How to import your server from another host
Moving to ApexNode from another host? Our built-in Server Importer lets you pull your existing server files over quickly, without manually downloading and re-uploading everything yourself.
Order a server with us first, then use Server Importer to connect to your old host and transfer your files over. Simply follow our steps below.
Before you start
You’ll need:
- An ApexNode server already ordered and ready in the game panel
- Your old host’s file access details (host address, port, username, password, and server type)
Stop your old server before starting the import. If the old server is still online, some files may not transfer properly (especially world files, databases, and other files that stay open while the server is running).
Most hosts list these details in their control panel, often under a Files, SFTP, or Settings section. If you’re not sure where to find them, check your old host’s docs or support.
Make sure your ApexNode server is set to the same game (or matching mod loader) as the server you’re importing. For example, if you’re moving a Forge Minecraft server, change your ApexNode server to Forge first using our Change Game guide.
Step 1. Stop your old server
On your previous host, fully stop the game server you’re migrating. Leave it offline for the entire import.
Step 2. Login to our game panel
Step 3. Select the ApexNode server you want to import into
Step 4. Click “Server Importer” in the server menu
If you don’t see Server Importer, you may be missing permission for that feature. Ask the server owner to grant it, or open a support ticket.
Step 5. Fill in your old host’s connection details
Enter the connection details from your previous host:
- Server Type - choose FTP, FTPS, or SFTP (use whatever your old host supports - SFTP is preferred when available)
- Host - the server address / hostname
- Port - the port for that server type (common values include
21for FTP/FTPS, or22/2022for SFTP) - Username - your username on the old host
- Password - your password on the old host
- Base Directory (optional) - the folder to import from on the old host. Defaults to
/(root). Change this if your server files are in a subfolder.
On many hosts, the SFTP password is the same password you use to sign in to their panel - but not always. Use the password shown in their SFTP/file access details if it’s different.
Double-check everything before continuing. A typo in the host, port, credentials, or server type will prevent the import from connecting.
Step 6. Choose whether to wipe the current server files
You’ll see a Delete Files toggle for wiping files on your ApexNode server before the import starts.
| Option | What happens |
|---|---|
| Delete Files enabled | Your ApexNode server is stopped if needed, current files are cleared, then the imported files are transferred in. Best for a clean migration. |
| Delete Files disabled | Existing files stay. Imported files will overwrite matching paths. Extra files already on your ApexNode server may remain. |
Wiping your ApexNode server files is irreversible. Only enable it if you’re sure you don’t need anything currently on that server. When wipe is enabled, you’ll be asked to confirm before the import starts.
Step 7. Start the import and wait for it to finish
Click Import Server. The page shows live status, progress, and estimated time remaining.
Transfers run in a shared queue (a few imports at a time). If someone else is importing at the same moment, you may see a short queue wait before yours starts.
When it’s done, start your ApexNode server and confirm everything looks correct - worlds, mods, plugins, configs, and so on.
A few things to keep in mind
- The import will fail if the remote files won’t fit within your ApexNode server’s disk limit.
- After you submit, the password is cleared from the form for safety.
- If the import fails to connect, re-check the server type, host, port, username, password, and base directory from your old host.
- Need help? Reach out on Discord or submit a support ticket.