How to fix DNS issue at Hostinger

Fix a Hostinger DNS issue by disabling DNSSEC, verifying your domain uses its assigned Hostinger nameservers, matching DNS records to your hosting plan, and monitoring propagation. Domain Name System (DNS) issues stop your domain from loading your website or delivering email. The most common causes are incorrect records, active DNSSEC, or ongoing propagation.

Before you start

• Ensure you have access to your Hostinger dashboard.
• You can now manage DNS records in Hostinger dashboard even if your domain currently uses external nameservers. Any records you add or edit will be saved and will take effect once the nameservers are pointed to Hostinger.
• This requires an existing DNS zone at Hostinger. If the editor shows no records, manage DNS at your current provider until you switch nameservers.
• Note your hosting plan type (e.g., Premium Web Hosting or Cloud Startup).

Step 1 – Check DNSSEC status

DNSSEC (Domain Name System Security Extensions) is a security layer that can block new DNS records from working if it is enabled during a transfer or nameserver change.

1. Log in to your domain registrar’s dashboard.
2. Locate the DNSSEC or Advanced DNS settings.
3. If DNSSEC is enabled, disable it.
4. If your domain is registered at Hostinger, you can manage this in the Domains section of Hostinger dashboard and refer to this guide.

Step 2 – Verify Hostinger nameservers

Nameservers determine which provider manages your DNS records.

1. Check your current nameservers using a WHOIS lookup tool.
2. If the nameservers point to Hostinger, manage your records in Hostinger dashboard. Hostinger nameserver values vary by domain, so compare them with the exact pair assigned to your domain. Follow How to point a domain to Hostinger to find the assigned nameservers.
3. If nameservers point to another provider, you can still proactively manage DNS records in Hostinger dashboard. Changes will apply once nameservers are switched to Hostinger.

Step 3 – Match records to your Hostinger hosting plan

Ensure your DNS zone contains the correct values for your services.

1. A record: Points your root domain to your server IP address. Find your IP in Hostinger dashboard under Hosting → Dashboard → Plan Details.
2. CNAME record: Usually points the www hostname to your root domain.
3. MX records: Required for email delivery; these must match your email provider’s specific values.

Step 4 – Update the DNS records

1. Open Hostinger dashboard → Domains and click DNS in the left sidebar.
   
2. Select the domain you need to fix.
   
3. Find the record type you need to change (A, CNAME, or MX).
4. Click Edit to update the record value, or Delete to remove incorrect entries.
5. Save the changes.

Step 5 – Monitor DNS propagation

Once records are updated, the changes must spread across the internet.

1. Visit a tool like dnschecker.org.
2. Enter your domain name and select the record type you updated.
3. If you see green checkmarks or the new IP address appearing, propagation is active.
4. Most updates take 30 minutes, though full global propagation can take up to 24 hours.

After completing these steps, your domain will correctly point to your Hostinger services. Once propagation finishes, your website will load securely and your emails will send and receive without interruption.

NOTES

• Nameservers such as pixel.ns.hostinger.com or byte.ns.hostinger.com are standard for specific Hostinger hosting plans.
• Avoid enabling DNSSEC while waiting for nameserver changes to complete.