How to Migrate between Mastodon Instances

Mastodon offers a decentralized social media experience, but sometimes users may want to move to a different instance (server). Whether it’s due to moderation policies, server performance, or simply finding a community that better suits their interests, Mastodon makes it possible to migrate accounts while notifying people of the change.

This guide (which does also in a way function for projects that implemented Mastodon's migration feature like Pixelfed) will walk you through the process of switching instances smoothly.

Reasons to migrate to a different Instance

There are many reasons why someone might want to switch Mastodon instances:

• Instance shutdown or inactivity – The instance you joined may no longer be active, well-maintained or is about to shut down.
• Moderation policies – You may prefer an instance with different moderation rules that better align with your values.
• Performance issues – Some servers experience slowdowns due to high user activity or lack of resources.
• Community & interests – You might find an instance that caters more specifically to your interests or language.

How to prepare for Migration

Before migrating, take the following steps to ensure a smooth transition:

1. Find a new instance – Browse instances on joinmastodon.org or directories like fedi.garden to find a server that fits your needs. You can also setup an own instance with like masto.host or on a Virtual Private Server (for example from Hetzner¹).
2. Create an account on the new instance – Register a new account on your chosen instance, but do not delete your old account yet.
3. Export your data – Go to Preferences > Import and Export > Export in your Mastodon settings to download your follower list, muted accounts, blocked accounts and domains, bookmarks and lists.

Migrating Your Followers

Mastodon allows you to migrate your followers and notify others about your move from one instance to another:

1. Go to the settings of your new account – Navigate to Preferences > Account > Moving from a different account.
2. Enter your old account handle – Create an account alias with your old account handle (don't forget the @ at the start of the handle like for example "@mastodon@mastodon.social")
3. Go to the settings of your old account – Navigate to Preferences > Account > Move to a different account.
4. Complete the migration – Enter your new and old account handles and then wait for the automated migration and the creation of the redirect to finish

Important Notes:

• Your follows and lists aren't automatically transferred. You can export and import the specific CSV files.
• Your old account will display a notice that it has moved.
• If you want to keep old posts (these can't be migrated), consider manually archiving them or keeping your old account active.

Importing Your Data

To restore certain settings from your previous account:

1. Go to Preferences > Import and Export > Import on your new account.
2. Upload your exported CSV files to import.

What Happens to Your Old Account?

Once migration is complete, you can choose to:

• Leave it as a redirect notice – Your old profile will display a message with a link to your new account.
• Delete the old account – If you no longer wish to keep it, you can fully remove your old account from the instance settings.

Conclusion

Migrating between Mastodon instances is a straightforward process that allows you to notify your community of your move. Although posts and media cannot be transferred, proper planning can make the transition smoother. By finding the right instance and following the migration steps carefully, you can ensure a seamless move to a new Mastodon home.

Are you considering switching instances? 📲

If you want to hear more from me you can find me in the Fediverse at @gelbphoenix@social.gelbphoenix.de (Mastodon) or @gelbphoenix@gram.social (Pixelfed).

¹ [Affiliate Link: Following this link gives you $20 in Hetzner Cloud Credit when registering]