Renaming a domain name in Hostinger means updating the domain itself, not just changing a label or display name. This process works differently depending on whether your domain is registered with Hostinger or registered elsewhere and pointed to Hostinger. This guide covers both scenarios, with exact steps for each.
You'll find the correct method for changing your primary domain, updating addon domains, and fixing common issues that come up during the process. The whole thing takes about 10-15 minutes for most accounts, with a 24-hour propagation period after some changes.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Time required | 10-15 minutes active work, plus up to 24 hours for DNS propagation |
| Difficulty | Beginner to Intermediate |
| What you need | Active Hostinger account, login credentials for hPanel, access to the domain registrar if the domain is registered elsewhere |
| What you will achieve | A new primary or addon domain name correctly configured on your Hostinger account |
Before You Start
You can't rename a domain the way you rename a file on your computer. A domain name is a registered internet address, and changing it means either registering a new domain or pointing an existing domain you already own to your Hostinger account. Here's what you need ready:
- An active Hostinger hosting plan with an available domain slot (some plans include one free domain, others require separate purchase)
- Login access to your Hostinger account via hPanel
- If the new domain is registered elsewhere, the EPP code (authorization code) from your current registrar
- A clear understanding of whether you want to change your primary domain or add a new domain alongside the existing one
Important: Changing your primary domain name affects your website URL, email addresses associated with that domain, and any SSL certificates. Update your email settings and regenerate SSL certificates after the change to avoid service interruptions.
How to Rename Domain Name in Hostinger
The exact steps depend on where your domain is registered and what kind of change you're making. There are three common situations, and I'll walk through each one.
Situation 1: Changing Your Primary Domain (Domain Registered With Hostinger)
This is the most common scenario. You have a domain registered through Hostinger, and you want to switch to a different domain as your main website address.
Step 1: Log in to your Hostinger account
Go to hostinger.com and sign in. You'll land on the hPanel dashboard automatically. This is the control panel for all your Hostinger services.
Step 2: Open the Domains section
Click "Domains" in the left sidebar menu. You'll see a list of all domains registered through your Hostinger account.
Step 3: Select the domain you want to change
Find the domain you're currently using as your primary domain. Click the three dots (more options) button next to it, or click directly on the domain name to open its settings.
Step 4: Check for a "Rename" or "Change primary domain" option
Scroll through the domain settings. Look for a button or link labeled "Set as primary," "Change primary domain," or similar wording. Hostinger's interface for this option moves occasionally, so if you don't see it immediately, check the "Settings" or "Actions" dropdown menu.
If this option isn't visible, your hosting plan might have restrictions. Contact Hostinger support to confirm your plan supports primary domain changes.
Step 5: Enter the new domain name
A text field will appear where you can type the new domain name you want to use. Enter the full domain, including the extension (for example, yournewdomain.com).
Step 6: Confirm the change
Click the confirmation button. Hostinger will process the change, which usually takes a few seconds. You'll see a success message on screen.
Wait time: DNS propagation takes 1-24 hours after confirming the change. Your new domain won't resolve immediately everywhere, though Hostinger's servers update faster than external networks.
Step 7: Regenerate your SSL certificate
After the primary domain changes, go to the "SSL" section in hPanel. Click "Regenerate" or "Install new certificate" for the new domain. This step is critical, without an active SSL certificate, visitors will see a "Not Secure" warning in their browser.
Situation 2: Adding a New Domain (Domain Registered Elsewhere)
If the domain you want to use is registered with a different company (like Namecheap, GoDaddy, or Google Domains), you need to either transfer it to Hostinger or point it to your Hostinger account.
Step 1: Log in to hPanel
Same as above. Go to hostinger.com and sign in.
Step 2: Go to Domains
Click "Domains" in the left sidebar, then click "Add Domain" or "Register New Domain."
Step 3: Choose "I already have a domain"
Select the option to use an existing domain you own elsewhere. You'll see two choices: transfer the domain to Hostinger, or connect it by updating nameservers.
Option A: Transfer the domain to Hostinger
If you want full management through Hostinger, choose the transfer option. You'll need:
- The EPP code from your current registrar
- Domain unlock status (enable this at your current registrar)
- Privacy protection disabled temporarily (some registrars require this)
Enter your domain name, paste the EPP code, and follow the checkout process. Transfers cost the same as a new domain registration and extend your registration by one year.
Wait time: Domain transfers take 5-7 days to complete. Both registrars need to process the request, and ICANN rules require a 5-day waiting period before the transfer can finalize.
Option B: Connect the domain by changing nameservers
For a faster setup, point the domain to Hostinger without transferring it:
- Copy the nameserver addresses from Hostinger (you'll find these in the "Domains" section under "Nameservers")
- Go to your current registrar's control panel
- Find the DNS or Nameserver settings for your domain
- Replace the existing nameservers with Hostinger's nameservers
- Save the changes
Wait time: Nameserver changes propagate in 1-24 hours. Your website won't be accessible through the new domain until propagation finishes.
