Website and Email Migration FAQ
We understand that migrating your website or email to a new hosting provider can be a daunting task, and we're here to help. In this FAQ section, we've compiled a list of common questions and concerns that our customers have when it comes to website and email migrations. Our goal is to provide you with clear and concise answers to help make your migration process as smooth and seamless as possible.
About Migration Service
Our Website Transfer service transfers data from one hosting account to another. We can transfer data both between our own brands and from a third-party hosting provider. This is distinct from an automatic migration, which occurs when an account is upgraded or downgraded.
Key points:
- We ensure a smooth and seamless website and email migration process and we put it on high priority.
- The migration process will begin 2-4 business days after receiving the required credentials to connect to the source account and mailboxes.
- We keep the customers informed throughout the entire process, with regular updates provided on the progress of the migration.
- After completion of the migration, a preview link for the website will be shared along with instructions on how to finalize the migration.
Website Migration FAQ
Q: How much does a website migration cost?
A: If you're migrating to a shared account, our Website Transfer service costs $149.99 for up to 5 websites and 20 mailboxes (webmail only) from a single source account. However, if you're transferring sites from multiple hosting accounts or different cPanel's within the same hosting account, you'll need to purchase a migration for each control panel. On the other hand, if you're migrating to a VPS/Dedi account, our Website Transfer service costs $149.99 per website and up to 20 mailboxes (webmail only).
Q: How does the free WordPress migration work?
A: To use our Free WordPress Migration service, you’ll need to install and activate the Bluehost Site Migrator plugin on their website. Take note that not all sites qualify for the free migration, and it's only available for one website and doesn't include email migration. If you need to migrate email or multiple sites, you will need to use our paid migration service. It's important to install and activate the plugin on the completed WordPress site that's being migrated, NOT the new WordPress installation content is being migrated to.
Q: When will the process begin, and how long will it take?
A: We are unable to start projects until the customer supplies the required information. As long as the info we receive is valid, a project will enter our queue and will be started within the time frame. Completion time will vary based on the size and complexity of the project. There are far too many things to take into account to give any exact time frame. However, projects are typically completed within 24 hours of starting. Here are a few variables to consider:
Q: What information is needed for the website migration?
A: To migrate a website, we need access to its files and database(s). Simply providing WordPress dashboard credentials won't be enough. Ideally, we would have hosting control panel access or SSH access, but in most cases, FTP access will suffice. We can also work with backups stored in DropBox or Google Drive, as long as they are complete and a publicly shareable link is provided for us to download them.
Q: How do I submit credentials?
A: Credentials can be submitted through our Website Transfer form by going to this link (you must be logged into the destination account)
Q: What if I am unable to provide access to the migrations team?
A: In the event that a customer is not able to provide us access, the only way we can move forward is by getting a complete backup. Important Notice:
We would like to inform you that we are unable to guarantee the completeness and usability of backups that were not captured by our team. There are many factors that can cause a backup to fail or appear complete when it is not, which can happen to even the most tech-savvy customers. We want to be transparent with you and let you know that if we do not have access to the backup, there is a lower likelihood of success. We want to set realistic expectations so that you are fully aware of the situation.
Q: Why have I not received an email response yet?
A: All credential submissions and tickets will be replied to within 24-48 hours (Business days). All communication will go to the email on file for the account.
Q: Can you migrate to a VPS/Dedi account?
A: We can definitely help you migrate your websites to VPS/Dedi accounts. It's important to note that all migrations to VPS/Dedi accounts require approval from our team. Because of the added complexity and server configurations required for this type of migration, there is a charge of $149.99 per site. Please keep in mind that if you have multiple websites that need to be migrated, a migration purchase is required for each individual website.
Q: When migrating to a VPS/Dedi, can we migrate to a sub cpanel?
A: No, we do not create or migrate to sub cpanels on VPS/Dedi accounts. All sites will be migrated to the main cpanel.
Q: Can any type of site be migrated?
A: We appreciate your interest in our website migration service. However, it's important to note that not all websites are eligible for migration. Our team will carefully review your website to determine if it qualifies for potential migration.
Q: What if my site is broken or not currently live?
A: All migrations are done “as-is” We will not fix any errors that are pre-existing. If our team cannot view the site at the time of the migration, we cannot guarantee a successful migration and will not be able to troubleshoot any errors that may arise on the migrated site.
Q: Can I change the website address or domain of my site?
A: We understand that changing URLs may be necessary for some customers. However, this service is not included in the migration process. If you require a URL change, you will need to purchase our additional URL Change Service for $149.99 per website.
Q: Can you migrate one site now and more sites at a later date?
A: To ensure a smooth migration process, we require all sites and mailboxes to be submitted before the project begins. Our team will migrate all sites and mailboxes at the same time. Please keep in mind that any sites or mailboxes submitted after the initial project has been completed will require the purchase of a new migration.
