How to Migrate from GoDaddy to Bluehost (2026)
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GoDaddy is the classic migration origin: great at marketing, expensive at renewal, and bundled so tightly with domain/email services that untangling feels harder than it is. The WordPress migration itself is standard - here's the untangling map.
Step 0: Untangle What You Actually Have at GoDaddy
- Domain registration - stays at GoDaddy, keep it (cheaper to maintain there than risk losing the name)
- Hosting - this is what you're moving to Bluehost
- Email - Microsoft 365 resale or Workspace Email; separate service, separate migration decision
- GoDaddy Website Builder - if your site is this, it's NOT migratable; you're rebuilding on WordPress
Migrate the WordPress Site
Two paths, same as always: Bluehost's free migration service (request in dashboard, 2-5 days, they do everything) or DIY with Duplicator (same-day, the migration guide has the clicks). GoDaddy's hosting uses standard cPanel on most plans, so file access and backups work normally.
Handle Email Separately (Before DNS)
GoDaddy email is the trap people hit post-migration. Two options: keep paying GoDaddy for email only (cancel hosting, keep the M365/Workspace Email product), or move email to Google Workspace/Bluehost email first. Update MX records when you switch DNS or mail bounces to the dead GoDaddy server.
Switch DNS - From GoDaddy's Domain Panel
Your domain stays registered at GoDaddy but DNS points to Bluehost: in GoDaddy's Domain Management → DNS → Nameservers → change to Bluehost's nameservers (ns1.bluehost.com, ns2.bluehost.com). Propagation takes 24-48h. Keep GoDaddy hosting active until it fully resolves - zero downtime.
Then Cancel (Only) the Hosting
After the site runs on Bluehost and DNS propagated: cancel GoDaddy hosting product only. The GoDaddy cancellation guide covers their auto-renewal maze and retention scripts. Don't touch the domain product.
Better Math at Bluehost
GoDaddy's shared hosting renews ~2-3x their teaser rate plus nickel-and-diming on privacy/security add-ons. Bluehost's pricing is cleaner and the WordPress stack is actually optimized for WordPress.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is GoDaddy to Bluehost migration difficult?
The WordPress part is standard - Duplicator or Bluehost's free migration service works fine. The complexity is GoDaddy's ecosystem: they sell domains, hosting, email, and Website Builder separately, so you need to untangle which services you actually have before migrating the site.
Does Bluehost migrate GoDaddy sites for free?
Yes - their free migration service works on GoDaddy WordPress installs, done in 2-5 business days after you request it in the Bluehost dashboard.
What if my domain is registered at GoDaddy?
Keep it there - no need to transfer. Just update the nameservers in GoDaddy's domain management to point at Bluehost. Transferring the registration is optional and takes 5-7 days plus a 60-day wait if recently renewed. Most people keep GoDaddy for domains and move hosting only - it's cleaner.
Do GoDaddy email accounts transfer?
No. GoDaddy email (Microsoft 365 resale or Workspace Email) is a separate service from hosting. Either keep paying GoDaddy for email, or migrate email separately to Google Workspace/Zoho/Bluehost email BEFORE switching DNS. Mail going to old MX records after DNS switch bounces.
What's GoDaddy's billing trap to avoid?
Auto-renewal at jacked-up rates plus separate billing for domain privacy, email, and 'security' add-ons you may not realize you're paying. Cancel ONLY hosting after migration succeeds - keep the domain product active so you don't lose your name. The GoDaddy cancellation guide covers their retention call maze.
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