Important: Don't cancel your old hosting plan or domain registration until you've verified the new setup works correctly. Testing site functionality before removing the old service prevents downtime.
Situation 3: Changing an Addon Domain
An addon domain is a second (or third, fourth, etc.) domain attached to the same hosting account. Changing it is simpler than changing your primary domain.
Step 1: Log in to hPanel
Go to hostinger.com and sign in.
Step 2: Open the Websites section
Click "Websites" in the left sidebar. You'll see all your websites and their associated domains.
Step 3: Find the addon domain
Scroll to the list of addon domains or subdomains attached to your main website. Each one appears as a separate entry.
Step 4: Click "Manage" or the settings icon
Open the settings for the addon domain you want to change.
Step 5: Look for the domain replacement option
In the domain management panel, find the option to "Change domain" or "Replace domain." This is usually a button or link next to the current domain name.
Step 6: Enter the new domain name
Type the new domain name you want to use. Make sure you own this domain and it's pointed to Hostinger (either through transfer or nameserver changes).
Step 7: Confirm and apply
Click the confirmation button. The addon domain will be replaced within a few minutes.
Wait time: Like primary domain changes, addon domain changes require 1-24 hours for full DNS propagation.
What to Do If Something Goes Wrong
Problem: The "Change primary domain" option doesn't appear in hPanel.
Fix: This usually means your hosting plan doesn't support changing the primary domain freely. Contact Hostinger support through the live chat feature. Ask them to reset or change your primary domain manually.
They can do this on the backend within a few minutes.
Problem: The domain transfer fails or gets rejected.
Fix: Check these three things first: your domain is unlocked at the current registrar, the EPP code is correct (regenerate it if needed), and privacy protection is disabled. If everything checks out, contact your current registrar to verify there are no transfer locks or pending renewals blocking the process.
Problem: After changing the domain, the website shows an error or doesn't load.
Fix: This is almost always a DNS propagation delay. Wait 24 hours and check again. If the problem persists, verify that you updated the A records or nameservers correctly.
Go to "DNS Zone Editor" in hPanel and confirm the records point to the correct IP address for your Hostinger account.
Problem: SSL certificate shows as invalid after the domain change.
Fix: Go to the "SSL" section in hPanel and click "Regenerate" or "Install new certificate." The old certificate was tied to your previous domain name and won't work with the new one. After regeneration, clear your browser cache and refresh the page.
Problem: Email addresses associated with the old domain stop working.
Fix: You need to recreate email accounts for the new domain if it replaces your primary domain. Go to "Email" in hPanel and set up new mailboxes. Forward mail from the old domain to the new one temporarily so you don't miss messages during the transition.
What Happens Next
Once your domain name change goes through, Hostinger updates your account settings to reflect the new domain. Your website files remain intact, nothing gets deleted or moved. The change affects only the URL visitors use to reach your site.
You'll need to update any places where your old domain was referenced: social media profiles, business cards, email signatures, Google Analytics settings, and any third-party services that connect to your site through the domain name. Search engines need time to index the new domain, so expect a temporary dip in traffic while the transition happens.
If you host email through Hostinger, recreate your email accounts for the new domain as soon as the change processes. Forward email from the old domain to avoid missing messages. Set up redirects from your old domain to the new one so visitors who type the old address still reach your site.
You can do this through the "Redirects" section in hPanel.
After the rename, check your site thoroughly. Click every link, test contact forms, verify images load, and make sure your SSL certificate is active. A domain change touches more parts of your site than most people expect, and a quick walkthrough catches issues before visitors do.
Once everything runs smoothly, your Hostinger account is set up with the domain you want. If you're starting fresh or adding a new site, renewing your current plan now gets you the best rate for the next billing cycle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rename my Hostinger domain for free?
Yes, if you already own the new domain and it's registered through Hostinger. Changing your primary domain or swapping an addon domain costs nothing beyond the domain registration fee you already paid. Transferring a domain from another registrar costs a standard transfer fee, which is typically the same as a new registration price.
How long does it take for a domain name change to work everywhere?
DNS propagation takes 1 to 24 hours after you confirm the change. Hostinger's servers update within minutes, but internet service providers around the world cache old DNS records and update at different speeds. Some locations see the new domain within an hour; others take a full day.
Will I lose my website content if I change the domain name?
No. Your website files, databases, and settings remain on your Hostinger account. Only the domain name pointing to those files changes.
Your content stays exactly where it was. The files don't move or get deleted during a domain change.
Do I need to buy a new domain to rename my Hostinger site?
Not necessarily. You can use a domain you already own, even if it's registered with another company. You just need to point it to your Hostinger account through nameserver updates or transfer the registration to Hostinger.
If you don't own any domain yet, you'll need to register a new one.
What happens to my email accounts after I change the domain?
Email accounts tied to the old domain stop working once the domain is removed from your account. You need to create new email accounts under the new domain name. Set up forwarding from the old email to the new one temporarily to avoid losing messages during the transition.
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