How to Cancel DreamHost in 2026 (Close Account + Migrate Your Website)

Updated 2026-03-03 · 6 min read

Step 1: Back Up Your Website

1. WordPress sites: Install a backup plugin (UpdraftPlus, All-in-One WP Migration) and download a full backup
2. Files: DreamHost Panel → Manage Websites → FTP → download all files
3. Database: DreamHost Panel → MySQL Databases → phpMyAdmin → Export
4. Email: Download all emails via IMAP client or DreamHost's email export
5. DNS records: Screenshot your current DNS settings for recreation elsewhere

Step 2: Transfer Your Domain

1. DreamHost Panel → Domains → Registrations
2. Click Unlock to disable transfer lock
3. Click Reveal Auth Code (EPP code)
4. Go to your new registrar and initiate transfer with the auth code
5. Transfer takes 5-7 days
6. Domain must be registered for 60+ days and not expiring within 30 days

Step 3: Close Your DreamHost Account

1. Log into panel.dreamhost.com
2. Go to Account → Close Account
3. Or navigate to: Billing → Close Account / Cancel All Hosting
4. Review the list of services that will be canceled
5. Confirm closure
6. DreamHost processes the closure and any applicable refunds

DreamHost Refund Policy

• Shared hosting (within 97 days): Full refund guaranteed
• Shared hosting (after 97 days): No refund for remaining term
• VPS hosting: No money-back guarantee — cancel anytime, billed monthly
• Dedicated servers: No refund — billed monthly
• Domain registration: Non-refundable (ICANN policy)
• DreamShield (SSL/backups add-on): Prorated refund available

Migrate WordPress to New Host

1. Sign up with new host (SiteGround, Cloudways, etc.)
2. Easiest method: Use "All-in-One WP Migration" plugin — export from DreamHost, import at new host
3. Manual method: Upload files via FTP, import database via phpMyAdmin, update wp-config.php
4. Update DNS at your domain registrar to point to the new host
5. Wait for DNS propagation (24-48 hours)
6. Verify site works on new host before canceling DreamHost

Alternatives to DreamHost

• SiteGround: Best WordPress hosting — fast, excellent support, $2.99-$14.99/month
• Cloudways: Managed cloud hosting — more control, $14/month (DigitalOcean), scalable
• Hostinger: Cheapest — $2.99/month, good for beginners and small sites
• Vercel/Netlify: Best for static sites and React/Next.js — free tier is generous
• DigitalOcean: VPS for developers — $4-$6/month droplets, full server control

Bottom line: Back up everything, transfer your domain, migrate your site to the new host, then close DreamHost. If you're within 97 days, you get a full refund on shared hosting — one of the most generous guarantees in the industry.