5 Minute read. This is a proven use case of WordPress hosting migration from my previous host to Bluehost. I have smoothly transferred a lifestyle blog that I manage in under an hour with zero downtime. Let me quickly guide you through the steps needed to ensure a guaranteed smooth migration—and unlike my 2021 guide, I’ll show you the much easier methods available today
Why choose Bluehost for your WordPress hosting migration?
My blog started its life on a very humble IT infrastructure. For about two years I hosted the blog in my own apartment running on salvaged hardware. Being an IT geek this is all too possible, and it can initially save you important funds that can be used elsewhere. This implied putting in more time and effort to keep up with uptime, stability, security, and of course scalability in face of constantly increasing traffic.
However, there comes a time when a blog owner needs to upgrade and outsource to a trusted supplier. In my case, the blog grew beyond a certain stage and it made sense financially and infrastructural point of view to upgrading my hosting. Alternatively, you might want to migrate, to host it in a place that ensures quick access to your main traffic source, uptime, scalability, security, and support. If you made your choice, now it’s time to migrate!
There are WordPress hosting companies around every corner. You can also create your own setup on some cloud like Azure, AWS, or Google Cloud. It took me considerable effort to compare and decide on my WordPress host. After investigating different pricing models and applying performance tests using tools like GTMetrix, I chose Bluehost.
Why Bluehost still wins in 2026
Since my original 2021 article, Bluehost has only gotten better. Here’s what makes them stand out today:
- Officially recommended by WordPress.org since 2005—that endorsement still carries weight
- Now running on Oracle Cloud Infrastructure, delivering significantly faster response times than standard hosting
- NVMe SSD storage included across all plans—that’s up to 5x faster than traditional SSDs
- 99.99% uptime SLA backed by enterprise-grade infrastructure
- Free CDN via Cloudflare built-in, ensuring global visitors get lightning-fast load times
- 24/7 WordPress-expert support via phone, chat, and email—real humans who actually know WordPress
Pricing reality check: In my 2021 article, I mentioned “2 cappuccinos a month.” Today, pricing starts at $3.99/month for the Basic plan, with the popular Choice Plus plan at around $6.99/month . You still get a free domain for the first year, unlimited websites on higher tiers, automated backups, and a free SSL certificate.
The WordPress Hosting Migration Steps: 2026 Edition
Important: From this first step till the last one, make sure you don’t change any blog content, as such changes will likely be lost. Viewers will still be viewing content from the original WordPress until the last step is completed.
Here’s the good news: You no longer need to mess with FTP, phpMyAdmin, or SQL files. Bluehost now offers two much simpler methods. I’ll cover both so you can choose what works best for you.
Method 1: The Free Automated Bluehost Migration Tool (Easiest – Recommended)
This is the method I now use for all my client sites. It takes about 15-30 minutes and requires zero technical skills.
Step 1: Sign up for Bluehost
- Visit Bluehost.com and choose your plan
- Complete the registration process (this takes about 5 minutes)
- Once done, log in to your Bluehost dashboard
Step 2: Locate the Migration Tool
- In your Bluehost dashboard, look for the “Migration” or “Site Migration” section
- Click on “Start Migration” or “Free Website Migration”
Step 3: Install the Migration Plugin on Your Old Site
- Bluehost will prompt you to install a small plugin on your current WordPress site
- The plugin is safe, lightweight, and only used during migration
- It packages up your entire site—files, database, plugins, themes, everything
Step 4: Let Bluehost Do the Heavy Lifting
- Once the plugin is installed, Bluehost’s system automatically transfers your site
- You’ll see a progress bar showing the migration status
- Most sites complete within 30 minutes
Step 5: Verify Everything Works
- Bluehost will notify you when migration is complete
- They provide a temporary URL to test your site before going live
- Navigate through your site, check posts, images, and functionality
That’s it. No file downloads, no database edits, no configuration headaches.
