If you are a Bluehost customer and wondering whether it is possible to change your domain name, you are not alone. Many users start with one domain and then realize they want a different name that better suits their brand or business.
Understanding how domain names work, what Bluehost offers, and the steps involved in changing your domain name will help you make an informed decision and avoid potential issues.
What Does “Changing a Domain Name” Mean?
Changing a domain name can mean different things depending on context. Generally, it refers to replacing your existing domain (e.g., example.com) with a new one (e.g., newexample.com).
However, domain names are unique addresses on the internet. You cannot simply rename a domain; instead, you must register a new domain and then point your website and services to it.
This distinction is crucial because it impacts how Bluehost and other registrars handle domain management.
Can You Change Your Domain Name on Bluehost Directly?
The short answer is: no, you cannot directly change your existing domain name on Bluehost. Domain names are registered individually and cannot be renamed or altered once purchased.
Instead, you have two primary options:
- Register a new domain name through Bluehost or another registrar.
- Transfer an existing domain you own to Bluehost and update your website to use the new domain.
After obtaining the new domain, you can configure your hosting account to use it instead of the old domain.
Note: The domain name system (DNS) does not allow “renaming” domains because domain names are unique and must be registered separately.
Steps to Use a New Domain Name with Bluehost
To effectively “change” your domain name, follow these steps carefully:
- Register Your New Domain: Use Bluehost’s domain registration service or buy from another registrar.
- Add the New Domain to Your Hosting Account: Use the Bluehost control panel to add the new domain, either as an addon domain or by changing the primary domain if possible.
- Update Website Files and Settings: Modify your website configuration, CMS settings (like WordPress), and databases to reflect the new domain.
- Set Up Redirects: Redirect traffic from your old domain to the new domain to preserve SEO and user access.
- Update Email Addresses: If you use email accounts with your old domain, create new email accounts on the new domain or migrate existing emails.
- Notify Users and Search Engines: Submit the new domain to Google Search Console and update your sitemap.
Important Considerations
Changing your domain name involves more than just technical steps. It can affect your brand identity, search engine rankings, and user experience.
Make sure to:
- Plan the transition timing carefully to minimize downtime.
- Backup your website and databases before making changes.
- Test all changes in a staging environment if possible.
How to Register a New Domain Name on Bluehost
Bluehost makes it easy to register new domain names. Follow these simple instructions:
- Log in to your Bluehost Control Panel.
- Navigate to the Domains section.
- Click on Register a New Domain.
- Enter your desired domain name and check availability.
- If the domain is available, proceed to purchase it.
Once registered, the new domain will appear in your Bluehost account, ready to be connected to your hosting.
How to Change Your Primary Domain on Bluehost
Bluehost allows changing the primary domain of your hosting account, but it has some restrictions.
Important: You can only change the primary domain if your hosting plan supports it, and the new domain must already be registered through Bluehost.
To change the primary domain:
- Log into your Bluehost dashboard.
- Go to the Domains tab.
- Choose the new domain you want to set as primary.
- Click on the option to Make Primary.
Keep in mind that changing the primary domain will affect your website URL, email addresses, and potentially your SEO.
Warning: Before changing your primary domain, backup your entire website and database to avoid data loss.
Using Addon Domains as an Alternative
If you want to keep your existing domain but also use a new one, consider using an addon domain. This allows hosting multiple domains under one Bluehost hosting account.
With addon domains, you can:
- Host a separate website on the new domain.
- Redirect traffic between domains.
- Manage multiple domain names with one hosting plan.
This is a good solution if you want to maintain your original domain while launching a new brand or campaign with a different domain.
Domain Name vs Hosting: Understanding the Difference
| Domain Name | Hosting |
|---|---|
| Unique website address (e.g., yourname.com). | Server space where your website files are stored. |
| Must be registered with a domain registrar. | Purchased as a service from hosting providers like Bluehost. |
| Can be pointed to any hosting provider. | Can host multiple domains and websites. |
| Renewed annually or multi-year. | Paid monthly or yearly hosting plan. |
Knowing this distinction helps clarify why changing a domain name is separate from hosting. Bluehost manages both, but the processes differ.
What Happens to SEO When You Change Your Domain Name?
Changing your domain name can impact your search engine rankings if not done correctly. Search engines index your site based on your domain, so moving to a new domain requires proper steps.
To preserve SEO value:
- Implement 301 redirects from old URLs to corresponding new URLs.
- Update your sitemap and submit it to Google Search Console.
- Inform Google of the domain change via Search Console’s change of address tool.
- Maintain consistent content and website structure.
- Monitor traffic and rankings closely after the change.
Pro Tip: Avoid frequent domain changes to build solid domain authority and trust with search engines.
Common FAQs About Changing Domain Name with Bluehost
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can Bluehost rename my existing domain? | No, domain names cannot be renamed. You must register a new domain. |
| Can I change the primary domain on my Bluehost account? | Yes, if the new domain is registered with Bluehost and your hosting plan allows it. |
| Will changing my domain affect my website data? | If done properly, no data should be lost. Always backup first. |
| How do I redirect my old domain to the new one? | Set up 301 redirects in your .htaccess file or via Bluehost’s control panel. |
| Can I transfer a domain from another registrar to Bluehost? | Yes, Bluehost supports domain transfers from most registrars. |
Additional Tips for a Smooth Domain Change
Before initiating a domain change, consider these best practices:
- Communicate with your audience: Notify your users about the domain switch to avoid confusion.
- Update all external links: Contact partners or websites linking to your old domain to update links.
- Check SSL certificates: Ensure your new domain has an SSL certificate installed for HTTPS security.
- Test emails: Verify that new domain email setups work properly.
- Track analytics: Use Google Analytics to monitor traffic before and after the change.
Summary
Changing your domain name with Bluehost is not a simple “rename” process but involves registering a new domain and configuring your hosting to use it. Bluehost provides tools to register new domains, add addon domains, and change primary domains within certain limits.
Proper planning, backups, redirects, and SEO considerations are essential to ensure a smooth transition. By following the outlined steps and best practices, you can successfully switch your domain name and maintain your website’s visibility and functionality.
For more detailed support, contacting Bluehost customer service or consulting their knowledge base is highly recommended.
