How to manually transfer a website from another provider to Hostinger

Move your website files and databases manually from another provider to Hostinger

Updated 3 weeks ago

Hostinger offers free assisted migrations to move your website from an external provider to our servers. However, if your current host has technical limitations or architectural restrictions that prevent an automated move, you can follow this guide to transfer your data manually.

Before you start

  • Ensure you have an active Hostinger hosting plan with sufficient resources to host your website.
  • Verify that you have access to your current hosting provider’s control panel and file directory.
  • Confirm your website is built using standard files and databases (such as WordPress); websites created with custom or proprietary website builders cannot be transferred manually.

Step 1 – Back up and upload website files to Hostinger

To move your website content, you must first create a copy of your files and move them to your new Hostinger account:

  1. Download a backup of all website files from your current hosting provider to your local computer.
  2. Log in to your Hostinger hPanel and add a ‘Custom PHP/HTML’ website to your hosting plan.
  3. Open the File Manager.
  4. Upload your website files to the public_html folder of your website.

Step 2 – Migrate the website database to Hostinger

If your website uses a database, follow these steps to transfer the data:

  1. Export your database from the previous server using phpMyAdmin.
  2. Create a new database in your Hostinger hPanel and note the database name, username, and password.
  3. Import your database backup file into the newly created database via phpMyAdmin.
  4. Locate your website’s configuration file, and update it with the new Hostinger database details.

Step 3 – Point the domain to Hostinger

After moving your data, you must direct your domain to the new Hostinger server:

  1. Update your domain’s nameservers or A record to point to Hostinger.
  2. Wait for DNS propagation to complete, which can take up to 24 hours globally.

 

Once propagation is finished, your website will be fully operational on your Hostinger hosting plan. You can now manage your files and settings directly through hPanel.

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