Upload and Transfer Your Minecraft Server Files
Using FTP/SFTP or your new host's file manager, upload your backup. Replace the default world folders with your backed-up ones. Copy over server.properties (or merge settings like level-name, max-players, motd). Copy plugins and their configs, or mods, plus whitelist/ops/bans. To migrate a modded Minecraft server, install the same modpack on the new server first, then replace the world and configs so versions match.
Step 4: Test the Migrated Minecraft Server
Start the server on the new host. Check the console for errors (missing mods, wrong Java version, port in use). Log in and verify the world loads, plugins or mods work, and that whitelist/ops are correct. If you use custom JVM flags (e.g. Aikar's flags), add them in the new panel's startup settings. For what good performance looks like after a move, see What a Healthy Minecraft Server Feels Like.
Step 5: Update the Server IP or DNS
The new host will give you a new IP or hostname (and possibly a different port). Share the new server address with your players when you move your Minecraft server to another host. If you had a custom domain pointing to the old server, update the DNS (A record or SRV) to point to the new host's IP. Until DNS propagates, players can connect using the IP/hostname the new host provides. For connection issues, see Why Players Can't Connect to Your Server (And How to Fix It). When choosing a new provider, How to Choose a Minecraft Server Host explains what to look for.
Minimizing Downtime
To keep downtime short: do the backup during low traffic, then do the upload and restore on the new host. Total downtime is usually the time to copy files and start the server (often 15–60 minutes depending on world size and upload speed). Some hosts offer migration help—ask support if they can pull the backup from your old host or restore from a backup you upload.
Minecraft Server Migration Checklist
- Full backup of world(s), server.properties, plugins/mods, whitelist/ops/bans
- New Minecraft server created with same version and server type
- World and config files uploaded; server.properties merged or replaced
- Server started and tested in-game
- JVM flags and startup settings applied if needed
- New IP/hostname shared with players; DNS updated if using a custom domain
Troubleshooting After Migration
World not loading after migration: Confirm level-name in server.properties matches the folder name (e.g. world). Ensure world files completed uploading and the server has read access. Corrupted chunks can cause freezes—restore from backup if needed.
Server version mismatch errors: Client and server must match. If you see version or protocol errors, the new server is running a different Minecraft or modpack version than the backup. Reinstall the exact same server type and version, then re-upload world and configs.
Players connecting to the old IP: After you update the server IP or DNS, some players may still use the old address. Share the new IP/hostname clearly (Discord, panel, MOTD). If you use a custom domain, wait for DNS propagation (up to 48 hours) or point players to the raw IP until the domain resolves. See Why Players Can't Connect to Your Server for more connection fixes.
Migrate Minecraft Server FAQ
Can I migrate a modded Minecraft server to a new host?
Yes. Install the same modpack (and version) on the new server first, then copy your world folders and any modified configs. This keeps mod IDs and data in sync. If you change modpack version during the move, you may need to run updates or accept possible world issues.
Will the server IP change when I migrate my Minecraft server?
Yes. Each host gives you a new IP or hostname. You'll need to share the new address with players. If you use a custom domain (e.g. play.yourserver.com), update its DNS to point to the new host so players can keep using the same domain.
How long does a Minecraft server migration take?
Backup and upload time depend on world size and your connection—often 15–60 minutes for the file transfer and a few minutes to start and test. Plan for up to an hour of downtime; large worlds can take longer to upload.
Need a new host? We make migration simple
BiomeHosting offers FTP access, clear docs, and support to move your world and configs. View plans and get a server ready for your migration.