Key highlights
- Bluehost’s free self-service migration tool makes it possible to move your WordPress site from DreamHost to Bluehost in under two hours.
- Back up your DreamHost site, confirm your email setup and check your contract end date before you begin to avoid any surprises along the way.
- Two migration paths are available: the Bluehost Site Migration Tool works best for most users, while manual migration via FTP and phpMyAdmin gives developers full control.
- Once migration is done, update your nameservers to point your domain to Bluehost. Allow up to 48 hours for DNS propagation to complete.
- Your DreamHost site remains live throughout the entire process and only switches to Bluehost once your nameservers are updated.
Your DreamHost plan just renewed – and this time, you paused before paying. Maybe your WordPress site has been loading slower than it used to. Maybe you’ve hit a support wall one too many times. Or maybe you’ve simply outgrown what DreamHost offers.
Whatever brought you here, you’re asking the right question.
This guide walks you through every step of migrating from DreamHost to Bluehost from what to back up before you start, to pointing your domain once the transfer is done. You’ll learn how to use Bluehost’s Site Migration Tool for an automated transfer, and how to move your site manually if you want full control over the process.
By the end, your site will be live on Bluehost with nothing left behind.
Why migrate from DreamHost to Bluehost?
DreamHost works for some sites, but it has real gaps that push WordPress users toward better-suited hosting.
Here’s a quick side-by-side look at where the two hosts differ:
| Feature | DreamHost | Bluehost |
| Uptime guarantee | 100% (with service credits, not refunds) | 99.9% guaranteed |
| WordPress-specific tools | Basic | WonderSuite – WonderStart, WonderBlocks, WonderTheme, WonderCart |
| Support availability | Ticket and live chat (limited hours) | 24/7 live chat and phone |
| Free migration | Not included on most plans | Included via Site Migration Tool |
| Control panel | Custom DreamHost panel | cPanel – industry standard |
| Infrastructure | Standard shared hosting | Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) |
Here’s why site owners make the switch from DreamHost to Bluehost:
- 24/7 support when you need it: DreamHost’s live chat runs on limited hours. Bluehost’s support team is available around the clock, so you’re never waiting overnight on a site issue.
- WordPress-native setup: Bluehost is an officially recommended WordPress host. Your dashboard, plugins and themes work exactly as expected, no custom panel quirks to navigate.
- Migration is handled for you: Bluehost’s Site Migration Tool connects to your existing DreamHost site and transfers your files, database and content automatically.
- Infrastructure built to scale: Bluehost runs on Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI), so your site gets the performance headroom to grow without hitting ceilings.
Ready to make the move? Here’s exactly how to do it.
How to prepare before you start migrating from DreamHost to Bluehost?
Don’t start the migration until you’ve run through this checklist. Five minutes of preparation saves hours of troubleshooting later.
Back up your DreamHost site
Log into your DreamHost panel and create a full backup of your site files and database. DreamHost lets you export a complete backup from the panel under Backup > Backup Your Account. Download the archive and store it somewhere safe. If anything goes wrong mid-migration, this file is your recovery point.
Confirm where your domain is registered
Your domain may be registered with DreamHost, or with a third-party registrar like Namecheap or GoDaddy. Log into your DreamHost panel and go to Domains > Registrations to check. Knowing this upfront tells you where you’ll need to update your DNS nameservers at the end of the migration.
Check your email setup
If you’re using DreamHost for email hosting, note your current email accounts, MX records and any forwarding rules before you begin. Migrating hosting does not automatically move your email. You’ll need to decide whether to set up email through Bluehost or point your MX records elsewhere. Bluehost offers professional email hosting you can configure separately.
Note your DreamHost contract end date and cancellation terms
Check when your current DreamHost plan renews. Don’t cancel until your site is fully live and tested on Bluehost. Keep both accounts active through DNS propagation which can take up to 48 hours before making any cancellation decisions.
