Are you tired of using a generic hosting provider’s domain and wanting to switch to Hostinger? Or perhaps you’ve recently registered a new domain and want to connect it to your Hostinger account? Pointing a domain to Hostinger is a relatively straightforward process, but it can be confusing if you’re new to domain management. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to point your domain to Hostinger, ensuring a seamless transition for your website.
Step 1: Understanding DNS and Domain Pointing
Before diving into the process, it’s essential to understand the basics of DNS (Domain Name System) and domain pointing. DNS is like a phonebook for the internet, translating human-readable domain names into IP addresses that computers can understand. Domain pointing involves updating your domain’s DNS settings to direct traffic to your hosting provider’s servers.
Step 2: Gather Required Information
To point your domain to Hostinger, you’ll need the following information:
-
Your domain name
-
Hostinger’s nameservers (provided in your Hostinger account or support resources)
-
Your domain registrar’s login credentials (where your domain is currently registered)
Step 3: Update Nameservers at Your Domain Registrar
Log in to your domain registrar’s account and navigate to the domain management section. Look for the nameserver settings and update them to Hostinger’s nameservers. This process may vary depending on your registrar, but it typically involves:
-
Deleting existing nameservers
-
Adding Hostinger’s nameservers (usually two or four)
-
Saving changes
Step 4: Update DNS Settings at Hostinger
Log in to your Hostinger account and navigate to the DNS management section. You may need to create a new DNS zone or update an existing one. Add the following records:
-
A record: points your domain to Hostinger’s IP address
-
CNAME record: points your subdomain (e.g., www) to Hostinger’s servers
-
MX records: directs email traffic to Hostinger’s mail servers (if using Hostinger’s email services)
Step 5: Verify Domain Ownership
To ensure security and prevent unauthorized changes, Hostinger requires domain verification. You’ll receive an email with a verification code or instructions to update your domain’s TXT record. Follow the instructions to complete the verification process.
Step 6: Wait for Propagation
After updating your nameservers and DNS settings, allow some time for the changes to propagate globally. This process can take anywhere from a few minutes to 48 hours.
Step 7: Update Your Website Settings
Once the propagation is complete, update your website settings to reflect the changes. This may include updating your website’s URL, configuring email clients, or updating third-party services.
