How to Migrate a WordPress Site from Bluehost to Hostinger
Updated 2026-06-27 · Hosting Reviews
Moving a WordPress site from Bluehost to Hostinger doesn’t have to be a headache. In this guide we’ll walk through everything you need—hosting, domain, and the actual migration—so you can have a fast, secure WordPress website online in under an hour.
Why Choose Hostinger for Your WordPress Site
Hostinger offers managed WordPress hosting that’s built for beginners and small businesses. Their servers are optimized for speed, they include a free SSL certificate, and the control panel lets you install WordPress with one click. Pricing starts around $3‑$15 per month depending on the plan you select, and renewal rates are transparent. If you’re looking for an affordable, beginner‑friendly host that still delivers performance, Hostinger is a solid choice.
What You Need Before You Start
- Current Bluehost account – access to the cPanel and the WordPress files.
- Hostinger account – choose a plan (shared, cloud, or VPS) that matches your traffic and budget.
- Domain name – you can keep the existing domain or buy a new one through Hostinger.
- Backup plugin – we’ll use a free plugin like All-in-One WP Migration or Duplicator.
Having these items ready saves you from scrambling mid‑migration.
Choosing the Right Hostinger Plan
Hostinger provides three main options for WordPress sites:
- Shared hosting – ideal for blogs or small business sites with under 25,000 monthly visits. It’s the cheapest tier, usually $3‑$6/month.
- Cloud hosting – offers more CPU and RAM, suitable for growing sites that need consistent speed. Expect $10‑$20/month.
- VPS hosting – gives you dedicated resources and root access. Best for high‑traffic sites or developers; price range $15‑$30/month.
If you’re just starting out, shared hosting is sufficient. You can always upgrade later without moving the site again.
Preparing Your Bluehost Site for Migration
1. Backup the database and files. Install a migration plugin (All‑in‑One WP Migration is user‑friendly). From the WordPress dashboard, go to All‑in‑One WP Migration → Export → Export To File. The plugin will generate a .wpress file containing your database, themes, plugins, and uploads.
2. Download the backup file. Save it to a secure location on your computer. This file will be the only thing you need to transfer.
3. Note your domain settings. If you plan to keep the same domain, you’ll later point the DNS to Hostinger’s nameservers (ns1.dns-parking.com, ns2.dns-parking.com). If you’re buying a new domain, you can skip the DNS step.
Setting Up WordPress on Hostinger
1. Log into Hostinger’s hPanel. Choose the plan you purchased and click Manage. 2. Use the one‑click installer. Under Website → Auto Installer, select WordPress and fill in the site name, admin user, and password. Hostinger will create the database and configure wp‑config automatically. 3. Install the same migration plugin. Once WordPress is up, go to Plugins → Add New, search for All‑in‑One WP Migration, install and activate it. 4. Import the backup. Navigate to All‑in‑One WP Migration → Import → Import From File and upload the .wpress file you saved earlier. The plugin will overwrite the fresh install with your original site’s content. 5. Check permalinks and URLs. Go to Settings → Permalinks and click Save to flush rewrite rules. Verify that images and internal links load correctly.
Switching DNS and Going Live
If you’re keeping your existing domain, log into your domain registrar (it might be Bluehost or a third‑party registrar) and replace the current nameservers with Hostinger’s:
ns1.dns-parking.com
ns2.dns-parking.com
Propagation can take up to 48 hours, but most changes resolve within a few hours. During this window, both the old and new sites may be accessible; you’ll know the migration is complete when the new Hostinger site loads everywhere.
Speed and Security Checklist After Migration
Now that your WordPress site is live on Hostinger, take a few minutes to improve performance and protect it:
- Enable the free SSL. In hPanel, go to SSL → Manage SSL and activate it for your domain.
- Install a caching plugin. Hostinger recommends LiteSpeed Cache for managed WordPress plans; it adds page caching and minifies CSS/JS.
- Set up automatic backups. Hostinger’s backup tool can run daily snapshots; enable it to avoid future data loss.
- Limit login attempts. A plugin like Wordfence or Loginizer helps block brute‑force attacks.
- Choose a lightweight theme. Astra, GeneratePress, or Hostinger’s own WordPress theme are built for speed.
These steps keep your site fast (sub‑2‑second load times on average) and secure without extra cost.
FAQ
Do I need to reinstall plugins after migrating?
No. The migration plugin copies all plugins, themes, and settings. After the import, they appear exactly as they were on Bluehost.
What if my site is very large (hundreds of MB)?
For large sites, split the backup into smaller files or use the Duplicator Pro version, which can handle bigger archives and offers more control over the transfer.
Can I migrate a multisite network?
Yes, but it requires a more advanced approach. Hostinger’s VPS or cloud plans give you the server access needed for multisite migrations. Consider hiring a professional if you’re not comfortable with command‑line tools.