Changing your registered domain name on Bluehost is part of the process of updating a website, whether it is a primary domain or a WordPress domain.
It doesn’t matter if this website is for one of your hobbies or it is used to promote your company, you will learn how to edit your old and new primary domain on Bluehost, change the domain name on WordPress, and how to transfer it.
Top Domain & Web Hosting Provider Picks
| Provider | User Rating | Best For | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | 4.2 | Simplicity | Visit Wix |
 | 4.2 | Value | Visit Namecheap |
 | 4.7 | Budget | Visit IONOS |
- Changing the primary domain on Bluehost can take 20 minutes to 5 hours
- Usernames, passwords, files, and databases remain unchanged in the process
- Bluehost provides domain registration services, but you can also use domains from other registrars
- Canceling Bluehost hosting doesn’t affect your domain: you can keep it or transfer it
- If you need to change domain name, Bluehost support can help
How to Change Your Primary Domain on Bluehost
Before changing your primary domain on Bluehost, it’s essential to understand the process and expectations:
Step 1: Know What to Expect
Before following the domain change process, it’s essential to understand what to expect. Here are some important points to keep in mind:
- The process can take anywhere from 20 minutes to 5 hours, depending on your account size
- Usernames, passwords, files, and databases will remain unchanged during the process
- It’s highly recommended to create a complete backup of your website files and databases for safety
Step 2: Gather the Necessary Information
To start the domain change process, you’ll need to have the following information ready:
- Your user’s primary email address
- Your current primary domain
- The new primary domain that you want to change to
- The last four characters of your cPanel password
- Confirm that you have read and understood the account rename information
Step 3: Contact Bluehost by Phone or Chat
To change your primary domain on Bluehost, it’s advisable to contact their support team either by phone at 888-401-4678 or through the chat option on their website.
How to Change Domain on WordPress with Bluehost
When hosting a WordPress site with Bluehost and aiming to change your domain, you can transfer your website’s data to a newly registered domains using these 7 steps:
Step 1: Copy Files to the New Domain
Begin by logging into your Bluehost control panel and accessing the File Manager to open the public_html folder.
Source: Bluehost.com
In this folder, select all files except specific ones, and copy these files to your new domain folder.
Step 2: Create a New MySQL Database
In a separate tab, navigate to the MySQL Database Wizard in your cPanel.
Source: Bluehost.com
Here, create a new MySQL database, remembering to note its name for later use.
Source: Bluehost.com
Step 3: Edit the WordPress .config Filey
Return to your Bluehost control panel and find the “wp-config.php” file in the “public_html” folder of your new domain.
Edit this file to match the values of the new database you created.
Hostinger: The Best Domain Hosting
Step 4: Export the Database
In your Bluehost control panel, export the database from your old primary domain, typically via phpMyAdmin.
Source: Bluehost.com
Save this export as a .sql file on your computer.
Step 5: Update the Database
Access phpMyAdmin in your Bluehost cPanel, selecting your new database.
Source: Bluehost.com
Find and update fields like ‘siteurl’ and ‘home’ to reflect the new domain.
Step 6: Update the Database Tables
Simplify this step by installing the “Search and Replace” plugin in your WordPress site.
Activate the plugin, and it will help you locate and replace instances of the old domain with the new one in your content.
Step 7: Update WordPress
Log in to your WordPress Dashboard using the new domain, navigate to “Settings” > “General”.
Source: Bluehost.com
Then modify the “WordPress Address (URL)” and “Site Address (URL)” fields to align with the new domain.
HostArmada: Versatile Domain Hosting
How to Assign a Domain on Bluehost
Assigning a domain means connecting it to your website, and it’s different from changing your website’s name. After getting your new domain, it’s essential to assign it to your hosting account.
Bluehost offers two ways to assign a domain name, through the Bluehost Account Manager or cPanel account (Bluerock).
Assigning a Domain Name through Account Manager
Here’s how to assign a domain name through the Bluehost Account Manager
Step 1: Access the Domains Tab
- Log in to your Bluehost Account Manager
- Click on the “Domain Name” tab on the left
Source: Bluehost.com
Step 2: Assign the Domain Name
Two scenarios can happen:
- New Hosting with New Domain and Hosting: If you got both hosting and a new domain, Bluehost automatically connects them.
- New Hosting with an External Domain: If you have hosting from Bluehost but got your domain from somewhere else, follow these steps:
- Go to your hosting overview, “Welcome”.
Source: Bluehost
- Select “Settings” to change your domain settings.
Source: Bluehost
- In “Domain Name & Site URL,” click “Change,” enter your new domain, and click “Continue.”
Source: Bluehost.com
- Enter your domain name in the “Enter Domain Name” text field.
Source: Bluehost.com
IONOS: Affordable Domain Hosting
Assigning a Domain Name through Bluerock
Step 1: Access the Domains Tab
- Log in to your Bluehost cPanel
- On the left-side menu, find the “Domains” tab and click on it
Step 2: Assign a New Primary Domain Name
In Bluerock, you have three options:
- Addon Domain: Connect your new domain as a separate website.
- Parked Domain: Point multiple domains to your main website.
- Unassigned Domain: Keep a domain linked without a specific purpose for now.
Changing Domain Name on Bluehost: Things to Consider
Do You Own Your Domain Name with Bluehost?
Yes, Bluehost allows you to register domain names.
This makes it convenient to manage both your domain and hosting in one place.
However, you’re not limited to using Bluehost’s domains; you can also use domains from other registrars.
What Happens to Your Domain If You Cancel Bluehost?
If you decide to cancel your Bluehost hosting, your domain remains under Bluehost’s registration.
You can continue using it or transfer it to another registrar if you wish to keep it but not use Bluehost’s hosting services.
Can You Have Two Primary Domains on Bluehost?
Usually, Bluehost hosting plans come with one primary domain.
This primary domain is the main website connected to your hosting account.
You can have multiple addon domains and subdomains, which are like additional websites or sections within your primary domain.
Can You Change Your Domain Later on Bluehost?
Yes, you can change your primary domain on Bluehost. However, it’s important to make sure that your new domain is correctly set up with your hosting account.
Can You Transfer a Domain from One Bluehost Account to Another?
Transferring a domain from one Bluehost account to another is possible but this process requires ownership verification and can take several days to complete.
Final Word
As a website owner, learning how to edit your domain names on Bluehost is part of your management decisions.
If you want to improve your site this year, consider choosing one of the Best Web Hosting we have selected for you. This way, you can consider new hosting services to improve your website structure.
Next Steps: What Now?
- How to Create a Sitemap: Understand how to design a sitemap to improve your website on Bluehost.
- Identify Web Attacks: Learn about the dangers that could put your website at risk.
- Find the Perfect Domain Hosting Service: Compare the top providers to check if Bluehost is the best for you.
