How to Migrate Your Website to Hostinger for Free
Last updated: July 2026
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Moving your website to a new hosting provider can feel like a daunting task. The fear of breaking your live site, losing critical data, or experiencing prolonged downtime is enough to make many business owners stick with underperforming servers. According to WP Tavern, 70% of website owners fear downtime during migration. However, learning how to migrate your website to Hostinger is surprisingly simple in 2026.
Whether you are looking to transfer WordPress to Hostinger to boost loading speeds or you want a seamless cPanel to hPanel transition, the process has been heavily streamlined. Hostinger provides free site migration services that take the technical heavy lifting off your shoulders. From dealing with database transfer intricacies to repointing your domain, modern migration methods guarantee safety. A recent Search Engine Journal study noted that migrating to a faster host can improve SEO rankings within 30 days. Let us dive into exactly how you can complete this move effortlessly.
Migrating to Hostinger involves transferring your files, databases, and domain settings to their servers. Thanks to their automated tools and expert support, you can achieve a no downtime migration and quickly start enjoying faster load times and enhanced security on your new hosting plan.
What is the Hostinger Migration Tool?
The Hostinger migration tool is an automated feature built directly into the hPanel dashboard. It is designed to securely and quickly copy your entire website—including files, databases, and plugins—from your old host (like Bluehost or SiteGround) to Hostinger's servers. Hostinger handles over 10,000 migrations monthly, and according to their official data, the automated migration tool has a 98% success rate for WordPress sites. This eliminates the need to manually download zip files or configure FTP software, saving you hours of technical frustration.
Step-by-Step Guide to Website Migration
If you want to move your website host without paying a developer, follow these steps to use Hostinger's free service:
- Create Your Hostinger Account: Sign up for a hosting plan using the Hostinger official website.
- Access the Migration Dashboard: During the initial setup or from your hPanel dashboard, navigate to the "Website" menu and click on "Migrate Website."
- Select the Migration Method: Choose "WordPress" if you are running a WordPress site, or select the cPanel/other options depending on your previous host.
- Enter Your Details: You will need to provide your WordPress login URL, username, and password. If you are doing a full cPanel to hPanel transfer, you may need to provide your previous hosting account's login credentials or a full cPanel backup link.
- Submit the Request: Click "Submit Request." The Hostinger support migration team and automated bots will immediately begin the transfer. You can track the progress right from your dashboard.
Migration Methods Comparison
| Feature | Automated Migration Tool | Support Request Migration | Manual Migration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | Standard WordPress sites | Complex sites or custom CMS | Advanced developers |
| Time Required | 15 - 60 minutes | 24 - 48 hours | Varies widely |
| Technical Skill | Beginner | Beginner | Advanced |
| Downtime | None | None | Potential if done wrong |
| Cost | Free | Free | Free |
Common Migration Errors and Real-World Fixes
Even with great tools, small hiccups can happen. Here are common issues and how to resolve them:
- Error 500 (Internal Server Error): Often caused by corrupted
.htaccessfiles or mismatched PHP versions. Fix it by generating a new.htaccessfile in your hPanel file manager and ensuring your PHP version matches your old host. - Database Connection Error: This occurs when the
wp-config.phpfile points to your old database. Update the file with the new database name, username, and password provided in your Hostinger dashboard. - Missing Images: Sometimes media links stay pointed to temporary URLs. Use a plugin like Better Search Replace to update all database links to your live domain.
If you are planning to expand your business after the move, check out our guide on how to build an online store step-by-step.
Ready to make the switch? Get started with Hostinger today and claim your discount.
Email Migration Checklist
Do not lose your business emails during the transfer! Follow this checklist:
- Audit Existing Emails: Make a list of all active email accounts on your old server.
- Recreate Accounts: Go to Hostinger's Email Dashboard and create exact matches for all your addresses.
- Use the Email Import Tool: Hostinger provides an IMAP email migration tool. Enter your old webmail server settings, email address, and password to sync all old messages to the new inbox.
- Update Devices: Reconfigure Outlook, Apple Mail, or your phone to connect to Hostinger's incoming/outgoing mail servers.
Zero-Downtime DNS Propagation Guide
The most critical step is pointing your domain to Hostinger without anyone noticing the switch. ICANN notes that DNS propagation can take up to 48 hours globally. To ensure zero downtime, use the "hosts file trick":
- Do Not Change DNS Yet: Keep your domain pointing to the old host while the migration runs.
- Find Your New IP: Locate your Hostinger shared IP address in your hPanel.
- Edit Your Hosts File: On your computer (Windows or Mac), edit the local
hostsfile to map your domain to the new Hostinger IP. This allows only you to see the site on the new server. - Test Everything: Navigate through your site. If everything works perfectly, go to your domain registrar and update the nameservers to
ns1.dns-parking.comandns2.dns-parking.com. - Reissue SSL: Remember that SSL certificates must be re-issued post-migration for 100% security, according to Let's Encrypt. Activate your free SSL in hPanel immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Hostinger migrate websites for free?
Yes, Hostinger provides free website migration for all its hosting plans. You can use their automated tool in the hPanel or request manual assistance from their support team at no extra cost.
How long does Hostinger migration take?
Using the automated WordPress migration tool, the process usually takes between 15 to 60 minutes. If you request a manual migration from the support team, it can take up to 48 hours depending on queue times.
How do I transfer my domain to Hostinger?
To point your domain to Hostinger without transferring the registration, simply log into your domain registrar and update the nameservers to Hostinger's standard nameservers (ns1.dns-parking.com and ns2.dns-parking.com).
Will my website go down during migration?
No, your website will not experience downtime if you follow the correct sequence. Always migrate the files and database first, test the new server, and only then update your DNS records to point to Hostinger.
How do I use the Hostinger migration tool?
Log into your hPanel, go to the Website section, click "Migrate Website," and select your platform. Enter your previous hosting login credentials or WordPress admin details, and the tool will automate the rest.
Can I migrate emails to Hostinger?
Yes, Hostinger includes an email migration tool in its dashboard. You will need your old IMAP server details and email passwords to sync your existing messages over to your new Hostinger email accounts.
What details are needed for Hostinger migration?
For an automated WordPress migration, you need your site URL, WordPress admin username, and password. For a full cPanel migration, you need the cPanel login link, username, and password from your old host.
How to move from Bluehost to Hostinger?
To move from Bluehost to Hostinger, create a Hostinger account, use the migration dashboard to request a cPanel or WordPress transfer, provide your Bluehost credentials, and update your DNS once the files are securely copied.
Conclusion
Learning how to migrate your website to Hostinger does not require a degree in computer science. By utilizing the automated Hostinger migration tool, you can securely transfer WordPress to Hostinger with zero downtime. From handling your database transfer to managing your emails and DNS records, the entire process is designed to be frictionless. Take advantage of this free site migration to upgrade your website's speed and performance today.
