Cloning involves creating a fully operational copy or replica of your server, including all its applications. By doing so, you can
Change your cloud provider.
Change the server region.
Move onto a new server or a different server type.
Swapping your server with a smaller server size
Load testing.
Important
Please note that when you clone your server, the new cloned server has a different IP address. The original server remains functional until you update your DNS records and point them to the new server cloned server.
How to Clone the Server
Server Cloning — Navigate to Desired Server
Log in to your Cloudways Platform using your email address and password.
From the top menu bar, open Servers.
Then, select your desired server.
Click ⋮ and click Clone Server.
4. You will be prompted for the cloning process. Click Yes.
Server Cloning — Initiate Cloning Process
Now, you need to provide the following information to begin the server cloning process.
Choose your infrastructure provider.
Select your server size.
Select your server location.
Finally, click the Clone Server.
If you are going with AWS or GCP instances, you also need to select the storage size (for web application files and database). You will also see monthly and hourly charges based on your selected instance.
Your new cloned instance should be deployed soon. The cloning process time is dependent on the size of the data to be copied.
Please bear in mind that the cloning process only creates an identical copy of your sites and it’s contents. It does not merge previously applied configurations or settings through the Platform. Once the cloning process is completed, you will need to map your domains and update DNS records to take your sites live. Later, you can also deploy an SSL certificate.
That’s it! We hope this article was helpful. If you need any help, then feel free to search your query on Cloudways Support Center or contact us via chat (Need a Hand > Send us a Message). Alternatively, you can also create a support ticket.
FAQs
What is the difference between server cloning and application cloning?
Server cloning involves creating a fully operational copy or replica of your server, including all its applications; however, application cloning involves creating a copy of a specific application you wish to clone.
Will my server configurations be the same on the cloned server too?
The cloning process only creates an identical copy of all your sites and it’s contents (data). It does not merge previously applied configurations or settings through the Platform.
Will my SSL Certificates be copied too during cloning?
No, the SSL certificates will not be copied from your original sites to the cloned site because they are treated as different sites and have no connection. However, you can install a Free Let’s Encrypt SSL Certificate on your new cloned application, we won’t limit you on how many Let’s Encrypt certificates you use.
How can I scale down my DO/Vultr/Linode server?
You can easily scale down your server by cloning it, as shown in this article. Once the cloning process is completed, you will need to map your domains and update DNS records to take your sites live. Later, you can also deploy an SSL certificate.
How can I change my server region?
As shown in this article, you can easily clone your server to a smaller server, as shown in this article (make sure your new server has enough disk space to host your application). Once the cloning process is completed, you will need to map your domains and update DNS records to take your sites live. Later, you can also deploy an SSL certificate. Finally, delete your old server, else charges will incur for that server too.
Will Clone Server Charges be Included in the Invoice?
Whether created or cloned, each of your running servers will be charged pro-rata over your monthly invoice.