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How to Create a Website in Hostinger Using an Old Domain Name (Full Guide)

July 11, 2025

If you already own a domain name and want to build your website using Hostinger, you’re in the right place. In this tutorial, you’ll learn exactly how to connect an existing domain name to Hostinger and launch your website using either WordPress or the Hostinger Website Builder.

Step 1: Update Your Domain Name Servers (DNS)

Before you create your website, you must update your domain’s name servers to point to Hostinger. This lets the domain registrar know where to forward visitors—essentially connecting your domain to your web hosting.

If your domain is already registered with Hostinger, updating the name servers is straightforward. Simply go to your Hostinger dashboard, navigate to “Domains,” select your domain, and click on “Name Servers.” From there, choose “Use Hostinger Name Servers” and hit save. It may take up to 24 hours for DNS propagation, though it’s often much faster.

If your domain is registered elsewhere, such as Porkbun or Internet.bs, the process is similar:

  • Log in to your domain registrar account.
  • Locate the DNS or Name Server settings.
  • Replace the existing name servers with Hostinger’s (usually ns1.dns-parking.com and ns2.dns-parking.com).
  • Save the changes.

Step 2: Create Your Website in Hostinger

Once your name servers are set, it’s time to build your site. Hostinger gives you two main options:

Option A: WordPress Installation

  1. Log in to your Hostinger account and go to the Websites tab.
  2. Click “Add Website,” then choose WordPress.
  3. Fill in your admin email and password.
  4. Choose between AI-generated designs, pre-built themes, or a blank site.
  5. When prompted, enter your old domain name and confirm you own it.
  6. Select a server location close to your audience.
  7. Click “Install WordPress” and wait for setup to complete.

Be patient if your domain hasn’t propagated yet—you may temporarily see a Hostinger subdomain or certificate error. You can verify your domain is connected by checking the WordPress General Settings and ensuring your domain is listed under “WordPress Address.”

To activate SSL:

  • Go to HPanel → Websites → Dashboard → Security → SSL.
  • Delete and re-install the certificate if it hasn’t activated yet.

Option B: Hostinger Website Builder

  1. Go to the Websites section in your Hostinger dashboard and click “Add Website.”
  2. Choose Hostinger Website Builder.
  3. Either describe your idea for AI to generate the site or choose a pre-built template.
  4. Once created, click “Connect Domain.”
  5. Enter your old domain name, confirm ownership, and save.

Since your name servers were updated in step 1, no additional DNS changes are needed.

Final Thoughts

That’s it! You’ve now learned how to create a website in Hostinger using an old domain name. Whether you use WordPress or the Hostinger Website Builder, the key step is updating your name servers before starting your build. This ensures a smooth setup and fast domain propagation.

👉 For a complete step-by-step video tutorial and access to my Hostinger Masterclass, visit https://academy.dotcom.builders. Everything is 100% free.

Have any questions? Feel free to leave a comment on the video or reach out via email.