How does free website migration to Hostinger work?

Updated

Hostinger offers free website migration: you can move an existing site to its platform at no extra cost, and Hostinger Agent can guide you step by step through the move. This applies when you already have a working site elsewhere and want to bring it over. You'll still need access to your current host, your domain, and a recent backup before starting.

What "free migration" covers

The migration service itself is free. Hostinger's site lists "Free website migration — Move your existing site to Hostinger for free" as one of the essentials for getting online, alongside hosting, domains, and business email.

That means you aren't paying a separate migration fee. It does not mean everything around the move is free — you still need an active Hostinger plan to host the site once it arrives, and any premium domain you choose is priced separately.

Two ways to migrate

1. Guided migration with Hostinger Agent

Hostinger Agent is described as an AI co-worker included free with every plan. For migration, the flow is:

  • Input: you tell the Agent you want to move your site to Hostinger.
  • Action: the Agent walks you through the steps and helps at each stage.
  • Expected result: your site is moved with guidance rather than you working it out alone.

Hostinger states that 85% of issues are solved without a human, so the Agent is the first line of support. If your case is unusual, you can still reach a person.

2. Standard migration process

If you prefer to do it yourself, the general sequence is:

  1. Back up your current site — files and database — so you have a rollback point.
  2. Confirm you have access to your current hosting account and your domain registrar.
  3. Get a Hostinger plan that fits the site (shared, VPS, or cloud).
  4. Move the files and database to Hostinger.
  5. Point the domain to Hostinger's nameservers or update DNS records.
  6. Verify the site loads, forms work, and email still delivers.

What to prepare before you start

Item Why you need it
Current host login To export files and database
Domain registrar access To change nameservers or DNS
Full site backup Safety net if something breaks
Email setup details So mail keeps working after DNS changes
List of plugins/apps To re-check them after the move

After the migration: what to check

  • Site loads correctly on both the domain and any subdomains.
  • Forms and checkout still submit and process.
  • Email sends and receives on your domain.
  • DNS propagation — changes can take time to go live everywhere.
  • SSL is active so the site serves over HTTPS.

If something breaks, you can describe the error to Hostinger Agent and get steps to fix it, or ask it to help manage plugins and other site tasks.

Common snags

  • DNS timing. Nameserver changes don't apply instantly, so a site can look "down" while propagation finishes.
  • Email disruption. Moving DNS without recreating MX records can stop mail delivery.
  • Large sites. Big databases or heavy media libraries may need a manual transfer rather than a one-click move.
  • Premium domains. If your domain is listed as premium, registering or transferring it carries its own cost — that's separate from the free migration.

Is it worth using?

If you already have a site and want to avoid a paid migration or a manual rebuild, the free migration plus Agent guidance is the low-effort path. If your site is small and you're comfortable with DNS and databases, doing it yourself gives you full control. Either way, back up first and verify email and DNS after the move — those are the two areas most likely to cause surprises.