How to Migrate a WordPress Site to Hostinger Step-by-Step

Updated 2026-06-27 · Hosting Reviews

Moving your website to a new home can feel intimidating, but it doesn't have to be. If your current host is too slow, too expensive, or lacks the support you need, it's time to migrate WordPress to Hostinger. Whether you are a freelancer or a small business owner, switching to a managed environment can significantly improve your site's loading times and security.

Choosing the Right Hosting Plan for Your Migration

Before you move your files, you need a destination. Depending on your traffic and technical comfort, you have a few options. For most beginners and small businesses, Shared Hosting is the sweet spot, typically ranging from $3 to $10 per month. It's cost-effective and handles everything a growing blog needs.

If you run a high-traffic e-commerce store or a busy membership site, Cloud Hosting (usually $10 to $25 per month) offers more dedicated resources and stability. For those who need total control over the server environment, VPS hosting is available, though it requires more technical knowledge. Hostinger is a great choice here because they offer a streamlined setup for all three levels, making the transition seamless.

Preparing Your WordPress Website for the Move

To ensure a clean transfer, you'll need a few things ready: your current WordPress admin login, your domain registrar credentials, and a fresh hosting account. I always recommend opting for managed WordPress hosting because it handles the heavy lifting—like server-side caching and automatic updates—so you can focus on your content.

Before starting the migration, perform a full manual backup of your current site. While migration tools are reliable, having a local copy of your database and wp-content folder is a safety net that saves you from potential data loss if a connection drops mid-transfer.

How to Migrate WordPress to Hostinger Step-by-Step

Hostinger makes the process straightforward with an automated migration tool that does most of the work for you. Here is the most efficient way to get it done:

1. Sign Up: Create your account and select a hosting plan. This gives you access to the hPanel control panel.
2. Request Migration: In your dashboard, look for the "Website Migration" section. You can either provide your current site's login details or upload a backup file.
3. Wait for Processing: The Hostinger team or their automated tool will move your files and database. You'll receive a notification once the migration is complete.
4. Preview Your Site: Use a temporary URL or a hosts file edit to check that your images, links, and plugins are functioning correctly on the new servers.
5. Update DNS: This is the final step. Change your domain's nameservers at your registrar to point to Hostinger. This tells the internet that your site has moved.

Speed and Security Basics After Migration

Once you migrate WordPress to Hostinger, don't just leave it on default settings. To get the most out of your new hosting, start by activating your free SSL certificate. An SSL (HTTPS) is non-negotiable for SEO and user trust.

Next, focus on speed. Hostinger uses LiteSpeed servers, which are significantly faster than traditional Apache servers. Install the LiteSpeed Cache plugin to optimize your images and minify CSS. This ensures your visitors don't bounce due to long load times. Finally, set up automated daily backups within the panel so you never have to worry about a plugin update breaking your site.

Managing Costs and Domain Names

When budgeting for your site, remember that hosting prices usually follow an introductory rate. You might pay $3/month for the first year, but renewal rates are typically higher. Always check the renewal terms so there are no surprises in your second year.

If you haven't bought a domain yet, many Hostinger plans include a free domain for the first year. If you already own one, you can either keep it at your current registrar or transfer the registration to Hostinger to keep your billing in one place. Centralizing your domain and hosting simplifies management and reduces the risk of your domain expiring accidentally.

FAQ

Will my website go offline during the migration?

No. If you follow the proper steps, your site remains live on the old host until you update the DNS settings. There may be a short propagation period (a few hours) where some users see the old site and some see the new one, but there is no total blackout.

Do I need to be a coder to migrate my site?

Not at all. While you can migrate manually via FTP and phpMyAdmin, the automated tools provided by Hostinger are designed for beginners. If you can log into your WordPress dashboard, you can migrate your site.

What happens to my emails during the move?

If your email is hosted with your old web host, you will need to migrate your email accounts separately or set up new ones. The website migration tool specifically moves your WordPress files and database, not your mailboxes.