How to migrate your website to Hostinger
Switching hosts sounds riskier than it usually is. Here's what the process actually involves.
Hostinger, like most major hosts, offers free automated migration for WordPress sites and assisted migration for other setups. The process is more mechanical than technical for most standard websites.
Before you start
- Take a full backup of your current site (files + database) independently of the migration tool, as a safety net
- Note down any custom DNS records (MX for email, TXT for verification) so nothing breaks after the switch
- Keep your old hosting account active until the new one is fully verified
The general process
You typically submit your current site's login details through hPanel's migration tool, and Hostinger's team or automated system copies the site over — WordPress migrations are usually completed faster than custom-built sites. Once migrated, you test the new site using a temporary URL before pointing your domain's DNS at the new host.
After migration
Don't delete the old hosting account immediately. Keep it for a few days after switching DNS, in case you need to roll back or grab something you missed. DNS changes can also take up to 24–48 hours to fully propagate globally.
Migration doesn't require transferring your domain registration — you can keep your domain registered wherever it currently is and simply point it at the new host.
Frequently asked
Is migrating to Hostinger really free?
Hostinger generally offers free automated migration for WordPress sites; confirm current terms and any limits for non-WordPress sites at signup.
Will my website go down during migration?
There's typically minimal to no downtime if DNS is switched only after the new host is verified working — the old site stays live until you point the domain away from it.
Do I need to transfer my domain to migrate hosting?
No — you can migrate hosting while keeping your domain registered with its current registrar; only the DNS records need to point to the new host.
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