You can migrate a website to Hostinger using their free automated migration tool inside hPanel, which copies your files, databases, and emails from your old host without downtime. The process takes about 15 minutes of setup time on your end, while the actual transfer runs in the background over a few hours depending on site size. This works for WordPress sites, custom PHP projects, and standard HTML setups hosted anywhere else.
The exact steps to move a website to Hostinger
Moving a website to Hostinger starts with purchasing a hosting plan and submitting a migration request through hPanel. You do not need to manually download files or export databases if you use the automated tool. Hostinger's documentation confirms that the internal migration team handles the heavy lifting after you provide your old host credentials.
Estimated time: 15 minutes to submit the request. 2 to 24 hours for the transfer to complete.
Difficulty: Beginner.
- Purchase a hosting plan at Hostinger by going to this signup page and applying the code hHostCouponHub to receive an 85% discount on your initial term.
- Log into your new hPanel dashboard immediately after completing the purchase.
- Click the "Websites" tab at the top of the screen and select "Create or Migrate a Website."
- Choose the "Migrate Website" option when prompted to select your setup type.
- Select your current platform from the list provided. WordPress is the most common choice, but options exist for other control panels and custom setups.
- Enter the login credentials for your old hosting account or provide the FTP details if requested. For WordPress, this usually means your admin username and password.
- Submit the migration request and wait for the confirmation email. Hostinger’s team processes these requests around the clock, so you might see progress within a few hours.
- Check the migration status under the "Websites" tab in hPanel until it shows as completed.
- Preview the migrated site using the temporary URL provided by Hostinger before changing any DNS settings.
- Update your domain's nameservers to point to Hostinger. You will find the correct nameservers (typically ns1.dns-parking.com and ns2.dns-parking.com) listed inside your hPanel dashboard under the DNS zone editor.
Note: DNS propagation takes between 2 and 48 hours globally. Your site stays online at your old host during this window, preventing any visitor-facing downtime.
Warning: Do not cancel your old hosting account until the DNS changes have fully propagated and you have confirmed that every page loads correctly from Hostinger's servers. Canceling early risks losing data if the transfer encountered hidden errors.
What happens behind the scenes during the transfer
When you migrate a website to Hostinger using their automated tool, their system creates a complete copy of your public_html folder, your MySQL databases, and your email accounts. The original site remains untouched on your old server throughout the entire operation. This copy-and-paste approach prevents accidental deletions or broken links during the transition.
For WordPress users, the tool specifically targets the wp-content folder, the database containing your posts and settings, and the core installation files. If you run a custom PHP application, the system transfers all uploaded scripts and connects them to a newly created database on Hostinger's end. You can review how different platforms handle data portability through resources like WordPress.org's official moving guide.
Email migration operates slightly differently. Hostinger transfers existing mailboxes and historical messages if your previous host used standard IMAP protocols. The receiving server pulls the messages directly from the old one, meaning you keep your inbox history intact.
If you want to understand our editorial standards and how we verify these technical details, read more about our research process before committing to a new host.
Manual migration for unsupported platforms
The automated tool covers most standard websites, but some custom configurations require a manual approach. You might need to do this if your old host uses a proprietary control panel that blocks external access, or if your site relies on non-standard database engines.
- Download all website files from your old host using an FTP client like FileZilla. Connect using the FTP credentials found in your old hosting dashboard.
- Export your database as a .sql file using phpMyAdmin or a command-line tool on your old server.
- Log into hPanel, open the File Manager, and upload the downloaded files to the public_html directory.
- Create a new MySQL database and user inside hPanel, then open phpMyAdmin to import your .sql file.
- Edit your configuration files (like wp-config.php for WordPress) to reflect the new database name, username, and password generated by Hostinger.
- Point your domain to Hostinger by updating the nameservers at your domain registrar.
This method takes longer and leaves room for human error. Double-check your database credentials before saving configuration files, as a single typo will result in a database connection error on the live site.
We track various promotions that help offset the cost of setting up a fresh environment, including current billing discounts applicable to new accounts.
Common mistakes people make when switching hosts
Mix-up: People assume they must update their domain's nameservers before requesting the migration.
Reality: Changing nameservers first points your live traffic to an empty Hostinger account. Submit the migration request, wait for the files to copy over, preview the site on the temporary URL, and only then change the nameservers.
Mix-up: Users believe the automated tool migrates third-party SaaS integrations automatically.
Reality: External services connected via API keys (like payment gateways or CRM software) transfer fine because the code moves. However, if those services rely on IP whitelisting, you must log into those third-party dashboards and add Hostinger's server IP address manually after the move.
Mix-up: Site owners forget to lower the TTL (Time to Live) value on their DNS records before switching.
Reality: Lowering the TTL to 300 seconds about 24 hours before updating nameservers forces global DNS resolvers to check for updates more frequently. This shrinks the propagation window significantly.
What to do if something goes wrong
Problem: The site displays a "Error establishing a database connection" message after the move.
