How to Migrate WordPress With Bluehost Agency Migration Tool

Migrating an existing WordPress website to Agency Hosting allows you to move your website to Bluehost and manage it directly from your Agency Hosting account. Using Bluehost's Site Import tool, you can securely transfer your website's files, database, and content with minimal effort. This article walks you through the steps to migrate a WordPress website to Agency Hosting.

How to Migrate a WordPress Website

Follow the steps below to transfer an existing WordPress website to Agency Hosting.

Step 1: Access the Websites Page

1. Log in to your Bluehost Portal.
2. Click Websites from the left-hand navigation menu.

   
    

3. (If applicable) Locate the hosting package where you want to migrate the website.
4. Click the Add Website button.
5. Select Transfer WordPress Website from the drop-down menu.

   
    

Step 2: Configure the WordPress Site

1. On the WordPress Site Configuration page, enter the storage allocation required for the website.
   Allocate enough storage to accommodate your existing website and prevent migration issues. Storage can be adjusted later if needed.
2. Select a Data Center Location from the drop-down menu.
3. Click Continue.

   
    

Wait while Bluehost prepares your account for importing your WordPress site. This may take a few seconds.

Step 3: Start the Transfer

1. Review the confirmation message stating Your account is ready to start transfer.
2. Click Start Transfer.

   
    

Step 4: Connect Your Existing Website

1. Enter the URL of the WordPress website you want to migrate.
2. Click Connect.

   
    

Step 5: Continue to WordPress Login

1. Review the connection information screen.
2. Click Yes, Continue to Login to [your-domain].

   
    

3. You will be redirected to your existing WordPress login page.

Step 6: Log In to Your Existing WordPress Site

1. Enter your WordPress administrator username and password.
2. Click Log In.

   
    

3. Follow the prompts to continue the migration process.

Step 7: Authorize the Connection

1. On the Authorize Application page, review the connection request.
2. Click Yes, I approve of this connection.

   
    

Step 8: Establish the Connection

1. Bluehost will begin connecting to your WordPress website.
2. Wait while the connection is established.

You may see a status message similar to:

Step 9: Begin the Migration

1. Once the connection has been successfully established, the migration will start automatically.
2. A confirmation message will indicate that the site transfer is starting.

   
    

Step 10: Monitor the Migration Progress

1. Bluehost will begin migrating your website files, database, and content.
2. Monitor the progress indicators displayed on the migration screen.

The migration status includes:

• Files
• Database

Wait for the migration process to complete. Once complete, review your migrated website to ensure all content and functionality transferred successfully.

Things to Know

• Only WordPress websites can be migrated using the Site Import tool.
• Administrator access to the source WordPress website is required.
• Allocate sufficient storage before starting the migration.
• Websites using Cloudflare may require the proxy to be disabled before connecting.
• Migration duration depends on the website's size and complexity.
• PHP version differences between the source and destination environments may affect certain themes or plugins.
• The migrated website will count toward your Agency Hosting website allocation.

Troubleshooting Common Migration Issues

While migrating a site, you may encounter common issues like errors or a white screen. Here are some solutions to help resolve these issues:

Migration Failure Scenarios

• Error Messages: You may need to troubleshoot the issue if you receive error messages during the migration. Common issues could include server configuration problems or file transfer issues.
• White Screen: A white screen can sometimes occur if the site has issues connecting or transferring data. If this happens, contact support to report the problem and get further assistance. 

Workarounds to Fix Migration Failures

If the migration fails, try the following:

• Try a different browser: Occasionally, your browser can cause issues during migration. Switching to another browser might help resolve any problems.
• Disable plugins: Some plugins can create conflicts during the migration process. Try deactivating any active plugins on your site before starting the transfer.
• Use an alternative migration method: If the Transfer an Existing WordPress option doesn't work, consider using a manual WordPress Migration to move your site.

Summary

Agency Hosting makes it easy to migrate existing WordPress websites using Bluehost's Site Import tool. After connecting and authorizing your source website, Bluehost securely transfers your files, database, and content to your Agency Hosting account. Once the migration is complete, you can manage your website directly through the Bluehost Portal and WordPress Admin Dashboard.