Migrating cPanel Accounts From Reseller To Shared Hosting

Reseller hosting allows multiple independent cPanel accounts, while shared hosting provides a single cPanel account. Migrating from a reseller environment to shared hosting requires consolidating all websites and databases into one primary cPanel account and reconfiguring domains so they resolve correctly.

Requirements and preparation

Before starting the migration, ensure that:

• You have access to the reseller account and all subaccounts.
• The destination shared hosting service is active and accessible through cPanel.
• You have login credentials for FTP and database management tools.
• DNS changes can be applied when required.

This process is commonly used when moving to a standard shared hosting environment provided under a single cPanel interface such as those available on cPanel hosting services.

Transferring website files

Each subaccount contains its own website files that must be moved into the primary cPanel account.

Downloading files from subaccounts

1. Connect to each subaccount using an FTP client.
2. Download all website files located in the subaccount’s public_html directory.
3. Verify that hidden files such as .htaccess are included.

[Screenshot placeholder: FTP client connected to subaccount file structure]

Uploading files to the primary account

1. Log in to the primary cPanel account.
2. Open File Manager or connect using FTP.
3. Create a separate subdirectory inside public_html for each website.
4. Upload the corresponding files into their designated directories.

Keep a clear mapping between each domain and its directory, as this will be required during domain configuration.

[Screenshot placeholder: File Manager showing multiple site directories]

Migrating databases

Most websites rely on databases that must also be moved into the primary account.

Exporting databases

1. Log in to the subaccount’s cPanel.
2. Open phpMyAdmin or the database management tool in use.
3. Export each database associated with the website.

Importing databases

1. Access phpMyAdmin in the primary cPanel account.
2. Create new databases and database users.
3. Import the exported database files.
4. Update application configuration files with the new database credentials.

Repeat this process for all websites being migrated.

[Screenshot placeholder: phpMyAdmin import screen]

Configuring domains in the primary account

After files and databases are consolidated, domains must be reattached to the primary cPanel account.

Removing domains from subaccounts

1. Log in to each subaccount.
2. Remove all addon and parked domains.
3. Once domains are removed, the subaccount can be deleted.

Adding domains to the primary account

1. Open the Domains section in the primary cPanel account.
2. Add former subaccount domains as addon domains or parked domains.
3. Set the document root for each domain to the correct subdirectory.

If a website was previously a parked domain, configure it as an addon domain to ensure it loads its own content instead of the main site.

[Screenshot placeholder: Addon domain configuration screen]

IP address and SSL considerations

Shared hosting environments use a single IP address per cPanel account. If any subaccount previously used a dedicated IP address, a temporary service interruption may occur while DNS and SSL settings propagate. Only one SSL certificate can be assigned per IP in this configuration.

For environments that require more advanced isolation or dedicated networking, serveurs cloud ou dedicated server solutions may be more suitable alternatives.

Requesting the hosting plan change

Once all websites are functioning correctly under the primary cPanel account, submit a support request stating that the reseller account is ready to be converted to a shared hosting package. The hosting provider will then complete the plan change.