# How to Switch to Beacon Hosting from Another Host

> Learn how to seamlessly migrate your game server or other hosting services to Beacon Hosting with our step-by-step guide.

Source: https://www.beaconhosting.org/knowledgebase/how-to-switch-to-beacon-hosting-from-another-host
Category: Game Servers
Last updated: 2026-09-11

# How to Switch to Beacon Hosting from Another Host

This guide covers moving a **game server** (Minecraft Java, Bedrock, or another game listed on the store) onto Beacon. Order on the **store**, then manage the new machine from **Your Servers**. Discord bot hosting and CMS/web hosting are not what the current storefront sells.

Do **not** cancel the old host until you have a backup **and** the world loads on Beacon.

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## Step 1: Back up the old server

From your current host, download a full copy of:

- The world (and plugin/mod data)
- `server.properties` / config files (for reference — do not blindly reuse IP and port)
- Plugin or mod folders
- Any extra files you care about (resource packs, datapacks, scripts)

Keep the old server **offline** while you zip the world so files are not half-written.

> **[INFO]** Java and Bedrock worlds are not interchangeable. A Java world will not run on a Bedrock plan, and the reverse is also true. Match the edition when you order.

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## Step 2: Order the Beacon server

1. Open the [store](https://www.beaconhosting.org/store)
2. For Minecraft, pick [Java](https://www.beaconhosting.org/store/Minecraft/java) or [Bedrock](https://www.beaconhosting.org/store/Minecraft/bedrock)
3. Choose hardware tier, RAM, location, and billing cycle, then check out

`/servers` is **Your Servers** after login. It is not the shop.

After payment, sign in at [www.beaconhosting.org/auth/login](https://www.beaconhosting.org/auth/login) and open **Your Servers**.

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## Step 3: Install the same kind of software

On the new server, open **Package Manager** from the sidebar and install the jar or software you used before (Paper, Forge, Fabric, Bedrock, and so on), as close in version as you can.

Do this **before** you overwrite the world, so the server has a working runtime.

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## Step 4: Stop the server and upload files

From **Console**, stop the server so uploads are not overwritten on start.

Then copy files in either of these ways:

**Files (panel)**  
Open **Files**, drag-and-drop folders or archives, then use **Unarchive** if you uploaded a zip/tar.

**SFTP (paid servers)**  
Open **Settings** for the SFTP address, username (`account:server-id`), and token. SFTP is **disabled on free trial** servers — use **Files** instead.

Typical Minecraft layout after upload:

- Java: world folder (including Nether/End data), `plugins` or `mods`, configs
- Bedrock: the Bedrock world folder and `permissions.json` / `allowlist.json` if you use them

> **[WARNING]** Leave Beacon’s allocated port alone. Copying the old host’s IP or `server-port` into `server.properties` will not match this machine. Connect using **Network**, not the old address.

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## Step 5: Start and test with the new address

1. Start the server from **Console**
2. Open **Network** and copy the primary IP and port
3. Join with that address (Minecraft: `ip:port`)

Players can join this way with **no DNS change**. Migration is done once the world loads here.

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## Step 6: Custom domain (optional)

A domain is optional. Game servers do not need DNS to work.

If you want `play.example.com` instead of `ip:port`:

1. Open **Network**
2. Set a **Domain Alias** on the allocation
3. Add the **A** and **SRV** records the panel shows at your DNS provider

A single A record pointed at the IP is often not enough. Minecraft usually needs the SRV record because the port is not 25565.

DNS only changes how people type the address. It does not move files.

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## If you get stuck

Open a ticket at [www.beaconhosting.org/billing/tickets](https://www.beaconhosting.org/billing/tickets). Say which game/edition you are moving and whether the server starts.