How to Migrate from InMotion Hosting to Bluehost: Complete Guide (2026)
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InMotion to Bluehost is a routine cPanel-to-cPanel migration at its core - the complications are all InMotion-side quirks: their two-layer account system (AMP for billing, cPanel for files) and their BoldGrid site-builder integration. Get those two things sorted mentally and the rest is standard work.
First: WordPress or BoldGrid?
InMotion pushes BoldGrid heavily - their WordPress-based page-builder theme/plugin bundle. It's not a closed system like Wix (the site files are real WordPress and migrate fine), but BoldGrid-built sites carry extra baggage:
- Standard WordPress: migrates cleanly, no issues
- BoldGrid-built site: files transfer but layouts may need BoldGrid reinstalled on Bluehost or rebuilding with standard WP tools. Check your plugins list - if BoldGrid suite is installed, plan for some cleanup
Understand the Two-Panel Split
InMotion runs two separate systems: AMP (Account Management Panel) for billing/contracts/domain management, and cPanel for your actual website files/databases. The migration touches cPanel; the cancellation touches AMP. Don't confuse the two when you're looking for settings.
Pre-Migration Checklist
- Full backup. InMotion cPanel → Backup Wizard → Full Backup → download
- Email export. cPanel → Backup → Email accounts or IMAP sync
- DNS records. cPanel → Zone Editor → screenshot everything
- BoldGrid audit. Check which BoldGrid plugins/themes are installed - plan for cleanup or reinstall
Method 1: Free Migration (Recommended)
Sign up at Bluehost, request free migration in dashboard, provide InMotion cPanel credentials. Their team transfers files + database to a staging URL, you review (check BoldGrid pages especially), approve, switch DNS. 2-5 business days.
Method 2: cPanel Full Backup Restore
cPanel-to-cPanel native path: InMotion cPanel → Backup Wizard → Full Backup → download tar.gz → upload to Bluehost cPanel via File Manager → Bluehost's restore or their support handles it. Captures everything including email.
Method 3: DIY with Duplicator
Install Duplicator on InMotion WP → export → download → install on fresh Bluehost WordPress → import → verify → switch DNS. 1-3 hours. The migration guide covers every step.
What Doesn't Transfer
- Email mailboxes - recreate on Bluehost or Workspace
- InMotion's "Max Speed Zones" caching - their server-side config; Bluehost's caching handles it
- BoldGrid proprietary integrations - may need plugin reinstall or page rebuilds
- Domain registration - stays at InMotion if registered there; nameservers only change
Post-Migration: BoldGrid Cleanup
If your site used BoldGrid heavily: after migration, check every page visually. Some layouts render fine; others need the BoldGrid plugin reinstalled on the new WP, or rebuilding sections with standard WordPress blocks or a page builder like Elementor. Budget extra time for this if your site is BoldGrid-heavy.
WordPress-First Hosting
InMotion does everything adequately. Bluehost does WordPress specifically - the officially-recommended stack, WP-tuned support, managed WordPress tiers. Free migration handles the technical part.
Get Bluehost →Then Cancel InMotion (in AMP)
Site confirmed working → DNS propagated → final backup → cancel the hosting subscription in AMP (the billing panel, NOT cPanel). Their cancellation process may include a retention offer; stick to your decision if you're set on leaving.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is InMotion to Bluehost migration straightforward?
Yes - both run cPanel on shared hosting, so it's a standard cPanel-to-cPanel WordPress move. Bluehost's free migration service handles it entirely, or DIY via Duplicator/cPanel backup takes a few hours. The only InMotion-specific complications: their two-layer account system (AMP for billing, cPanel for files) and their BoldGrid site builder plugin.
What is InMotion's AMP and does it complicate things?
AMP (Account Management Panel) is InMotion's billing/account layer separate from cPanel. Your website files live in cPanel as usual - the migration works normally. AMP only matters for the cancellation step, where you handle billing/subscription changes there while the site files are in cPanel. Two different logins, two different systems.
Does Bluehost migrate InMotion sites for free?
Yes - request free migration in your Bluehost dashboard within 30 days of signup, provide your InMotion cPanel credentials, their team handles the transfer in 2-5 business days with a staging review.
What about BoldGrid - does it migrate?
Partially. BoldGrid is InMotion's WordPress-based site builder plugin - it's not a closed system like Wix, so the site files migrate fine. But BoldGrid's custom theme framework and page-builder layouts can look broken or messy after migration to a clean WordPress install. You may need to reinstall BoldGrid on Bluehost or rebuild affected pages with standard WP tools.
Do InMotion email accounts transfer?
No - recreate them on Bluehost email hosting before switching DNS, or move to Google Workspace. InMotion cPanel exports email via Backup Wizard → Email accounts or IMAP sync.
Why leave InMotion?
Usually renewal pricing (their initial discount expires into a sharp increase) or wanting a more WordPress-focused environment. InMotion is competent general hosting; Bluehost's officially-recommended WordPress stack and deeper WP specialization fit WordPress sites better.
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