How to switch to a temporary domain in hPanel

Learn how to disconnect your custom domain and switch your website to a randomly assigned temporary domain in Hostinger hPanel.

Updated 1 month ago

Switching to a temporary domain allows you to disconnect a custom domain from your website while keeping your files and database online. This is useful for troubleshooting, re-branding, or preparing for a new domain connection. Hostinger temporary domains are randomly generated and provide a consistent way to access your site without a registered custom domain.

Pre-requisites

  • An active hosting plan.

  • Access to your Hostinger hPanel.

Initiate the domain change

To move away from your custom domain, you must access the domain management settings for your specific website:

  1. Log in to your hPanel and go to the Websites section.

  2. Locate your website and click the three dots (⋮) button next to Dashboard.

  3. Select Change domain.
    Website dashboard menu with Change domain option highlighted

  4. A warning modal will appear. You must check the boxes to acknowledge that:

    • All email accounts created with the current domain will be deleted.

    • All subdomains will be removed.

    • Existing backups for the current domain will no longer be accessible.

  5. Click Change to proceed.
    Domain change confirmation dialog with a required acknowledgment checkbox and Change button

  6. Once the custom domain is disconnected, hPanel will ask which domain you want to connect next. Scroll to the bottom of the page and click the link: Use temporary domain.
    Hostinger domain setup screen with Use temporary domain button highlighted

  7. Click Next to allow the system to generate a unique address for you.

  8. The system will display your new temporary domain (e.g., brand-name-1234.hostinger-site.com).

  9. Click Continue to finalize the setup and return to your website dashboard.
    Hostinger domain added confirmation with Continue button highlighted by a red arrow

Your website is now accessible via a new temporary URL. You can use this address to continue developing your site or previewing changes before connecting another custom domain in the future.

NOTES

  • Randomization: Temporary domains are randomly assigned and cannot be customized or edited.
  • Previous Domains: If you used a temporary domain in the past, the new one assigned during this process will be different and unique.
  • Data Recovery: Because this process deletes email accounts and subdomains, ensure you have backed up any critical data before clicking Change.