Skip to content 
Before you start your Cancel web hosting you should be aware of legal deadlines, data backup and how to handle your domain. This article shows you exactly what you need to consider to ensure that your hosting change or deregistration goes smoothly.
Key points
- Notice periods: Check in good time to avoid contract extensions
- Back up data: Save files and emails completely before canceling
- Domain handlingDelete, keep or move to a new provider
- Contract detailsHosting and domain packages possibly regulated separately
- New hosting solutionCompare and plan alternatives before termination
Why cancel web hosting?
A hosting provider change or the termination of a web space contract rarely happens spontaneously. Frequent reasons are Dissatisfaction with the loading speed, lack of support or rising prices. Some also quit because they are adapting their business model, a Switch off website or reduce it to a minimalist portfolio.
Even after a technical analysis, it is clear that more powerful offers with better features can often be found on the market at more attractive conditions. If you evaluate your provider critically, you can save resources and money. If you are unsure, you will find in this Decision-making aid for hosting comparisons Support.
Your preparation makes the difference
Before I cancel my web hosting, I back up all my data. Data and e-mails locally. To do this, I download all FTP directories, MySQL databases and e-mail inboxes. Without a backup, you risk irreversible losses. Certificates and any cron jobs should also be backed up.
Think carefully: Should the domain be deleted, migrated or continued? If you want to remain accessible in the future without much effort, a domain-only contract may be a solution. Clear answers to these questions will make the switch or termination easier.
Check contract and notice periods
Web hosting contracts usually bind you for 12 or 24 months. Within this period you can Terminate properlyas long as you comply with the contractually agreed notice period. Depending on the provider, this is between 14 days and 3 months before the end of the contract. Domain renewals may have different deadlines. You can find the exact dates in your contract or in your customer account.
If you cancel too late, the contract is automatically extended. This is particularly annoying with annual contracts. It's worth putting an early reminder in your calendar so that you don't miss any deadlines.
Keep, transfer or delete domain?
For domains, you basically have three options when changing provider:
| Option | Meaning | Important to note |
|---|---|---|
| Delete domain | Address is completely released | Can be registered by third parties after approx. 30 days |
| Transfer domain | Move to new hoster with auth code | Initiate termination including transfer in good time |
| Continue domain | Cancel hosting, keep domain | Often as a low-cost domain-only contract |
A domain transfer usually succeeds without any downtime if you also transfer the new webspace prepare. Make sure to request the Authinfo code before the end of the contract period.
How to cancel your hosting correctly
Many providers allow you to cancel directly in the online customer center. Nevertheless, I recommend written termination additionally by e-mail or registered mail in order to have proof. You should include the following information:
- Name and customer number
- Exact contract name or package name
- Intended termination date (at the earliest possible date or at the end of the contract)
- Optional: Reason for termination
Make sure you receive confirmation of receipt from the provider. Only then can you be sure that the notice of termination was received on time.
What you should look out for after giving notice
Some providers delete all content immediately after the end of the contract term. E-mails, databases and FTP access are then no longer accessible. At best, I save my content on several media or in the cloud before canceling.
If you want to keep your domain, make sure that it is not accidentally deleted. The contract for the domain often continues to run separately and can remain in place independently of the hosting.
Avoid possible mistakes
I often see that website operators use their Backups too late create or even forget. Especially with CMS applications such as WordPress, you can back up the entire site with a plugin. You should also save emails with an IMAP or export function.
Also avoid using the Domain transfer only when the contract has already ended. You should request the Auth-Code from your old provider at least two weeks before the contract expires so that you can switch promptly.
If you are unsure whether web hosting or your own server is the better choice, you can find more information in this article on the Host it yourself or use a provider valuable tips.
Good hosting alternatives
It's worth it after the termination, Various providers to compare. Services, support availability and included features such as SSL or daily backups vary greatly. We particularly recommend regularly checking hosting comparisons to keep an eye on new offers.
A free comparison like this Web hosting comparison helps you to assess performance and costs transparently. This will help you find a provider that is better suited to your goals.
A look at refunds
An often overlooked point when canceling web hosting are Refunds. Some providers will refund you the remaining amount for unused contract months. However, check the terms and conditions in advance to see if this applies.
Instead, a credit is often granted to your customer account, which you can use for a new order. Here too, it is worth asking in writing.
Further aspects for a smooth changeover
A well thought-out change of host or a complete termination involves much more than simply transferring data and switching off the old environment. To avoid any nasty surprises later on, it's worth considering other factors that are often overlooked. Some of these are of a technical nature, while others are related to organizational flair or legal issues.
