Step-by-Step: Moving Your Domain to Hostinger for Better Email
Updated 2026-07-21 · Hosting Reviews
Why Move Your Domain to Hostinger?
Moving your domain to Hostinger can give you a single, cost‑effective platform for hosting, DNS management, and business email. With fast servers, free SSL, and one‑click WordPress, you’ll spend less time juggling services and more time growing your brand.
Step 1: Pick the Right Hosting Plan
Hostinger offers three main tiers that fit most small business needs:
- Shared Hosting – $3‑$5/month intro, ideal for blogs and small sites with light traffic.
- Cloud Hosting – $5‑$15/month intro, scales automatically and is great for growing e‑commerce shops.
- VPS Hosting – $15‑$30/month intro, gives full root access for advanced users who need custom server setups.
All plans include free SSL, 24/7 support, and a one‑click WordPress install. Choose based on traffic expectations and technical comfort.
Step 2: Register a Domain or Transfer One
First, decide if you need a new domain or if you’ll move an existing one. Hostinger’s domain registrar is simple to use, and you can:
- Search for and buy a new domain directly in the Hostinger dashboard.
- Use the Transfer Domain wizard to move an existing domain from another registrar.
Domain prices vary ($10‑$15/year on average), but renewal rates are usually higher. Check the Transfer Lock status and unlock it before initiating the move.
Step 3: Set Up DNS and Email
Once the domain is on Hostinger, point its nameservers to the Hostinger values. That’s all you need for DNS. For business email:
- Enable Mailboxes in the Hostinger control panel.
- Create accounts like sales@yourdomain.com or support@yourdomain.com.
- Configure your email client (Outlook, Apple Mail, or webmail) using the provided SMTP and IMAP settings.
Hostinger’s email service is free with every hosting plan, giving you professional, branded email without extra cost.
Step 4: Build Your Site with WordPress or the Builder
If you’re comfortable with WordPress, the one‑click install will get you up and running in minutes. For non‑technical users, Hostinger’s Website Builder offers drag‑and‑drop design and pre‑made templates. Both options are responsive and optimized for speed.
When choosing a theme or template, look for:
- Mobile‑first design
- Fast load times (aim for under 3 seconds)
- SEO‑ready markup
Step 5: Test, Launch, and Promote
Before announcing your new site, test:
- Page load speed with Google PageSpeed Insights.
- Email deliverability by sending test messages to Gmail and Outlook.
- Mobile responsiveness on Android and iOS devices.
Once everything checks out, publish the site, set up Google Analytics, and start driving traffic. Remember to keep backups and update WordPress plugins regularly for security.
FAQ
Do I need separate hosting if I just want email?
No. Hostinger includes a free business email service with every hosting plan, so you can keep everything in one place.
How long does a domain transfer take?
Transfers usually complete within 5‑7 business days, but the exact time depends on the current registrar’s policies.
What if my site gets a lot of traffic?
Start with Cloud Hosting and upgrade as needed. Hostinger’s plans are scalable, and you can move to VPS without downtime.