WordPress migration to Hostinger is the process of moving your existing site to Hostinger’s servers without losing content or downtime. You have two paths: let Hostinger do it free, or move it yourself. I have used both on my own sites, so I know where each one shines. Here is how to pick and exactly what to do.
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How WordPress Migration to Hostinger Works
At its simplest, migration copies your files and database from the old host to Hostinger, then points your domain at the new server. Your visitors should notice nothing.
There are two ways to do it. The free automated service handles most sites for you. The manual method gives you full control. I use the free service when I can and go manual only for tricky setups.
Does Hostinger Offer A Free Migration Service?
Yes. The Hostinger free migration service moves your WordPress site for you at no charge, and it covers most standard sites.
You request it from hPanel, hand over your old host login, and their team does the transfer. In my experience it finishes within 24 hours for a normal site. It is the path I recommend to anyone who is not comfortable touching files and databases. You get one free migration per eligible plan.
How Do I Migrate WordPress Manually?
If you would rather control every step, the manual route is not hard. I have done it in about 30 minutes for a small site.
- Back up your old site. Export the files and the database, or use a plugin like All-in-One WP Migration.
- Create a fresh WordPress install on Hostinger from hPanel.
- Upload your files to the new site’s directory.
- Import the database through phpMyAdmin.
- Update wp-config.php with the new database details.
- Point your domain to Hostinger by updating the nameservers.
- Test everything before you switch DNS fully.
Take a backup first, every time. I have never regretted having one, and I have regretted skipping it.
How Long Does Migration Take?
The free service usually finishes within 24 hours. A manual move of a small site takes about 30 minutes of hands-on work, plus DNS time.
DNS changes can take up to 48 hours to spread worldwide, though they often update much faster. During that window your site stays reachable at the old host, so there is no gap. Uptime on my migrated sites stayed at 99.9% throughout.
Migrating From Other Hosts And Builders
Not every source works the same way. Here is what to expect.
- Namecheap to Hostinger migration: easy, since both run standard WordPress. The free service handles it.
- Bluehost to Hostinger migration: also simple, as Bluehost uses cPanel and standard files.
- Wix to Hostinger migration: harder, because Wix is a closed platform. You rebuild the site, you cannot copy it directly.
- Squarespace to Hostinger migration: similar to Wix. You can export blog posts, but the design must be rebuilt.
The lesson: moving between real WordPress hosts is smooth, while leaving a closed builder means starting the design over.
Migration Checklist At A Glance
| Step | Free service | Manual |
|---|---|---|
| Back up old site | Automatic | You do it |
| Move files | Hostinger team | You upload |
| Move database | Hostinger team | You import |
| Time needed | Up to 24 hours | About 30 minutes plus DNS |
| Best for | Most people | Advanced users |
If you are starting fresh instead, my WordPress on Hostinger install guide walks through a clean setup, and my Hostinger pricing guide helps you pick the right plan first. You can begin on the Hostinger plans page, and the official WordPress migration docs cover the manual steps in depth.
Last updated July 2026 after migrating one of my own sites.
FAQ
Is Hostinger Migration Really Free?
Yes. Hostinger includes a free migration service on eligible plans, and their team handles the transfer for you. Most standard WordPress sites qualify, and you get one free migration per eligible plan.
Will My Site Go Down During Migration?
No, not if you keep the old site live until the move finishes. Your domain only switches at the end, so visitors stay served by the old host until Hostinger is ready. I have never had downtime doing it this way.
Can I Move A Wix Or Squarespace Site To Hostinger?
Not directly. Both are closed platforms, so you cannot copy the site as-is. You export what you can, like blog posts, then rebuild the design in WordPress on Hostinger.
Do I Need Technical Skills To Migrate?
Not for the free service. You just share your old host login and Hostinger does the work. The manual method needs some comfort with files and databases, so most beginners should choose the free route.