Set up your Bluehost hosting account
Sign up for a Bluehost WordPress Hosting plan before you start the migration. This is where Bluehost’s Site Migration Tool will build your transferred site. You don’t need to point your domain to Bluehost yet that comes last.
Start with Method 1 unless you have a specific reason to go manual.
How to migrate from DreamHost to Bluehost: Step by step
Here’s what the full migration process looks like across both methods. Choose the one that fits your comfort level and get started.
| Step | Action | What you need |
| 1 | Log into Bluehost Portal | Bluehost account credentials |
| 2 | Add a new website | Your Bluehost dashboard |
| 3 | Select Transfer WordPress Website | Your live DreamHost site URL |
| 4 | Connect to your WordPress site | WordPress admin credentials |
| 5 | Approve the connection | Access to your DreamHost WordPress login |
| 6 | Wait for transfer to complete | Email notification from Bluehost |
| 7 | Verify your migrated site | Go to site button in completion screen |
Follow each step in order. Have your WordPress admin credentials for your DreamHost site ready before you begin, you’ll need them at the connection step.
Method 1: Migration using Bluehost Site Migration Tool (recommended)
1. Log into your Bluehost Portal
Go to your Bluehost Portal and sign in to your account.
2. In the left-hand menu, click Websites, then click Add Website
From your dashboard, navigate to the Websites section and click Add Website.
3. Click Transfer WordPress Website
Select Transfer WordPress Website to begin migrating your existing WordPress site to Bluehost.
4. Wait while Bluehost prepares your account, then click Start Transfer
Wait while Bluehost prepares your account for importing your WordPress site. This may take a few seconds
Once your account is ready, click Start Transfer to continue.
Wait while Bluehost prepares your account for migration.
5. Enter the URL of your current WordPress site and click Connect
Connect your website by entering the URL of the WordPress site you want to transfer (for example: https://source.[mysite].com). Click Connect.
6. Click Yes, Continue to Login
Proceed by clicking Yes, Continue to Login. You’ll be redirected to your WordPress site to log in and authorize the connection. This step is required to migrate your site.
7. Log in with your WordPress username and password
Log in to your WordPress site using your credentials:
- Enter your username or email address
- Enter your password
- Click Log In
If you don’t remember your password, use the Lost your password? link to reset it.
8. Click Yes, I approve this connection
Authorize the application by clicking Yes, I approve this connection to allow Bluehost to connect to your WordPress site. Without approval, the migration cannot continue.
9. Wait while Bluehost connects to your site
Wait while Bluehost connects to your site. Once connected, Bluehost will automatically begin migrating your site. The status will change from Connecting to Connected. Do not close or refresh the page during this step.
The status will change from Connecting to Connected. Do not close or refresh the page during this step.
10. Your files, content and database transfer automatically
Your files, content and database will now be transferred to Bluehost. Progress bars for Files and Database will update as the migration runs. Do not close or refresh the page while migration is in progress. If needed, you can click Stop site transfer to cancel the migration.
At 50% progress, the system begins copying files and databases. At this point you may safely close your browser the migration continues in the background.
Bluehost sends email notifications when the migration starts, completes successfully or fails. If the migration fails, you may opt for paid pro-services migration or submit a support ticket via the InstaWP support form.
11. Click Go to site to verify your migrated site
When migration is finished, you’ll see Your Migration is Complete! along with your site’s URL. Click Go to site to view your newly migrated WordPress site on Bluehost.
Method 2: Manually migrating from DreamHost to Bluehost
Manual migration is best suited for sites with custom configurations that need direct handling of files and databases, or when Bluehost support advises this path. While it requires working with FTP, phpMyAdmin and your WordPress database directly, it gives you complete control over every step of the process.
For a full technical walkthrough, refer to our WordPress manual migration guide.
