How to Migrate PrestaShop Between VPS Servers Using the Terminal

What this procedure is

How to migrate PrestaShop between VPS servers using the terminal (SSH): copy files + export/import the database.

Applies to: PrestaShop 8.x.

Why you would do this

• Fast and controlled migration.
• Better for large stores or strict hosting limits.

Prerequisites

• SSH access to both VPS.
• Database credentials.
• Maintenance window.

Quick diagnosis (before you change anything)

1) Confirm paths and versions

Expected result: know site path and compatible PHP/MySQL versions.

Terminal migration between VPS

Step 1) Enable maintenance mode

Avoid orders during cutover.

Step 2) Copy files

Copy the store folder to the target VPS (for example using rsync).

Step 3) Export and import the database

Export using mysqldump and import on the target.

Step 4) Update configuration

Update parameters.php and check domain/URL.

Final verification

• Store loads on target.
• No permission errors.
• Checkout ok.

If something doesn’t work (common issues)

Permissions after copy

• Fix owner/permissions for var and img.
• Clear cache.

Best practices

• Test on staging first.
• Keep the source VPS available until validated.