Plan email migration carefully
If you are running your email accounts with the old provider, you should check in good time how you can transfer these accounts to the new hoster or whether you can run them yourself via an independent service. Setting up MX records correctly in the DNS is just as important as transferring older emails. This is particularly straightforward with IMAP accounts, as the messages are mainly stored on the server. However, you must not forget the passwords and account settings so that you can get started straight away after the move.
DNS records and subdomains
Also pay attention to your DNS entries that go beyond pure A or CNAME forwarding. If you operate subdomains, your own email server or third-party services such as newsletter tools, the corresponding records (e.g. SPF, DKIM or DMARC) must be transferred correctly. This may sound complicated at first, but it can be easily summarized in a table or list so that nothing gets lost.
SSL certificates and security
If you are using SSL certificates from your old hosting package, clarify at an early stage whether these can be transferred or whether you need to have a new certificate (e.g. Let's Encrypt or a paid certificate) issued by your new provider. Especially if your website processes sensitive user data - such as in an online store - end-to-end protection is essential. You should urgently avoid transition periods without HTTPS, as this can have a negative impact not only on security but also on your SEO values.
Importance of tests and temporary detour
For CMS systems such as WordPress, Joomla or Typo3 in particular, a test run is recommended before the final move. To do this, you can use a temporary URL with the new hoster or use your local Hosts file test the domain name on the new server. This will ensure that all plugins, themes or individual scripts work properly before you move the live domain. This precautionary measure prevents your website from suddenly becoming unavailable or throwing errors after the transfer.
Compare versions of PHP & MySQL
Especially if you are running an older CMS, it may be that your new host uses other versions of PHP or MariaDB/MySQL. Check this compatibility in good time so that you don't end up with outdated or unsupported software after the move. Special functions or extensions may also be configured differently, which may affect your CMS. If you realize in this step that your CMS software is due for an update, now is the right time to do so.
Password and access maintenance
Don't forget to restructure all accesses as part of the move. This applies not only to FTP or SSH access, but also to database users, cronjob settings and email accounts. If you take a sloppy approach here or do not delete old accesses, you run the risk of the former hosting environment becoming a security vulnerability. Re-authentication may also be necessary for services such as analytics or external APIs as soon as you start working on the new server.
Clarify organizational details
In addition to the technology, there are organizational issues that tend to be overlooked. If necessary, inform your customers, suppliers or partners in good time about the move or shutdown if they use your domain for logins or data queries. This will prevent an important tool or business relationship from suffering because nobody knew that your system was changing. It can be useful to put a note in your email signature or on your homepage if the move is relevant to your business.
Contracts with third-party providers
More and more websites are integrating services from third-party providers - this could be payment processing for your online store, an external booking plugin or a mailing service. Check whether these services are tied to your old provider in any way. Some tools draw resources directly from your web space or require certain rights that may have to be set up again with a new hosting provider. A precise logging of your external services provides clarity as to whether the move is working smoothly or whether additional adjustments are necessary.
Data protection and legal aspects
Especially in times of comprehensive data protection regulations such as the GDPR, you should ensure that your website also meets all compliance requirements with the new provider. This applies, for example, to the data processing agreement (DPA) that you conclude with your host as soon as personal data is processed on their servers. Therefore, make sure that you do not wait until after the switch to clarify this point. It is advisable to take a quick look at the new provider's privacy policy so that you don't have to make any corrections later.
Strategic reasons for the change
You can also use the move or termination to realign your web project. You may want to update your CMS, revise the design or split up certain services in the future, for example to several specialized providers. A planned change is the ideal time to implement such strategic adjustments, as it saves you subsequent work and you only have a major changeover phase once.
Role allocation and project management
If you are not working on your website alone, but have a team of developers, designers or content managers, a clear allocation of roles and a schedule are essential. Define who will take care of the data backup, who will make the DNS changes and who will carry out the final go-live or shutdown. This way, you avoid misunderstandings and ensure that each task is only carried out once. A checklist can also help you not to forget anything.
While all of these aspects require a certain amount of preparation and care, they will save you a lot of hassle and time in the long run. With the above tips, you can stay in control of the transition and ensure that your online presence - be it business or personal - does not suffer any avoidable downtime or loss of performance.
Final thoughts on the termination process
You should be aware that web hosting is not the only thing that ends with storage space. E-mail addressesredirects and apps are often directly linked to this. External services such as newsletter tools or DNS entries can also be affected.
Structured planning will save you complications later on. Whether you decide to switch or end your online presence: A well-planned process creates security - and prevents unnecessary costs or downtime.