Here’s what the manual process looks like end to end:
| Step | Action | What you need |
| 1 | Transfer website files | FTP client (FileZilla), DreamHost FTP credentials |
| 2 | Export WordPress database | DreamHost phpMyAdmin access |
| 3 | Create a new database on Bluehost | Bluehost Portal Database Management panel |
| 4 | Import your database | Bluehost phpMyAdmin |
| 5 | Update wp-config.php | Bluehost File Manager |
| 6 | Fix your permalinks | WordPress Settings panel |
| 7 | View your site | Bluehost temporary URL |
Complete each step before moving to the next.
Step 1: Transfer your website files
Connect to your current DreamHost hosting account using FTP (File Transfer Protocol). Find the document root or site directory containing your WordPress files. This may be in your public_html folder or a subfolder.
Use an FTP client such as FileZilla to transfer the files from the DreamHost server to your local machine. Once downloaded, it’s time to upload the files to your Bluehost hosting account using FTP. Go to the public_html folder or the subfolder where you want to set up your site, then upload the files from your computer to the new location.
For further details regarding FTP, refer to this article: What is FTP? An Introduction to File Transfer Protocol.
Step 2: Export your WordPress database
You’ll need to export your WordPress site’s database from DreamHost. Access the wp-config.php file on your current DreamHost hosting account to locate the database name that needs to be exported.
Your wp-config.php file will contain the following details:
define(‘DB_NAME’, ‘example_database’);
define(‘DB_USER’, ‘example_user’);
define(‘DB_PASSWORD’, ‘example_password’);
define(‘DB_HOST’, ‘localhost’);
The string following define(‘DB_NAME’, is the name of your WordPress database. Take note of this – for the example above, your database name is example_database.
To export your database, go to phpMyAdmin on your DreamHost account and download it in .sql file format. If you’re unable to access phpMyAdmin, you can export your database backup using a plugin instead.
Step 3: Create a new database on Bluehost
To set up your WordPress installation on Bluehost, you’ll need to create a new database specifically for it. Log into your Bluehost Portal and go to the Database Management panel. Create a new database, a new database user and assign that user to the database with full privileges. Write down the database name, username and password – you’ll need all three in step 5.
Step 4: Import your database
Next, import your database into your new WordPress site using phpMyAdmin. Navigate to phpMyAdmin from your Bluehost Portal. Along the top of the screen, click the Import tab.
Click the Browse button to locate the .sql file on your computer. Click the Go button to start the import process.
Step 5: Update your wp-config.php file
To ensure your WordPress installation connects to the correct database, you need to update your wp-config.php file. Access the File Manager from your Bluehost Portal and locate the wp-config.php file. Enter your new Bluehost database information, including the database name, user and password:
define(‘DB_NAME’, ‘your_new_database_name’);
define(‘DB_USER’, ‘your_new_database_username’);
define(‘DB_PASSWORD’, ‘your_new_database_password’);
define(‘DB_HOST’, ‘localhost’);
Once done, click Save Changes.
Step 6: Fix your permalinks
Log into your Bluehost Portal. In the left-hand menu, click Websites. Click the WordPress Admin button located next to the website you want to manage.
In the WordPress dashboard, click Settings in the left menu, then select Permalinks.
You do not need to make any actual changes – just click Save Changes. This updates all page and post URLs for the new server environment. If you have custom themes or plugins with old URLs, you’ll need to update those manually as no plugin can modify them automatically.
Step 7: View your site
Once you’ve completed all the steps, check that your website is functioning correctly and appears visually as expected. Test your pages, posts, images and any forms before pointing your domain to Bluehost.
Using Bluehost Site Migration Tool vs manual migration
Two paths get your site from DreamHost to Bluehost. The right one depends on your comfort level and how much control you want.
