How to Move a WordPress Site From HostGator to Bluehost (3 Ways)

Moving a WordPress site between hosts used to mean downloading backups, creating databases, uploading files over FTP, and hoping nothing broke. In 2026 it is much easier: Bluehost has a built-in transfer tool that copies your site from HostGator (or any host) automatically, and free migration plugins handle almost everything else. This guide shows three ways to move a WordPress site from HostGator to Bluehost, from easiest to most hands-on, with no downtime.

I moved RoadToBlogging from HostGator to Bluehost years ago after a run of downtime, and the process has since become far simpler. The same steps work for moving to Bluehost from any other host.

Before You Start

1. Sign up for Bluehost but do not cancel HostGator yet. Use our Bluehost discount link; plans start at $3.99 a month on a 36-month term. See how to start a blog on Bluehost.
2. Take a full backup of the site on HostGator (HostGator’s backup tool or a plugin such as UpdraftPlus) and download it to your computer, just in case.
3. Leave your domain where it is. You do not need to transfer the domain registration to move the website; you only change where it points. Ignore older guides that ask for an EPP code.
4. Pick a quiet time and pause publishing and comments during the move.

Method 1: Bluehost’s Transfer WordPress Website Tool (Easiest)

Bluehost includes a self-service migration tool (built on InstaWP) in its account portal:

1. Log in to the Bluehost portal and go to Websites > Add Website > Transfer WordPress Website.
2. Wait while Bluehost prepares a new WordPress install, then click Start Transfer.
3. Enter your current site’s URL (on HostGator) and click Connect.
4. Log in to your HostGator WordPress dashboard when asked and approve the connection. Bluehost installs a small plugin there to copy files and the database.
5. The transfer runs in the background; you get emails when it starts and finishes. You can close the browser once it is running.
6. When it finishes, preview the site on Bluehost’s temporary domain and check pages, images, forms, and logins.

Bluehost aims for a high success rate but does not guarantee every migration; very large or complex sites occasionally fail, in which case use Method 2 or Bluehost’s paid migration service.

Method 2: A Migration Plugin

If the built-in tool fails or you prefer more control, these free plugins do the job:

• Migrate Guru: free, handles large sites (up to 200 GB), runs on its own servers so it does not time out. Install it on the HostGator site, enter Bluehost’s FTP or cPanel details, and click Migrate.
• All-in-One WP Migration: export the site to a single file, install WordPress and the plugin on Bluehost, and import. The free version has an upload size limit; small sites fit easily.
• Duplicator: creates a package and installer you upload to Bluehost; popular with developers.
• ManageWP: the free site management dashboard I used for the original move. Its Clone tool copies a site from one host to another once both are connected.

Method 3: Manual Migration

For full control (or very unusual setups):

1. In HostGator cPanel, download all files in your site’s folder (File Manager > compress > download) and export the database from phpMyAdmin.
2. In Bluehost, create a database and user (MySQL Databases), and import the SQL file in phpMyAdmin.
3. Upload and extract the files into the site’s folder with File Manager or FileZilla.
4. Edit wp-config.php with the new database name, user, and password.
5. Test with a hosts file entry or Bluehost’s temporary URL before switching DNS.

Final Step: Point Your Domain to Bluehost

When the site works on Bluehost, switch the domain. At your registrar (or in HostGator if the domain is registered there), change the nameservers to:

• ns1.bluehost.com
• ns2.bluehost.com

If you use Cloudflare, update the A record in Cloudflare instead. DNS changes usually take effect within a few hours but can take up to 48. During that window some visitors see the old host and some the new; because both copies are identical, nobody notices. That is why you keep HostGator running for a week.

After the Move

• Make sure SSL is active on Bluehost (free Let’s Encrypt) and the site loads on https.
• Clear any caching plugin and CDN cache.
• Test forms, checkout, and logins; re-save permalinks under Settings > Permalinks.
• Check email: if your email was hosted at HostGator, move it or set up new mailboxes before cancelling.
• Submit your sitemap again in Search Console and watch for crawl errors for a few days.
• Cancel HostGator after a week once everything is confirmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is migrating to Bluehost free?

The self-service Transfer WordPress Website tool is included with Bluehost accounts. Bluehost also sells a done-for-you migration service. The plugins in Method 2 are free.

Will my site go down during the move?

No, if you keep the old host running until DNS has fully switched. Both copies serve the same site during the changeover.

Do I need to transfer my domain to Bluehost?

No. Keep it at your current registrar and just change the nameservers. You can transfer it later if you want everything in one account.

Will moving hosts affect my SEO?

Not if URLs stay the same and the site stays online. Rankings can even improve if the new host is faster.