Method 2: The Plugin Method (For Self-Starters)
If you prefer to handle things yourself or want more control, use the All-in-One WP Migration plugin—it’s what professionals use .
Step 1: Install All-in-One WP Migration on Your Old Site
- From your WordPress dashboard, go to Plugins → Add New
- Search for “All-in-One WP Migration”
- Install and activate it
Step 2: Export Your Site
- In the plugin menu, click “Export” → “File”
- The plugin will package your entire site into a single file
- Download this file to your computer
Step 3: Set Up Your New Bluehost Site
- Log in to Bluehost and create a fresh WordPress installation
- Note the temporary URL (usually something like
temp.yoursite.bluehost.com)
Step 4: Install All-in-One WP Migration on Your Bluehost Site
- On your new Bluehost WordPress site, install the same plugin
- Go to “Import” → “File”
- Upload the file you downloaded earlier
Step 5: Wait for the Import to Complete
- The plugin will rebuild your entire site on Bluehost
- All content, settings, and configurations will be exactly as they were
Step 6: Update Your Site URL (If Needed)
- If you’re using the temporary URL, you may need to update the site address
- The plugin usually handles this automatically, but double-check in Settings → General
Method 3: The Manual Method (For Developers Only)
I’m including a condensed version of my original manual method for developers who need FTP/SSH access or are migrating massive sites. For 99% of users, use Method 1 or 2 instead.
- Back up your wp-content folder via FTP or SSH
- Export your database via phpMyAdmin
- Create a new WordPress site on Bluehost and note the database name
- Import your database into Bluehost’s phpMyAdmin
- Update wp-config.php with the new database details
- Upload your wp-content folder to the new server
- Update site URLs in the database (wp_options table)
Warning: This method carries significant risk. One typo can break your site. Stick to the automated tools unless you absolutely need manual control.
Testing your WordPress Site on BlueHost
Once migration is complete (using either method), it’s testing time:
- Navigate through your site using the temporary URL Bluehost provides
- Click on posts, pages, and products to ensure everything loads correctly
- Check images, videos, and embedded content
- Test contact forms and any interactive features
- Verify that your theme appears exactly as it should
If you spot any issues, most can be fixed by clearing your site’s cache or reaching out to Bluehost support—they’re available 24/7 and genuinely helpful .
Making Your Domain Point to Bluehost
Once testing is complete and you’re happy with everything, it’s time to go live.
Step 1: Update Your Nameservers
Log in to your domain registrar (where you bought your domain name). Navigate to DNS settings and change your nameservers to:
text
ns1.bluehost.com ns2.bluehost.com [citation:6]
Step 2: Add Your Domain to Bluehost
- In your Bluehost dashboard, go to the “Domains” section
- Click “Assign” or “Add Domain”
- Type in your domain name—Bluehost will verify ownership
Step 3: Wait for DNS Propagation
This is the only part that requires patience. DNS changes can take 24-48 hours to propagate worldwide . During this time:
- Some visitors will see your old site, others will see the new Bluehost site
- This is normal and unavoidable
- You’ll notice traffic on your old host gradually decreasing as the new DNS takes effect
In my experience, propagation completes within 2 days, though some users report seeing changes within a few hours.
What’s Changed Since My 2021 Guide?
If you’re curious about why I’ve rewritten this guide, here’s what’s different:
Final Thoughts
The above guide gives you three ways to move your WordPress site to Bluehost. For most people, I strongly recommend Method 1—the free automated migration tool. It’s what I use for all my client sites now, and it eliminates the risk of manual errors.
From my personal experience managing multiple blogs, Bluehost has only improved since 2021. The move to Oracle Cloud infrastructure, the inclusion of free CDN, and the consistently excellent support make them my top recommendation for WordPress hosting in 2026.
Ready to migrate? [Click here to sign up for Bluehost] and use their free migration tool. Your site will be on faster, more reliable hosting before your next coffee break.
This post contains affiliate links. I only recommend products I personally use and trust.