Q: Can I migrate to a Managed WordPress account?
A: We can migrate your website to a Managed WordPress account. However, please note that these accounts do not support webmail. If you have mailboxes that you would like to migrate, you will need to upgrade to either G Suites or Office 365. Please keep in mind that there may be a separate Email migration fee associated with this upgrade.
Q: Can I migrate from wordpress.com?
A: There are some limitations due to the nature of the platform. To proceed with the migration, we will require you to agree to a disclaimer. Please contact us to learn more about the disclaimer and any other requirements for migrating from WordPress.com.
Q: Do we transfer websites away from our hosting services?
A: Unfortunately, we're unable to migrate websites from our servers to other hosting providers.
Q: Can the migration be canceled or refunded?
A: When it comes to website transfer, it's important to note that it's a service and not a product. Keep in mind that full refunds are only available if no services have been provided to the client.
If you're requesting a refund, kindly send an email to websitetransfer@bluehost.com. Our fulfillment specialist will review your account and determine if a full or partial refund can be issued. If we cannot issue a refund, we will inform you about the reasons why. Once the cancellation of the service has been processed, we will keep you informed about your refund request.
Q: Do you transfer the domain as part of the migration?
A: Our website migration service only involves transferring website files and databases. We do not handle domain transfers or update the domain's DNS records. It is the customer's responsibility to manage all DNS updates and domain transfers.
Q: Why didn’t you move my subdomain?
A: Any subdomains to be migrated must be specified in the migration request, and they will be considered separate websites for billing purposes.
Q: Does the migration team update the DNS?
A: Website migration service only covers the transfer of files and databases. We do not update the DNS for the domain, and the customer is responsible for all DNS updates. It's important that no DNS is updated until the migration is complete and the customer has been instructed to make the updates.
Q: Should the domain be moved or the DNS be updated prior to the migration?
A: Please refrain from updating DNS or transferring domains prior to or during the migration process. Doing so may cause the website to experience downtime and result in delays. You will be provided with instructions for updating the DNS once the migration is complete.
Q: Will the redirects be migrated?
A: If your website has domain redirects, please note that they won't be included in the migration process. You will need to recreate them on your Bluehost account. However, any redirects that are coded within the website may be migrated.
Q: Will the SSL certificate be migrated?
A: We do not transfer SSL certificates during the migration process. However, our support team can guide customers on installing an SSL certificate once the migration is complete and DNS is resolving to the Bluehost server.
Email Migration FAQ
Q: Is email included?
A: We understand that migrating email is an important part of the process for many of our customers. Keep in mind that a single website transfer purchase will cover up to 20 mailboxes that support IMAP. However, please keep in mind that only email migrations to webmail are included in the migration. If you require a migration to G Suite or Office 365, please note that this will require a separate service.
Q: What information is needed for the email migration?
A: To migrate emails, we require IMAP settings similar to those used to connect an email client to an account. We will need the email address, password, and IMAP server to proceed. It is crucial to confirm the IMAP server or host name, typically mail.domain.com or imap.domain.com, with the previous host. It is essential to note that POP will not work for email migration.
Q: Can we migrate email only?
A: Absolutely! We can migrate your email to a new service, and we offer different pricing options depending on your desired destination. Here's a breakdown of our pricing for email migrations:
Please keep in mind that these prices are subject to change without notice, and we may update them at any time. We will make every effort to keep this article up-to-date with the latest pricing information.
Q: What information is needed for an email migration?
A: If you're planning to migrate your email to a new service, we'll need the following information to ensure a smooth transition:
Q: Can we migrate email to Office 365 or G suites?
A: Yes. However, migrating to Office 365 or G Suite is not included in the standard website migration service and requires the purchase of a separate email migration product. Pricing varies by product.
Q: Can we migrate from Office 365 or G Suites to webmail?
A: We can migrate any IMAP-enabled mailbox to webmail. To do so, customers must disable modern authentication or 2-factor authentication on their source accounts. For G Suite accounts, 'Less secure apps' will need to be enabled during the migration process
Q: Does an email migration include contacts, calendars, and forwarders?
A: Migrating Contacts, Calendars & Forwarders is not included in the Professional Email Migration service. However, customers can manually migrate this data on their own. Any forwarders must be re-created by the customer after the migration is complete.
If you need further assistance, feel free to contact us via Chat or Phone:
- Chat Support - While on our website, you should see a CHAT bubble in the bottom right-hand corner of the page. Click anywhere on the bubble to begin a chat session.
- Phone Support -
- US: 888-401-4678
- International: +1 801-765-9400
You may also refer to our Knowledge Base articles to help answer common questions and guide you through various setup, configuration, and troubleshooting steps.