Switching panel platforms without losing customers: a checklist

You can move your SMM panel to a new platform without losing customers if you treat it as a planned project rather than a weekend rush. Prepare the new panel fully first, move customers and history with an import, switch the domain at a quiet time, and tell customers what to expect before and after. Most problems in a switch come from skipping one of those steps.

This checklist walks through each stage. It is written with PanelHubs in mind, but most of it applies wherever you are moving.

1. Pick the right timing

• Avoid your busiest days. Check your order reports and choose a quiet period. For many panels that is early in the week, and not during a holiday campaign.
• Leave a buffer. Plan the move over one to two weeks: setup first, then import, then the domain switch.
• Don't cancel the old panel too early. Keep it running, in read-only use if you can, until you are sure everything has moved.
• Allow for review time. On PanelHubs, imports are checked by the team first, usually within a working day. Build that into your plan.

2. Build the new panel before you move anyone

Your customers should arrive at a panel that is ready, not one under construction.

• Branding: upload your logo, set colours and fonts in the visual editor, and preview on phone, tablet and computer. If you used a Twig theme before, PanelHubs Twig themes are compatible with other panel providers' themes, which can save time.
• Languages and currency: set your main currency to match your old panel, so balances carry over correctly, and turn on the languages your customers use.
• Pages: recreate your terms, FAQ and any important pages.
• Support: switch on the live chat, WhatsApp or Telegram buttons you used before, so customers can reach you the same way.

3. Services and providers

• Connect your providers. Any provider using the standard SMM API v2 can be connected with its API URL and key.
• Import services in bulk with categories, descriptions and your price markup. Then compare your top 20 services against your old price list so regular buyers see familiar prices.
• Add backup providers for your most popular services.
• Top up provider balances before launch day, so the first orders don't fail.
• Place a test order on each key service and confirm the status syncs.

4. Move customers and order history

On PanelHubs, the Migrate tab imports customers from a CSV export of your old panel: usernames, emails, balances, total spent, discounts and contact details, plus order history. Customers then receive a "set your password" email, because no panel can export passwords.

• Export your customer list and order history from the old panel as close to the switch as possible, so balances are current.
• Check that balances are in the same currency as your new main currency, or that you know the conversion you need.
• After the import, spot-check a few customers you know well: right email, right balance, right discount.

For a step-by-step walkthrough, see our guide on importing customers and orders.

5. Tell your customers

Silence causes panic. A clear, honest message causes very little.

• Before: announce the move a few days ahead on your old panel and your WhatsApp, Telegram or social channels. Say when it happens, that balances are safe, and that they will get an email to set a new password.
• On the day: post a short update when the new panel is live.
• After: send a broadcast from the new panel explaining anything that changed, such as new payment methods or languages.

Warn customers about fake messages too. A migration is a moment when scammers like to send fake "reset your account" links. Tell customers which address your emails will come from.

6. Switch the domain

• Note your current DNS records, especially MX records for business email, before changing anything.
• Point your domain to PanelHubs' nameservers, or use an A record if you prefer. The panel goes live automatically within minutes of the DNS change, with HTTPS issued automatically. Existing records are copied in when you connect.
• Check your email still works by sending yourself a test message.
• Keep the free yourname.panelhubs.online address as a fallback while DNS settles around the world.

7. Test payments with real money

Do not assume a payment gateway works because the settings look right.

• Set up each gateway you used before, plus any new local ones, such as M-Pesa, MTN MoMo or Paystack.
• Make a small real payment through each one and confirm the balance arrives.
• Set min and max amounts, fees and bonuses per method to match your old setup, unless you are changing them on purpose.
• If you accept manual payments with proof upload, test that flow too.

8. The first week after

• Watch support closely. Most questions will be about passwords and balances. Answer fast and kindly.
• Check orders daily. Look for failed orders, low provider balances and services with odd results.
• Contact quiet customers. If regular buyers have not set their password after a few days, a friendly reminder helps.
• Compare numbers. Use the reports to compare orders and payments with a normal week on the old panel.

And as always, keep your services honest: follow each platform's rules and local law, and describe what each service delivers.

Getting started

A switch goes smoothly when the new panel is ready before anyone arrives. If you are thinking of moving, you can create your PanelHubs panel and set it up at your own pace before you switch.