What moves and what does not
| Item | Moved by SiteGround Migrator? | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| WordPress themes, plugins, uploads and database | Yes | Verify on the temporary copy |
| Other applications or folders outside WordPress | No | Copy manually or request SiteGround's paid manual transfer |
| Full Multisite network | No; separate blogs from a network can be moved | Plan a manual or professional migration |
| Mailboxes and messages | No | Create mailboxes at SiteGround, then copy mail with Email Migrator or an IMAP client |
| Third-party DNS records (email service, verification TXT, marketing tools) | No | Add them in SiteGround's DNS Zone Editor before changing nameservers |
Step 1: Take a backup you control at Bluehost
In the Bluehost Portal go to Websites, Manage Site, then cPanel. Under Files choose Backup, then Download a Full Account Backup, set the destination to Home Directory, and Generate Backup. Download the file to your own storage.
The Portal's own Backups tab is useful for one site's files and databases, but Bluehost states that email data is not backed up there and that download links stay active for 24 hours. Do not rely on it for mail.
Step 2: Move WordPress
SiteGround's Bluehost guide describes the plugin route: after setting up the hosting plan, verify the domain, choose Migrate Website and the Superfast WordPress AutoMigration option to receive a token. On the Bluehost site install and activate SiteGround Migrator, paste the token and click Start Transfer. SiteGround creates a temporary copy of the site, available for 48 hours, so you can review it before changing the domain.
SiteGround's Bluehost guide says the plugin moves all WordPress files and the database. The plugin listing showed version 2.1.2, last updated 8 October 2026, requiring PHP 5.6 or higher and WordPress 4.8 or higher, and states it is not suitable for localhost sites. Reviews on the listing report some transfers that hung or finished incomplete, which is another reason to check the copy carefully.
If you prefer SiteGround's team to do it, the request goes through the Client Area's Help Center, Contact Us, Transfer or set up a new site, Transfer Website. SiteGround's knowledge base calls manual transfer a paid service, while its WordPress hosting page currently advertises free site transfer on all plans for a limited time. Confirm the price in your Client Area before ordering.
Step 3: Check the copy before touching DNS
- Pick three real students at different stages and compare course progress, quiz attempts and certificates on both copies.
- Compare the count of active memberships or subscriptions on both copies.
- Note the time of the copy; any order, signup or lesson completion on Bluehost after that moment will not exist at SiteGround. Freeze enrolments or plan to re-sync.
- Confirm scheduled tasks such as drip content and renewal reminders are still scheduled.
- Check that payment webhook URLs use the domain, not a Bluehost-specific address.
- Check that outgoing email from the site (password resets, receipts) is configured to work on the new host.
Step 4: Move email
Create each mailbox at SiteGround first in Site Tools, Email, Accounts, and raise the quota above the old mailbox size; the default is 1024MB. Then use Site Tools, Email, Email Migrator with the old account's address, password and mail server. SiteGround says the tool copies messages over secure IMAP, handles accounts up to 7 GB, and runs one transfer at a time.
After the MX change, some mail may still arrive at the old server for up to 72 hours. SiteGround recommends running the migration again 72 hours after the MX change and says this will not create duplicates. Bluehost's alternative is to add both accounts to one mail client over IMAP and drag messages across, which it warns can be slow for thousands of messages.
Step 5: Switch DNS
To move the whole DNS zone, set the nameservers at your registrar to ns1.siteground.net and ns2.siteground.net. SiteGround warns that this disconnects any third-party records unless you add them first in the DNS Zone Editor, so copy every MX, TXT, CNAME and SRV record you rely on.
If your email is hosted elsewhere and you want to leave it untouched, SiteGround also documents pointing only the A record at the site's IP, which you find under Websites, Website Settings, Server Details. Lower the TTL a day or two ahead either way.
Acceptance checklist after the switch
- The site loads over HTTPS on the domain from a network that has picked up the new DNS.
- A test student can log in, open a lesson, mark it complete and see progress saved.
- A low-price live purchase completes, grants access and sends a receipt; refund it afterwards.
- The payment provider's webhook log shows successful deliveries after the switch.
- Mail sent from an outside account arrives in the new mailbox, and replies are delivered.
- Only after all of the above: cancel Bluehost hosting, keeping the domain registration if it is there.
Questions before you decide
Does SiteGround Migrator move my email?
No. The plugin moves only WordPress content: themes, plugins and uploads, plus the database. Mail is moved separately.
Do I have to change nameservers to SiteGround?
No. SiteGround documents an A-record-only option that points the website to SiteGround while leaving the rest of your DNS records and email intact.
How long is the temporary copy available?
SiteGround's Bluehost migration guide says the temporary copy is available for 48 hours for review before you point the domain.
Sources & verification
Product details and prices can change. Check the linked provider before buying.
- SiteGround: How to migrate from Bluehost to SiteGround Accessed 29 Oct 2026
- SiteGround Migrator plugin Accessed 29 Oct 2026
- SiteGround: Could you transfer my website for me? Accessed 29 Oct 2026
- SiteGround: WordPress hosting plans Accessed 29 Oct 2026
- SiteGround: Transfer email via Email Migrator Accessed 29 Oct 2026
- SiteGround: How to point my website to SiteGround Accessed 29 Oct 2026
- Bluehost: How to create a manual backup Accessed 29 Oct 2026
- Bluehost: Basic Weekly Backup Accessed 29 Oct 2026
- Bluehost: How to migrate IMAP email accounts Accessed 29 Oct 2026
Sources link directly to providers. Product buttons may use separately labeled affiliate links. Read our disclosure.