Looking for a true managed WordPress host? Cloudways offers flexibility by letting you deploy on various cloud providers, but with that flexibility comes responsibility - you still manage servers, updates, and security yourself. MojoShine is truly hands-off: AI handles everything from provisioning to patching.
This guide walks you through migrating from Cloudways to MojoShine step by step. Your site stays live throughout, and you can test everything before switching DNS.
MojoShine handles everything - provisioning, updates, security, and backups. Focus on your site, not your server.
Why Switch from Cloudways to MojoShine?
Cloudways positions itself as "managed" hosting, but you still have to:
- Choose and manage cloud providers (DigitalOcean, AWS, Google Cloud, etc.)
- Monitor and scale server resources
- Handle WordPress core, theme, and plugin updates manually
- Configure backups and security settings
- Troubleshoot server-level issues
With MojoShine, all of this is automated. Our AI handles provisioning in minutes, automatically applies security patches with visual validation, and manages your entire hosting stack. You get truly managed WordPress hosting.
| Feature | Cloudways | MojoShine |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $11/mo (DigitalOcean) | $9/mo |
| Server Management | You manage | Fully managed |
| Autonomous Provisioning | No | Yes |
| Automatic WordPress Updates | Manual | AI with visual validation |
| Security Patching | Manual | Automatic |
| Choose Cloud Provider | Yes (5 options) | Pre-optimized infrastructure |
| Container Isolation | Shared server | Docker isolation |
| Free SSL | Yes | Yes (TLS 1.3) |
| CDN Included | Cloudflare add-on | Cloudflare included |
| Automatic Backups | Yes (configurable) | Yes (plan-based) |
| Runtime Security Monitoring | No | Falco eBPF |
| Support Level | 24/7 (server only) | AI + human support |
Key Difference: Cloudways gives you flexibility but requires technical knowledge to manage servers. MojoShine is opinionated and fully managed - we've made all the infrastructure decisions so you don't have to.
Before You Start: Pre-Migration Checklist
Pre-Migration Checklist
- Note your current Cloudways server and application details
- List all plugins and themes installed
- Document any custom PHP settings or server configurations
- Check for Cloudways-specific configurations (Breeze cache plugin)
- Verify you have access to your domain registrar for DNS changes
- Take a backup in Cloudways console
Breeze Cache Plugin: Cloudways includes their "Breeze" caching plugin. This plugin is designed for their infrastructure and should be removed after migration. MojoShine handles caching automatically at the server level.
Step-by-Step Migration Guide
Create Your MojoShine Account
Set up your new hosting environment:
- Go to mojoshine.com/pricing
- Choose a plan (Starter from $9/mo, Pro $25/mo, or Business $49/mo)
- Enter your email and choose a temporary subdomain (e.g., mysite.mojoshine.com)
- Complete checkout - AI will provision your site in about 3 minutes
- Check your email for WordPress admin credentials
Unlike Cloudways, you don't need to choose a cloud provider, server size, or configure anything. MojoShine handles all infrastructure decisions.
Export Your Site from Cloudways
You have several options for exporting your site:
Option A: Use a Migration Plugin (Recommended)
- Log into your Cloudways WordPress admin
- Install "All-in-One WP Migration" or "Duplicator" plugin
- Create a full export package (database + files)
- Download the export file to your computer
Option B: Use Cloudways Backup
- Log into Cloudways console
- Go to your Application > Backup and Restore
- Click "Take Backup Now"
- Download the backup (you'll get separate database and files)
Option C: SFTP + Database Export
- Connect via SFTP using Master Credentials from Cloudways
- Download the entire
public_htmlfolder - Export database via phpMyAdmin (Applications > Database Manager)
Import to MojoShine
Bring your content to its new home:
- Log into your new MojoShine WordPress admin
- Install the same migration plugin you used for export
- Use the plugin's import feature to upload your export file
- Wait for the import to complete (this may take several minutes for large sites)
- Log in again using your original WordPress credentials
Large Sites: If your export file exceeds upload limits, contact MojoShine support. We can increase limits temporarily or assist with SFTP-based migration for larger sites.
Clean Up Cloudways-Specific Items
Remove Cloudways-specific configurations:
- Go to Plugins and deactivate/delete "Breeze" caching plugin
- Remove any Cloudways-specific MU plugins if present
- Check wp-config.php for Cloudways-specific constants
- Review any custom Redis or Varnish configurations (not needed on MojoShine)
Update URLs and Test
Your site still references the old domain. Fix this:
- Install "Better Search Replace" plugin
- Search for:
https://yourdomain.com - Replace with:
https://yoursite.mojoshine.com(your temporary subdomain) - Run on all tables (do a dry run first)
- Test all pages, forms, and functionality thoroughly
- Verify images are loading correctly
- Test contact forms, WooCommerce checkout, etc.
