How to Migrate a WordPress Blog to Hostinger Without Losing Email

Updated 2026-06-26 · Hosting Reviews

Why Migrate a WordPress Blog to Hostinger Without Losing Email?

If you’re looking to move your WordPress site to a cheaper, faster host while keeping your email intact, Hostinger is a solid choice. Their shared plans start around $3‑$5/month, and they offer free SSL, one‑click WordPress installs, and easy DNS management. The key is to plan the migration so that your domain, website, and email all stay connected.

Choose the Right Hosting Plan and Domain

First, decide on the hosting tier that matches your traffic expectations:

• Shared Hosting – $3‑$7/month. Great for 0‑10k monthly visitors. Simple to set up.
• Cloud Hosting – $7‑$12/month. Better scalability for 10‑50k visitors.
• VPS – $12‑$25/month. Ideal for 50k+ visitors or heavy traffic.

Pair the plan with a domain. Hostinger lets you register a domain for as low as $10‑$15/year. Choose a name that reflects your brand and keep it short. Once registered, point the domain’s nameservers to Hostinger’s DNS (they’re pre‑configured for you).

Set Up Professional Email Before the Migration

Hostinger’s Domain & Business Email feature lets you create custom email addresses like info@yourbrand.com with minimal cost ($1‑$3/month per mailbox). To avoid losing email during migration:

1. Log in to Hostinger’s control panel and navigate to Emails.
2. Create the desired mailbox(es). Note the IMAP/SMTP settings.
3. In your current host’s cPanel, update the MX records to point to Hostinger’s email servers. This can usually be done in the Zone Editor or DNS Settings.
4. Wait 24‑48 hours for DNS propagation.
5. Verify email delivery by sending test messages.

Back Up Your WordPress Site

Before you start moving anything, make a complete backup:

1. Use a plugin like UpdraftPlus or All-in-One WP Migration to export the database and files.
2. Download the backup files to your local computer.
3. Store them in a safe place (cloud storage or external drive).

Migrate WordPress to Hostinger

Hostinger offers a one‑click WordPress installer, but for a manual move you’ll follow these steps:

1. In Hostinger’s Website Builder or Control Panel, create a new WordPress site on your domain.
2. Upload the backup files via FTP or the file manager.
3. Import the database using phpMyAdmin (rename the database and update wp-config.php with the new credentials).
4. Check the site for missing images or broken links.
5. Update the siteurl and home values in the wp_options table if the domain changed.
6. Clear any caching plugins and test the front‑end.

After confirming the site works, you can delete the old hosting account or keep it as a backup.

Verify Email Functionality After Migration

Once the WordPress site is live:

1. Send a test email from your new WordPress contact form.
2. Check that emails arrive in the Hostinger mailbox.
3. Ensure outgoing mail (SMTP) works by configuring your WordPress plugin with the Hostinger SMTP details.
4. Monitor the inbox for any bounce‑backs.

Optional: Add Extra Security and Speed Enhancements

Hostinger’s free SSL is enabled by default, but consider adding:

• Cloudflare for CDN and DNS optimization.
• WP‑Rocket or a lightweight caching plugin for faster load times.
• Wordfence or Sucuri for basic firewall protection.

Final Checklist

• Domain DNS points to Hostinger nameservers.
• MX records updated to Hostinger email servers.
• WordPress site fully functional and tested.
• Business email accounts operational.
• Security and caching plugins configured.
• Backup strategy in place.

FAQ

Can I keep my existing email provider when moving to Hostinger?

Yes. If you prefer a third‑party email service (Gmail, Outlook), you can point your MX records to that provider while still using Hostinger for hosting.

What happens to my emails during the DNS propagation period?

Emails sent to your domain may be routed to the old host until the new MX records propagate. To avoid loss, keep the old email service active until the new MX records are fully recognized.

Is the one‑click WordPress installer safe for a full site migration?

It’s a quick way to set up a fresh WordPress install, but you’ll still need to import your content manually or use a migration plugin. The installer is safe, but the migration process requires careful backup and database handling.