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Migrate Mastodon Server to Elestio

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This migration document focuses on Mastodon, which is supported by Elestio. Find the complete software list here

This document provides a step-by-step guide for migrating your existing Mastodon server to Elestio. Elestio is designed to enhance performance, scalability, and overall system efficiency.

1️⃣ Pre-requisites​

  1. Create Account: Set up your account on Elestio
  2. Access Current Mastodon: Log in to your Mastodon admin dashboard where your current server is hosted
  3. Check Server Health: Ensure your application works correctly with no critical errors in logs
  4. Version Matching: Use the same Mastodon version on Elestio as your current service to prevent migration failures

2️⃣ Exporting the Data​

Step 1: Access Mastodon Preferences​

Log into your Mastodon server and navigate to preferences settings

Mastodon preferences access

Step 2: Navigate to Import/Export​

Go to "Import and Export" and click on the "Data Export" option

Mastodon import export interface

Step 3: Download CSV Data​

Click on the "CSV" file section to download the data you want to migrate. The CSV files will be stored on your local machine.

Mastodon CSV data export

Step 4: Additional Data Considerations​

Additional Data Export

For complete migration, you should also export:

  • PostgreSQL Database: The underlying database containing all server data
  • Media Storage: All uploaded images, videos, and other media files

3️⃣ Setting Up Mastodon on Elestio​

Step 1: Deploy Mastodon Service​

  1. Log in to your Elestio account
  2. Go to "Create Services" and select "Mastodon"

Step 2: Configure Service​

Select your service provider, region, and machine preferences

Mastodon service configuration on Elestio

Step 3: Deploy Service​

Name your service, configure settings and support level, then click "Create Service"

Mastodon service deployment configuration

4️⃣ Importing the Data​

Step 1: Access Elestio Mastodon​

Once deployed, navigate to the service details and use the URL provided under "Admin UI" to access your Mastodon server

Elestio Mastodon service admin UI access

Step 2: Log in to Mastodon​

Access your new Mastodon instance and log in with the credentials provided in the Elestio dashboard

Mastodon login interface

Step 3: Access Import Settings​

Navigate to "Import and Export" and click on "Import"

Mastodon import interface

Step 4: Import CSV Data​

  1. Click the "Choose file" option under the data section
  2. Select the "Import type" from the dropdown menu
  3. Choose the file corresponding to your selected import type
  4. Confirm your imports by clicking the "Confirm" button

Mastodon import confirmation

Step 5: Database and Media Migration​

Complete Migration

If you exported the PostgreSQL database and media storage in step 2, ensure you:

  • Import the database using the PostgreSQL credentials provided on the Elestio dashboard
  • Upload and configure the media storage files

Step 6: Monitor Import Progress​

After confirming imports, wait for the data to be processed. You can monitor progress on the same tab.

Mastodon import progress monitoring

Congratulations! Your data is successfully migrated to Elestio.

5️⃣ Testing the Migration​

Verify Data Import​

  1. Navigate through your Mastodon server
  2. Check bookmarks, posts, and lists in their respective tabs
  3. Look for mentions of your previous server to identify migrated content

Example Verification​

Here's an example of successfully migrated bookmarks:

Migrated Mastodon bookmarks verification

Post-Migration Checks​

  1. User Accounts: Verify all user accounts are properly migrated
  2. Content Integrity: Check that posts, media, and interactions are intact
  3. Federation: Test federation with other Mastodon instances
  4. Performance: Monitor server performance and response times
  5. Custom Settings: Verify server-specific settings and customizations

6️⃣ Post-Migration Steps​

After successful migration, consider these additional steps:

  1. Update DNS: Point your domain to the new Elestio Mastodon instance
  2. SSL Configuration: Ensure proper SSL certificate setup
  3. Federation Settings: Update federation and instance settings
  4. Backup Strategy: Set up regular backups for your Mastodon instance
  5. Monitoring: Configure server monitoring and alerting
  6. User Communication: Inform your community about the migration and any necessary actions

7️⃣ Federation Considerations​

Domain Migration​

If you're changing domains:

  1. Redirect Setup: Configure proper redirects from the old domain
  2. User Notification: Inform users about the domain change
  3. Federation Updates: Other instances will need to update their federation records

Maintaining Federation​

To maintain existing federation relationships:

  1. Keep the same domain if possible
  2. Ensure proper SSL certificate configuration
  3. Test federation with key partner instances

8️⃣ Need Additional Help?​

Stuck somewhere? We're here to help! Create a support ticket and we'll get back to you promptly.