Moving a website to a new host can feel risky. What if pages disappear, images break or the site goes offline? The good news is that a careful move, with a backup and a test, is manageable even for beginners.
This guide shows you how to migrate your website to Bluehost using the migration plugin or a manual method, how to protect your site during the move and what to check afterward. If you’re still deciding, read our review of Bluehost for beginners first.
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How we put this guide together: These steps are based on Bluehost’s public help pages and published guides, checked in October 2026. Migration rules and menus change, so confirm current details on Bluehost’s site. We have not hands-on tested this exact migration.
Before You Start: Quick Checklist
- Is your site WordPress.org? Bluehost’s migration tool is for WordPress sites you host yourself, not WordPress.com sites.
- Do you have a Bluehost account with a hosting plan?
- Do you have admin login details for your current WordPress site?
- Do you have a recent backup? Make one before you do anything.
- Do you know where your domain is registered? You may need to update nameservers later.
- Is your site free of malware? Bluehost’s rules say migration eligibility can depend on this.
Also check whether your Bluehost plan allows the site count you need, since some plans limit you to one website.
Choose Your Migration Method
| Method | Difficulty | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Bluehost migration plugin (self-service) | Easy | Most standard WordPress sites |
| Bluehost-assisted migration | Easy | People who want help, subject to eligibility and fees |
| Manual migration (files + database) | Harder | Non-standard sites or when the plugin fails |
Most beginners should start with the plugin.
Step 1: Back Up Your Current Site
Do this first, even if you plan to use an automatic tool.
- Use a backup plugin or your current host’s backup tool.
- Download the backup and keep a copy on your own computer.
- Note your current WordPress version, theme and plugin list.
Our list of essential WordPress plugins for new sites includes backup options.
Step 2: Set Up Your Bluehost Account
- Sign up for a Bluehost hosting plan.
- Log in to your Bluehost account.
- If Bluehost installed a blank WordPress site for you, that’s fine. The migration will replace or add to it depending on the method you choose.
Step 3: Migrate with the Bluehost Plugin (Recommended)
Bluehost’s help pages describe a self-service tool, and the steps usually look like this:
- In your Bluehost account, open Websites and click Add Site.
- Choose Transfer WordPress Website (the name may vary slightly).
- Enter the URL of your current site and run the compatibility check.
- Log in to your existing WordPress dashboard when prompted and install and activate the Bluehost migration plugin on that old site.
Important: Install the plugin on the site you are moving from, not on the new Bluehost install.
- Authorize the connection and approve the transfer when asked.
- Wait while the plugin copies your files, content and database.
- Don’t make edits to your old site while migration runs. Changes made during the move may not carry over.
- When it finishes, review the migrated site using the preview or temporary link before you make it live.
- If you’re satisfied, approve the site and complete any final steps Bluehost shows.
If you qualify for a free migration, Bluehost may also have its team review the site. Check the current terms, because eligibility rules (such as time limits and number of sites) can change.
Step 4: Test Before You Switch the Domain
Before pointing your domain to Bluehost, check the new copy:
- Open several pages and posts
- Check images and menus
- Test your contact form
- Try logging in to WordPress
- View it on mobile
- Look for broken links or missing plugins
If something looks wrong, fix it now while visitors are still seeing your old site.
Step 5: Point Your Domain to Bluehost
When the new site looks right, connect your domain.
If your domain is registered at Bluehost: it can usually be connected from your account.
If your domain is registered elsewhere:
- Find the nameservers shown in your Bluehost account.
- Log in to your domain registrar.
- Replace the old nameservers with Bluehost’s.
- Save your changes and wait for DNS to update, which can take from minutes to a day or two.
If you use email on this domain, check your email records before you change nameservers, or it may stop working. Our guide on connecting a domain to Hostinger explains how nameservers and A records work in a similar process.
Manual Migration (Backup Method)
Use this only if the plugin doesn’t work. It takes more technical steps:
- Download your site files from the old host using an FTP program such as FileZilla.
- Export your database from the old host, usually with phpMyAdmin.
- Create or choose a database on Bluehost and import the exported file.
- Upload your files to the correct folder on Bluehost.
- Update the configuration file (
wp-config.php) with the new database details. - Log in to WordPress on Bluehost and go to Settings > Permalinks, then click Save Changes. This refreshes your URLs.
- Test the site before switching your domain.
If you’re not comfortable with this, ask Bluehost support or use a paid migration service instead.
After the Move: Final Checklist
- Site loads on your real domain
- HTTPS and the security padlock work
- Images, menus and forms work
- Permalinks are saved and links aren’t broken
- Plugins and theme are updated
- A new backup is set up on Bluehost
- Your SEO plugin and sitemap still work
- Google Search Console shows no new errors
- Email still works
- You kept your old hosting active until everything is confirmed
Don’t cancel your old hosting right away. Keep it for a short time so you can fall back if something goes wrong, and check its refund and cancellation terms.
Common Problems and Fixes
The plugin says the site isn’t compatible.
Check that it’s a WordPress.org site and that nothing blocks the connection, like a security plugin or firewall.
The migrated site looks broken.
Clear your cache, re-save your permalinks and check that your theme and plugins transferred.
Images are missing.
The media files may not have copied fully. Check the uploads folder or try the migration again.
The domain still shows the old site.
DNS may still be updating. Wait, and try a private browser window.
You see a security warning.
Your SSL certificate may still be activating. Wait a bit and recheck.
You edited the old site during the transfer.
Those changes may be missing. Compare content and redo any edits.
Tips for a Safe Move
- Pick a quiet time for the switch when traffic is low.
- Pause new posts and comments during migration.
- Take screenshots of your settings before and after.
- Keep your backup until the new site has run smoothly for a while.
- Ask for help from Bluehost support if you get stuck.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it free to migrate to Bluehost?
Bluehost offers a free migration tool and a free migration offer for qualifying WordPress sites, but eligibility rules apply and may change. Check the current terms on Bluehost’s site. Other types of sites may need a paid service.
Will my website go offline during migration?
Bluehost says your existing site can stay live during the transfer when you use its plugin. Pause edits during the process, and switch the domain only after you test.
Can I migrate a non-WordPress website?
The plugin is built for WordPress. For other systems, you may need a manual transfer or a professional migration service.
Can I move a WordPress.com site?
Bluehost’s tool is for WordPress.org sites. WordPress.com sites usually need to be exported and imported manually.
How long does a migration take?
Small sites can move quickly, but DNS changes can take longer to show up. Larger sites take more time.
Do I lose my SEO rankings if I move hosts?
Not if the URLs and content stay the same and the site works properly after the move. Check redirects, your sitemap and Search Console afterward. No one can guarantee rankings.
Should I cancel my old host immediately?
No. Wait until your new site is fully tested and stable, and check your old host’s cancellation terms.
Conclusion
To migrate a website to Bluehost, back up your site, set up your Bluehost account, use the migration plugin from the old site, test the copy and only then switch your domain. Keep your old hosting for a short time, pause edits during the transfer and use manual migration only if needed. A little care now means a smooth, low-stress move.
