How to migrate a website to Bluehost

Migrating a website to Bluehost is usually straightforward if you prepare first, copy the site correctly, and switch DNS only after everything has been tested. The exact process depends on whether your site runs on WordPress, a custom CMS, or plain HTML, but the overall flow is the same: back up your current site, move the files and database, test on Bluehost, then point your domain to the new hosting account.

What you need before you migrate

Before you begin, gather the essentials so the move goes smoothly:

Bluehost hosting account with the right plan for your site size and traffic
Full backup of your current website
Domain registrar login if your domain is managed elsewhere
Access to cPanel, FTP/SFTP, or file manager on your old host
Database access if your site uses MySQL
Email hosting details if your email is tied to your current provider

It also helps to lower your domain’s DNS TTL 24 hours before the move. That can make propagation faster after you update nameservers or DNS records.

Step-by-step: how to migrate a website to Bluehost

1. Choose the right Bluehost plan

Pick a Bluehost plan that matches your site’s needs. A small brochure site may work fine on a basic shared plan, while a larger store or high-traffic site may need more resources.

If you’re moving a WordPress website, Bluehost is especially convenient because it supports WordPress well and offers tools that can simplify migration.

2. Back up your current website

Never start a migration without a backup.

For a typical website, back up:

Website files
Database
Media uploads
Configuration files
Email accounts and messages, if needed

If your site is WordPress, use a backup plugin or manually export the database and download the wp-content folder. If it’s a custom site, save all project files and database exports from phpMyAdmin or your hosting panel.

3. Set up Bluehost hosting

After purchasing your Bluehost plan:

Log in to your Bluehost dashboard
Add your domain or temporary domain
Install the platform your site uses, such as WordPress
Create any needed databases and user accounts
Enable SSL if it’s available immediately, or plan to activate it after DNS changes

If you are migrating a WordPress site, you can often install a fresh copy of WordPress on Bluehost first and then overwrite or import your existing site.

4. Migrate the website files

If your site is WordPress

There are three common ways to move a WordPress site to Bluehost:

Option A: Use a migration plugin
Install a migration plugin on your old site, create a package, and import it into the new Bluehost WordPress install. This is the easiest method for most users.

Option B: Use Bluehost migration support or tools
Depending on your account type and the current Bluehost offerings, there may be a migration tool or support option that helps move your WordPress site. Check your Bluehost dashboard or support resources for the latest method.

Option C: Manual migration
If the site is large or the plugin method fails, you can move it manually:

Download all WordPress files from the old host
Export the database from phpMyAdmin
Upload the files to Bluehost via SFTP or File Manager
Create a new database in Bluehost
Import the database into Bluehost
Update wp-config.php with the new database name, username, and password
Verify the site URL and homepage load correctly

If your site is not WordPress

For a static HTML site or custom application:

Download all site files from your current host
Upload them to your Bluehost public directory
Recreate any databases if your site uses one
Update configuration files with the new database credentials
Test every page, form, and script

If your website is built on another CMS, such as Joomla, Drupal, or a custom PHP app, the migration process will be similar to WordPress but may require additional server settings or file permissions.

5. Import and connect the database

If your website uses a database, this step is critical.

Create a new database in Bluehost
Create a database user and assign it full privileges
Import the database export from your old host
Update your site configuration to point to the new database

For WordPress, this usually means editing wp-config.php. For other systems, the database connection file may be named differently.

6. Test the site on Bluehost before switching DNS

Do not point your domain to Bluehost until you’ve tested the site.

Test for:

Homepage loading correctly
Internal links working
Images displaying properly
Forms submitting
Login pages functioning
Checkout/cart flow if you run an online store
SSL/HTTPS loading without errors

If Bluehost gives you a temporary URL or preview link, use it. If not, you can test by editing your local hosts file so your computer loads the new Bluehost site without changing live DNS.

7. Update your domain DNS or nameservers

Once the site works on Bluehost, update your domain so traffic goes to the new host.

You can do this in one of two ways:

Change nameservers to Bluehost’s nameservers
Update A records and other DNS records to point to Bluehost

If your domain is registered with a third party, log in to that registrar and make the change there. If the domain is managed in Bluehost, update DNS from the Bluehost dashboard.

After the update, DNS propagation can take anywhere from a few minutes to 48 hours.

8. Check everything after propagation

Once the domain points to Bluehost, verify:

The site loads on desktop and mobile
SSL works and the site uses https://
Contact forms send correctly
Email accounts still work
Redirects are intact
Analytics and tracking codes are active
Search Console and sitemap settings are updated

Do not cancel your old hosting account immediately. Keep it active until you’re sure the Bluehost version is stable and DNS has fully propagated.

SEO checklist after migrating to Bluehost

A website migration can affect search rankings if important SEO signals change. To protect your visibility:

Keep the same URL structure if possible
Set up 301 redirects for any changed URLs
Make sure your robots.txt file is correct
Regenerate and resubmit your XML sitemap
Check for mixed content errors after enabling SSL
Verify canonical tags
Update internal links to use the new HTTPS version
Monitor Google Search Console for crawl or indexing issues

If you are migrating a site for SEO reasons, preserving content, metadata, and structure is just as important as moving the files.

Common problems and how to fix them

The site shows a blank page

This often means a PHP error, plugin conflict, or missing file. Check error logs, disable problematic plugins, and confirm the database credentials are correct.

Images or styling are broken

This usually happens when file paths, URLs, or permissions were not updated properly. Clear cache, confirm all assets were uploaded, and check whether the site is still referencing the old domain.

The site keeps redirecting to the old host

Look for hardcoded URLs in the database or configuration files. WordPress users may need a search-and-replace tool to update old domain references.

Email stops working

Email is often separate from website hosting. If your mailboxes were hosted on the old server, you may need to recreate them on Bluehost or keep email with your registrar or another email provider.

DNS changes but the old site still appears

This is usually propagation or local caching. Clear your browser cache, flush your DNS cache, and allow more time for global DNS updates.

Should you use Bluehost’s migration help?

If your website is WordPress-based and you want the easiest path, Bluehost’s migration tools or support options can save time. That said, manual migration is still useful if:

You have a non-WordPress site
The site is large or complex
You need full control over files and database settings
You’re moving custom code or special server configurations

For most small and medium sites, a plugin-based migration is the fastest option. For custom builds, a manual transfer is usually more reliable.

Quick migration checklist

Backup old site
Set up Bluehost hosting
Move files and database
Test on Bluehost
Fix broken links, images, and forms
Update DNS/nameservers
Confirm SSL and email
Monitor SEO and performance

FAQ

How long does it take to migrate a website to Bluehost?

The actual file transfer may take minutes to a few hours, depending on site size. DNS propagation can take up to 48 hours.

Will my website go offline during the move?

It does not have to. If you copy the site first, test it on Bluehost, and only then switch DNS, downtime can be kept to a minimum.

Can I migrate a WordPress site to Bluehost without a plugin?

Yes. You can migrate manually by copying files, exporting/importing the database, and updating configuration settings.

Do I need to move my domain to Bluehost too?

No. You can host your website on Bluehost while keeping your domain registered elsewhere. You only need to update DNS or nameservers.

What if I have email on my old host?

Email usually needs to be migrated separately. Recreate mailboxes on the new host or keep email with a dedicated provider.

Migrating a website to Bluehost is mainly about preparation and testing. If you back up first, move the correct files and database, and only switch DNS after the site works on Bluehost, the process is usually smooth and low-risk.