Step-by-Step: Moving a Domain to Hostinger for Better Speed
Updated 2026-07-18 · Hosting Reviews
Having a domain registered with one company and your website hosted with another is common, but it often adds unnecessary complexity to your DNS management and can occasionally impact your site's response time. If you want to streamline your workflow and improve your site's performance, the best move is to consolidate. In this guide, I'll show you exactly how to move domain to Hostinger so you can manage your hosting, domain, and business email all in one dashboard.
Why Consolidate Your Domain and Hosting?
When your domain and hosting are in the same place, setup is nearly instantaneous. You don't have to manually hunt for nameservers or wait hours for DNS propagation just to get a basic page live. More importantly, Hostinger uses optimized infrastructure that helps with page load speeds, which is a critical factor for both user experience and SEO rankings.
Beyond speed, there is the professional image factor. By using a Domain & Business Email setup, you move away from generic @gmail.com addresses to professional emails (like info@yourbusiness.com). This builds immediate trust with clients and keeps your branding consistent across every touchpoint.
Choosing the Right Hosting Plan for Your Business
Before you transfer your domain, you need a place for it to land. Depending on your business size, you'll likely choose between these three options:
- Shared Hosting: Best for beginners and small blogs. It's the most affordable option, typically ranging from $3 to $10 per month.
- Cloud Hosting: Ideal for growing businesses with higher traffic. It offers dedicated resources and better stability, usually ranging from $10 to $25 per month.
- VPS Hosting: For tech-savvy users who need full root access and total control over their server environment.
For most people starting out, Hostinger's shared or cloud plans are the sweet spot. They include essential tools like one-click WordPress installation and free SSL certificates, which encrypt your data and show the "lock" icon in browsers—a non-negotiable for security today.
How to Move Domain to Hostinger: Step-by-Step
Transferring a domain isn't an instant flip of a switch; it's a process that requires a few specific steps to ensure you don't lose ownership of your URL. Follow this sequence:
1. Unlock Your Domain: Log into your current registrar (where you bought the domain) and find the domain settings. Look for "Domain Lock" and toggle it to "Off." This tells the current provider that you are allowing the domain to be moved.
2. Get Your EPP Code: Request the Authorization Code (also called an EPP code). Your registrar will either display this on the screen or email it to you. This code acts as a digital key to prove you own the domain.
3. Start the Transfer: Go to the Hostinger domain transfer page, enter your domain name, and provide the EPP code. You'll pay a transfer fee, which usually covers a one-year extension of your domain registration.
4. Confirm via Email: You will receive a confirmation email. Approve the transfer, and within a few hours to a few days, your domain will officially reside with Hostinger.
Setting Up Your Professional Business Email
Once you move domain to Hostinger, the next step is to stop using personal email for business. A matching email address makes your small business look like an established company.
Within the Hostinger hPanel, navigate to the Email section. You can create multiple mailboxes for different functions—such as sales@yourdomain.com or support@yourdomain.com. Because the domain is already hosted there, the DNS records for your email are configured automatically, saving you from the headache of manually editing MX records.
Finalizing Speed and Security Basics
Now that your domain and hosting are unified, take ten minutes to optimize for speed. If you're using WordPress, utilize the built-in caching tools provided by Hostinger. Caching stores a static version of your site, meaning the server doesn't have to "build" the page from scratch every time a visitor arrives.
Also, ensure your SSL certificate is active. A site without HTTPS is flagged as "Not Secure" by Google Chrome, which will drive potential customers away instantly. Hostinger provides free SSLs, so make sure it's toggled on in your dashboard.
FAQ
How long does a domain transfer take?
While the request happens quickly, the full transfer process typically takes between 5 to 7 days. This is a standard industry timeframe to prevent unauthorized domain theft.
Will my website go offline during the move?
If you set up your hosting and point your DNS correctly before initiating the transfer, there should be zero downtime. The domain just changes who manages the billing and registration.
How much does it cost to transfer a domain?
Most providers charge a fee to transfer a domain, but this isn't just a service fee—it almost always adds an extra year to your current domain expiration date. Prices vary by TLD (like .com vs .net), but it is generally a small annual cost.