Web Hosting Providers
How to upgrade Bluehost hosting plans
6 min read
If your site is growing, your current Bluehost plan may no longer give you the speed, storage, or resources you need. Upgrading is usually straightforward, and the process can be done from your Bluehost account in just a few minutes. The key is to choose the right plan, back up your website first, and confirm how billing and features will change after the switch.
When it makes sense to move to a higher plan
A Bluehost upgrade is worth considering if you notice any of these signs:
- Your website loads more slowly than before
- You’re getting more traffic than your plan was designed for
- You need more storage, email accounts, or websites
- You want stronger performance for WooCommerce or a busy WordPress site
- You’re outgrowing shared hosting and need VPS or dedicated resources
- You want better room for backups, staging, or testing
If your site is still small, upgrading may not be necessary yet. But if you’re seeing performance issues or resource limits, moving up can help prevent downtime and improve the user experience.
Before you make the switch
Take a few precautions before you upgrade your Bluehost hosting plan:
- Back up your site: Save files and databases in case anything needs to be restored.
- Check your current usage: Review disk space, bandwidth, and any resource warnings.
- List your email accounts: Plan changes can affect mailbox setup or storage.
- Note your add-ons: Domain privacy, backups, SSL, and email products may be billed separately.
- Confirm your renewal date: Upgrades can change billing timing or trigger prorated charges.
If you run a business site, it’s smart to upgrade during a low-traffic period.
Step-by-step: how to upgrade Bluehost hosting plans
Bluehost’s dashboard can change over time, but the upgrade flow is generally similar.
1. Sign in to your Bluehost account
Go to the Bluehost login page and sign in with the account tied to your hosting plan.
2. Open your hosting or products section
From your account dashboard, look for a section such as:
- Websites
- Hosting
- My Products
- Services
You should see your current hosting plan listed there.
3. Find the upgrade option
Look for a button or link that says something like:
- Upgrade
- Change plan
- See plans
- Upgrade hosting
If you have multiple products, make sure you select the correct hosting account before proceeding.
4. Compare available plans
Review the upgrade options carefully. Bluehost may show plans such as:
- Shared hosting tiers
- WordPress hosting plans
- VPS hosting
- Dedicated hosting
Choose the plan that matches your current traffic, performance needs, and budget.
5. Review what’s included
Before checking out, confirm the details, including:
- Number of websites allowed
- Storage amount
- CPU/RAM resources
- Free SSL
- Backups
- Domain features
- Email limits
- Pricing after the promotional period
If you’re upgrading from shared hosting, make sure the new plan offers enough headroom for future growth.
6. Complete the purchase
Follow the checkout steps and review:
- Billing cycle
- Proration or credit from your current plan
- Renewal price
- Taxes and add-ons
After you confirm payment, Bluehost will process the upgrade.
7. Verify your site after the upgrade
Once the upgrade finishes, log back in and check that:
- Your website loads normally
- SSL is active
- Email is working
- Databases and WordPress admin still function
- Any caching or backup tools are working properly
If anything looks off, contact Bluehost support right away.
What happens after you upgrade
In most cases, your website stays online during the transition. Still, there are a few things to expect:
- Resource limits increase: More storage, RAM, or CPU may be available.
- Billing may change: You may be charged a prorated amount or adjusted renewal price.
- Features may expand: Higher plans often include more websites, backups, or performance tools.
- Server setup may take time: Some upgrades, especially VPS or dedicated hosting, can take longer to provision.
If you upgraded to a different hosting type, such as from shared to VPS, you may need to adjust server settings or migrate certain configurations.
Tips for choosing the right Bluehost plan
Not sure which plan to select? Use these general guidelines:
| Site type | Better fit |
|---|---|
| Personal blog or portfolio | Entry-level shared hosting |
| Small business site | Mid-tier shared or optimized WordPress hosting |
| Growing store or high-traffic blog | Higher shared plan or VPS |
| Resource-heavy application | VPS or dedicated hosting |
| Multiple client websites | VPS, dedicated, or managed solution |
A good rule of thumb: choose a plan that leaves room for growth, not just one that fits your current traffic.
Common problems during an upgrade
The upgrade button is missing
Sometimes the interface doesn’t show the option immediately. Try:
- Refreshing the page
- Logging out and back in
- Checking the product under the correct account
- Contacting Bluehost support
Billing looks higher than expected
Promotional pricing often changes after the first term. Also, add-ons and prorated charges may increase the total.
Email stops working
If your plan change affects mailbox settings, verify:
- MX records
- Email account limits
- Passwords
- Webmail access
Website performance doesn’t improve right away
After upgrading, clear your cache and give the system time to fully apply the new resources. If needed, enable caching or review plugin usage.
Is it better to upgrade or start a new plan?
Upgrading makes sense if you want to keep your existing site, domain, and account structure. Starting a new plan may be better if:
- You want a separate account for a new brand
- You’re rebuilding a site from scratch
- Your current setup is messy and hard to manage
For most users, upgrading the existing Bluehost plan is the easier option.
Quick checklist before upgrading
Use this before you click purchase:
- Backup complete
- Plan comparison reviewed
- Renewal price checked
- Add-ons verified
- Email accounts noted
- Downtime window planned
- Support contact saved
Frequently asked questions
Can I upgrade Bluehost hosting anytime?
Usually yes. Most users can upgrade when they need more resources or better performance.
Will my website go offline during the upgrade?
Usually not, but brief interruptions can happen depending on the type of plan change.
Do I lose my files when I upgrade?
You should not lose data, but it’s still important to back up everything first.
Can I downgrade later?
Some plans allow downgrades, but terms vary. Check Bluehost’s current policy before making the switch.
What if I don’t see the upgrade option?
Contact Bluehost support. They can confirm whether your current plan can be upgraded directly.
Final take
Upgrading Bluehost hosting plans is usually a simple process: log in, open your hosting product, choose the upgrade option, compare plans, and complete checkout. The most important part is choosing the right level of hosting for your traffic and backing up your site before making any changes. If your website is growing, a well-timed upgrade can improve speed, stability, and room for future expansion.