Here’s a quick comparison before we walk through each method:
| Factor | Site Migration Tool | Manual migration |
| Technical skill required | None | Intermediate (FTP, phpMyAdmin) |
| Time to complete | Varies by site size | 2–4 hours |
| Risk of error | Low | Higher if steps are skipped |
| Best for | Most WordPress site owners | Developers who want full control |
| Powered by | InstaWP | FTP + phpMyAdmin + File Manager |
| Cost | Free with Bluehost plan | Free |
The Site Migration Tool handles the heavy lifting for you files, database and content transfer automatically, with real-time progress updates and email notifications at every stage. Manual migration gives you precise control over every file and database entry.
Final steps after the migration
Point your domain to Bluehost
Whether your domain is registered at DreamHost or a third-party registrar, this is the step that makes your site publicly live on Bluehost.
Log into wherever your domain is registered and update the nameservers to Bluehost’s:
- ns1.bluehost.com
- ns2.bluehost.com
DNS propagation takes between a few hours and 48 hours. During this window, some visitors may still see the DreamHost version of your site – this is normal. Keep both hosting accounts active until propagation is complete before making any cancellation decisions.
If your domain is registered at DreamHost and you want to keep it there, you don’t need to transfer the domain. Just update the nameservers. Your domain can stay at DreamHost indefinitely while your site runs on Bluehost.
Test the migrated site
Once DNS has propagated and your domain is pointing to Bluehost, run a final check on the live version of your site:
- Load your homepage and several internal pages to confirm everything renders correctly
- Submit your contact form and confirm you receive the notification email
- Check that all images and media load without errors
- Confirm your SSL certificate is active, the padlock should appear in the browser address bar
- If you run a WooCommerce store, complete a test checkout from product page to order confirmation
If your SSL certificate doesn’t activate automatically, Bluehost’s 24/7 support team can help. Learn more about adding HTTPS and an SSL certificate to your domain.
Final thoughts
Moving from DreamHost to Bluehost doesn’t have to be complicated. Bluehost’s Site Migration Tool handles the entire transfer for you, with real-time progress updates and email notifications at every stage. And if you prefer to move files manually, every step is straightforward with the right preparation.
The part that matters most: don’t cancel your DreamHost account until your site is fully live, tested and performing well on Bluehost. Give it a few days after DNS propagation before you make that call.
Ready to make the switch? Get started with Bluehost WordPress Hosting – your site could be live in under two hours.
FAQs
Sign up for a Bluehost WordPress Hosting plan, then use the Site Migration Tool from your Bluehost Portal. In the left-hand menu, click Websites, then click Add Website and select Transfer WordPress Website. Enter your DreamHost site URL, connect with your WordPress admin credentials and approve the connection. Bluehost handles the rest – your files, database and content transfer automatically.
No. Your domain can stay registered at DreamHost. To make your site live on Bluehost, you only need to update your nameservers to ns1.bluehost.com and ns2.bluehost.com in your domain registrar’s settings.
Yes. Bluehost allows you to host multiple websites under one account depending on your plan. You can use the Site Migration Tool to transfer each site individually. If you’re migrating several sites, it’s worth checking your Bluehost plan’s site limit before you begin to make sure it covers everything you’re moving over.
The Site Migration Tool typically completes in under two hours, depending on your site size. Manual migration takes 2–4 hours. After migration, DNS propagation adds another 24–48 hours before your domain is fully live on Bluehost.
No. Email hosting is separate from website hosting and does not transfer automatically during migration. Before you begin, make a note of all your existing DreamHost email accounts, MX records and any forwarding rules you have in place. Once your site is live on Bluehost, you can set up email hosting through Bluehost separately or keep your MX records pointed elsewhere if you use a third-party email provider like Google Workspace.
Yes. This is a common setup. Keep your domain registered at DreamHost and simply update the nameservers to point to Bluehost. The domain registration and hosting are completely independent of each other.
No. Keep your DreamHost account active for at least 48–72 hours after DNS propagation is complete. This gives you time to verify the live site is performing correctly on Bluehost before you lose access to your DreamHost environment. Once you’re confident the migration is successful, you can go ahead and cancel.
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