--- title: "How to Move Your Minecraft Server to RealisticNode (SFTP)" description: "Move your Minecraft server to RealisticNode: back up, upload with SFTP or ask for a free transfer, pick Paper, test, and switch your domain." url: "https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/move-minecraft-server-to-realisticnode-sftp" updated: "2026-11-03T06:48:44.013901+00:00" source: "ZCraft Studios" --- > Site index for AI agents: https://www.zcraftstudios.com/llms.txt (full reference: https://www.zcraftstudios.com/llms-full.txt). Every page is available as Markdown by adding `.md` to its URL or sending `Accept: text/markdown`. 1. [Home](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/) 2. [Blog](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog) 3. How to Move Your Minecraft Server to RealisticNode (SFTP) [ All posts](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog) # How to Move Your Minecraft Server to RealisticNode (SFTP) ZCraft StudiosNov 3, 2026 Move your Minecraft server to RealisticNode: back up, upload with SFTP or ask for a free transfer, pick Paper, test, and switch your domain. ## In this guide - [Before you move](#before-you-move) - [Option 1: ask for a free transfer](#option-1-ask-for-a-free-transfer) - [Option 2: move it yourself with SFTP](#option-2-move-it-yourself-with-sftp) - [Databases and plugins](#databases-and-plugins) - [Test before you switch](#test-before-you-switch) - [Switch the address](#switch-the-address) - [Keep your own backups](#keep-your-own-backups) - [Frequently asked questions](#frequently-asked-questions) - [Related reading](#related-reading) ## How to Move Your Minecraft Server to RealisticNode (SFTP) **Quick answer:** to move a server to RealisticNode, **back up everything**, create a Minecraft server in their game panel, choose the same server software and version, **upload your world, plugins and configs by SFTP** (or ask support for a free transfer), test it, then point your domain at the new address. Keep the old host until the new one is verified. [![ZCraft Studios and RealisticNode: 10% off Minecraft hosting](https://esrjajilhtjdleheettk.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/product-images/ZCS.png)](https://realisticnode.com/zcs) **[Get 10% off RealisticNode through our link](https://realisticnode.com/zcs)** _Partner link: ZCraft Studios may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Details come from RealisticNode's published information, last checked November 2026\. Panel screens and steps may differ, so follow the provider's guides at docs.realisticnode.com where they differ._ ## Before you move 1. **Pick a plan** that fits your RAM and location needs. See [RealisticNode Minecraft Hosting](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/realisticnode-minecraft-hosting-plans-features) and [How Much RAM Does a Minecraft Server Need?](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/how-much-ram-does-a-minecraft-server-need). 2. **Back up** the world, plugins, configs and any databases. See [Backup Strategy](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/minecraft-server-backup-strategy). 3. **Note your versions:** Minecraft version, server software and Java version. 4. **Announce a maintenance window.** See [Maintenance Mode Without Losing Players](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/minecraft-server-maintenance-mode-without-losing-players). ## Option 1: ask for a free transfer RealisticNode lists a free server transfer through its support team. Open a ticket or ask in their Discord, provide access to your old server, and let them move it. Check what they need and how long it takes before you shut anything down. ## Option 2: move it yourself with SFTP 1. In the game panel, create a Minecraft server and choose the **same software and version** as your old one. The version installer lists Vanilla, Paper, Purpur, Forge, Fabric, Pufferfish, Folia, Velocity and BungeeCord. See [Folia vs Paper vs Purpur](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/minecraft-server-software-paper-purpur-folia). 2. Stop the old server cleanly so the world is saved. 3. Download the world folder, `plugins`, configs and any databases from the old host. 4. Connect to the new server with an SFTP client, using the details in the panel. 5. Upload the world, plugin folders and configs. 6. Check `server.properties`, especially the port and `level-name`. See [server.properties Explained](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/minecraft-server-properties-explained). 7. Choose the right Java version for your Minecraft version. See [Update a Minecraft Server to 26.1+](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/minecraft-26-1-server-update-guide). 8. Start the server and read the console. See [Minecraft Server Won't Start](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/minecraft-server-wont-start-errors-fixes). ## Databases and plugins If plugins use MySQL, either move the database or keep it where it is and allow the new host's IP. Update the connection details in each plugin config. See [SQLite vs MySQL](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/minecraft-server-plugin-database-sqlite-vs-mysql). Check [Plugin Not Loading?](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/minecraft-plugin-not-loading-fix) if something shows red. ## Test before you switch | Test | What to check | | ----------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Join | A normal account can connect | | World | Builds and chunks are intact | | Plugins | No red plugins, permissions work | | Performance | Run [spark](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/how-to-read-spark-profiler-minecraft) with players | | Backups | A restore works | | Support | A technical question gets answered | Use the 48-hour refund window to test properly. ## Switch the address 1. Lower your DNS TTL a day before, if you can. 2. Update the A record, or the SRV record, to the new address. See [Custom Domain and SRV Records](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/minecraft-server-dns-srv-record-guide). 3. Keep the old host running until players have moved. 4. Announce the move in your Discord. For the full process see [Move a Minecraft Server to a New Host](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/minecraft-server-move-host-without-losing-world). ## Keep your own backups RealisticNode lists daily backups, and its terms state that unpaid services are suspended 2 days after the due date and terminated after 5 days, with data deleted. Keep an off-host copy of your world and plugins, and renew on time. ## Frequently asked questions **Does RealisticNode offer free server transfers?** Their site says support offers a free transfer. Confirm the details with them. **Can I upload my own world?** Yes, with SFTP access. **Can I run Paper and plugins?** Yes, the panel lists Paper, Purpur and Folia. **How do I get 10% off?** Use [realisticnode.com/zcs](https://realisticnode.com/zcs) and confirm at checkout. **How long does a move take?** From under an hour for small servers to longer for big worlds. Plan a window. ## Related reading - [Cheap and Fast Minecraft Hosting](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/cheap-fast-minecraft-hosting-picks-what-to-check) - [Best Minecraft Server Hosting (2026)](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/best-minecraft-server-hosting-2026) - [How to Start a Minecraft Server](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/start-minecraft-server) ## Continue reading - [RealisticNode vs Apex Hosting: Which Minecraft Host to Pick](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/realisticnode-vs-apex-hosting-minecraft) - [RealisticNode vs Shockbyte: Which Minecraft Host Is Better?](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/realisticnode-vs-shockbyte-minecraft-hosting) - [RealisticNode Minecraft Hosting: Plans, Features and 10% Off](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/realisticnode-minecraft-hosting-plans-features) - [How to Mine and Move Spawners: Silk Touch Plugins](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/mine-and-move-spawners-silk-touch-plugins) [ Previous guide RealisticNode Minecraft Hosting: Plans, Features and 10% Off](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/realisticnode-minecraft-hosting-plans-features)[ Next guide AdvancedBan on a Network: MySQL, BungeeCord and Velocity](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/advancedban-network-mysql-bungeecord-velocity-setup)