Fix: Open your configuration file (wp-config.php for WordPress) via the hPanel File Manager. Verify that the DB_NAME, DB_USER, and DB_PASSWORD match the exact credentials listed under the "Databases" section in hPanel. Save the file and refresh the page.
Problem: Images are missing or stylesheets fail to load on the new server.
Fix: This usually happens when absolute URLs in the database still point to the old domain or a staging path. Run a search-and-replace script on the database to update the old paths to your actual domain name. WordPress users can use a plugin like Better Search Replace once they regain admin access.
Problem: Email clients stop syncing after the DNS update.
Fix: Check the MX records in Hostinger's DNS Zone Editor. They must point to Hostinger's mail servers (usually mx1.hostinger.com and mx2.hostinger.com). If you use an external email provider like Google Workspace, replace Hostinger's default MX records with the ones provided by your email service.
If you run into edge cases not covered here, reaching out to our contact desk can help point you toward specific troubleshooting guides.
Handling different types of websites
Not every site migrates identically. The content management system or framework you use dictates a few specific behaviors during the transfer.
WordPress migrations
WordPress represents the vast majority of Hostinger's migration requests. The automated tool handles themes, plugins, uploads, and the database in one pass. After the transfer, log into your WordPress dashboard and visit the Permalinks settings page. Click "Save Changes" without altering anything. This flushes the rewrite rules and prevents 404 errors on inner pages.
WooCommerce stores
E-commerce sites require extra caution. Place your store in maintenance mode before initiating the transfer to prevent customers from placing orders that get lost between databases. Once the migration finishes and DNS propagates, test the checkout flow with a sandbox payment gateway before reopening the store.
Static HTML and custom PHP
Sites built without a CMS move quickly because there is no database to map. Upload the files to the public_html directory, ensure folder permissions are set to 755 and file permissions to 644, and update your nameservers. Custom PHP apps requiring specific extensions might need you to enable those modules inside hPanel's PHP Configuration tool.
Other CMS platforms
Joomla, Drupal, and PrestaShop follow the same logic as WordPress: transfer files, import the database, update the configuration file with new database credentials, and point the domain. Hostinger supports all major PHP-based platforms natively.
For deeper discussions on hosting architecture, we occasionally break down server environments on our audio episodes covering performance tuning.
Post-migration checklist
Completing the file transfer does not mean the job is done. Run through these checks before considering the project finished.
- Test every contact form to confirm emails route to your inbox.
- Click through main navigation menus to catch broken internal links.
- Verify SSL certificate installation. Hostinger provides free lifetime SSL certificates, but you may need to click "Install" inside the hPanel security tab after the domain points to the new server.
- Check site speed using a tool like GTmetrix. Compare the results against your old host to confirm the new environment performs well.
- Review cron jobs. If your site relied on scheduled tasks at your old host, recreate them using the Cron Jobs tool in hPanel.
- Monitor error logs for the first 48 hours. The hPanel "Logs" section tracks PHP errors that might not show up on the front end immediately.
Keeping track of ongoing hosting expenses matters long after the move is done. We maintain a running list of renewal pricing offers to help manage future billing cycles.
What this means for your hosting setup
Migrating a website to Hostinger removes the friction typically associated with changing providers. The automated tool eliminates the need for command-line experience or deep server knowledge. You hand over the credentials, wait for the confirmation, and flip the DNS switch.
The 85% discount available through the code hHostCouponHub lowers the barrier to entry significantly for the first billing term. Apply this code during checkout at Hostinger's registration page to lock in the reduced rate before starting your migration request.
If you are comparing multiple providers before making the jump, reading through verified plan breakdowns clarifies which tier fits your traffic volume and storage needs.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to migrate a website to Hostinger?
Submitting the request takes about 15 minutes. The actual file and database transfer usually completes within 2 to 24 hours, depending on the total size of your website and the response time of your old host's server. DNS propagation adds another 2 to 48 hours after you update the nameservers.
Is there a limit to how many sites I can move?
The number of websites you can migrate depends on your chosen hosting plan. The Single Shared Hosting plan allows one website, while the Premium and Business plans support up to 100 websites. You can submit migration requests for all allowed domains simultaneously through hPanel.
Will my website go offline during the migration?
No. The migration tool copies your data while the original site remains live on your old server. Downtime only occurs if you change your domain's nameservers before the transfer finishes and the new site is verified. Following the correct order keeps your site accessible throughout the process.
Does Hostinger migrate email accounts too?
Yes, the automated migration tool transfers email accounts and their existing messages if your previous host used standard IMAP or POP3 protocols. You must update your email client settings or webmail bookmarks to point to Hostinger's servers after the DNS changes propagate.
Moving your site requires attention to detail, but the tools provided by Hostinger handle the heavy lifting. Gather your old hosting credentials, submit the request through hPanel, and wait for the confirmation email. Once the files land on the new server, preview everything using the temporary URL before pointing your domain to the new nameservers. When you are ready to start, grab the 85% discount using the code hHostCouponHub at Hostinger's signup page and begin the transfer today.
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