Connect Your Custom Domain
Once testing is complete, point your domain to MojoShine:
- In MojoShine portal, go to your site and click "Add Custom Domain"
- Enter your domain (e.g., yourdomain.com)
- You'll receive DNS records to add at your registrar
- Add the CNAME or A records as instructed
- SSL certificate is automatically provisioned once DNS propagates
Final URL Update
After your domain is connected:
- Run Better Search Replace again
- Search for:
https://yoursite.mojoshine.com - Replace with:
https://yourdomain.com - Update WordPress Address and Site Address in Settings > General
- Clear all caches
Verify and Cancel Cloudways
Final checks before canceling Cloudways:
- Test your site thoroughly on the live domain
- Verify SSL is working (green padlock)
- Check email deliverability
- Monitor site for 24-48 hours for any issues
- Once satisfied, delete your application and server in Cloudways console
- Download a final backup from Cloudways before deletion
Migration Timeline
What to Expect
Common Migration Issues and Solutions
Breeze Cache Plugin Conflicts
Cloudways' Breeze plugin may cause issues on other hosts. After migration, deactivate and delete Breeze. If you can't access the admin, connect via SFTP and rename the /wp-content/plugins/breeze folder to disable it.
Redis/Varnish Configuration Errors
If you were using Redis or Varnish on Cloudways, you may see errors after migration. Remove any Redis/Varnish plugins and delete related configuration from wp-config.php. MojoShine handles caching at the infrastructure level.
File Permissions Issues
Cloudways uses specific file permissions that may differ from MojoShine. If you encounter permission errors, contact support - we can help reset permissions to the correct values.
Missing Images or Media
If images are missing, ensure the entire wp-content/uploads folder was migrated. You may also need to run Better Search Replace to update media URLs from your old domain to the new one.
Email Deliverability
Cloudways servers have specific email configurations. After migration, test your contact forms and transactional emails. If you were using Cloudways' SMTP add-on, you'll need to configure a new email service or use MojoShine's default email delivery.
Ready for Truly Managed Hosting?
Stop managing servers. Let AI handle your WordPress hosting while you focus on what matters.
Start Your Free TrialWhat You Gain by Switching
After migrating from Cloudways to MojoShine, you'll benefit from:
- No Server Management: No more choosing providers, sizing servers, or monitoring resources
- Automatic Updates: AI applies WordPress, plugin, and theme updates with visual validation
- Container Isolation: Your site runs in its own Docker container, isolated from other sites
- Enhanced Security: Falco eBPF runtime monitoring, automatic patching, and threat detection
- Simpler Pricing: Fixed monthly price instead of pay-as-you-go that can spike with traffic
- AI Support: Get instant answers from our AI assistant in the customer portal
Need Help with Migration?
We're here to help make your migration smooth:
- Self-Service: Follow this guide and our FAQ
- AI Support: Chat with our AI assistant in the customer portal
- Email Support: Contact us via the support form
- Managed Migration: Business plan customers get complimentary migration assistance
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to migrate from Cloudways to MojoShine?
Most migrations take 1-2 hours for the technical work, plus up to 48 hours for DNS propagation. Your site remains live on Cloudways during the entire process, so there's no downtime for your visitors.
Will I lose any data when migrating from Cloudways?
No. The migration process creates a complete copy of your site including all posts, pages, media, plugins, themes, and settings. Your original site on Cloudways remains untouched until you're ready to delete it.
Why switch from Cloudways to MojoShine?
Cloudways requires you to manage servers, choose cloud providers, and handle updates yourself. MojoShine is truly managed - AI handles provisioning, security patching, and updates automatically. No server management needed.
How does MojoShine pricing compare to Cloudways?
Cloudways starts at $11/month for basic DigitalOcean, while MojoShine starts at $9/month (billed annually). The real value comes from time savings - MojoShine is truly managed with AI handling provisioning, security patching, and updates automatically. Cloudways still requires you to manage servers, choose cloud providers, and handle updates yourself. Cloudways pricing can also spike with traffic, while MojoShine has predictable monthly pricing.
What about my Cloudways staging environment?
MojoShine includes staging environments on Pro and Business plans. After migration, you can set up a new staging environment in the MojoShine portal. Migration plugins can help you copy your staging site too if needed.