How to Migrate WordPress from HostGator to Hostinger Safely

To migrate WordPress from HostGator to Hostinger without losing data, you need a complete backup (files plus database), upload it to the new host, configure WordPress on Hostinger, and only then switch your domain's DNS. The whole process takes between 30 and 90 minutes depending on your site's size.

Follow these steps in order and don't change the DNS until the site is verified on the new server. That's how you avoid downtime and data loss.

Why Switch from HostGator to Hostinger

The most common reasons for making this move include:

• Price: Hostinger is usually cheaper, especially at renewal time.
• Speed: Hostinger's LiteSpeed servers deliver better WordPress performance than HostGator's standard Apache setup.
• Control panel: hPanel is more intuitive for users without a technical background.
• Support: Hostinger provides 24/7 chat in multiple languages.

Whatever the reason, the technical process is the same.

Step 1: Create a Full Backup on HostGator

Before touching anything on the new server, secure everything you have on HostGator.

Export Your Site Files

Log in to your HostGator cPanel and open the File Manager. Navigate to public_html (or wherever WordPress is installed), select all files, and compress them into a ZIP archive. Download the ZIP to your computer.

Alternatively, connect via FTP using FileZilla and download the entire folder.

Export the MySQL Database

In cPanel, open phpMyAdmin. Select your WordPress database in the left panel, click the Export tab, choose SQL format, and download the file.

You can find the database name in your site's wp-config.php file, on the DB_NAME line.

Step 2: Prepare the Environment on Hostinger

Log in to your Hostinger hPanel.

1. Go to Hosting → Manage → MySQL Databases and create a new database. Note the database name, username, and password.
2. Import the SQL file you exported: in the same section, open phpMyAdmin, select the new database, and use the Import tab.
3. Go to File Manager → public_html, upload the WordPress ZIP, and extract it directly on the server (right-click → Extract).

Step 3: Update wp-config.php on Hostinger

Open wp-config.php in Hostinger's File Manager. Update three lines so WordPress connects to the new database:

define( 'DB_NAME',     'new_db_name' );
define( 'DB_USER',     'new_db_user' );
define( 'DB_PASSWORD', 'new_db_password' );
define( 'DB_HOST',     'localhost' );

Save the file. If the database host isn't localhost on Hostinger, you'll find the correct value in the MySQL Databases section of hPanel.

Step 4: Test the Site Before Changing DNS

Before pointing your domain to the new server, check that everything works on Hostinger using the temporary domain the provider assigns (something like yourusername.hostingersite.com).

Verify:

• The homepage loads correctly.
• You can log in to the WordPress dashboard (/wp-admin).
• Images and plugins are working.
• Contact forms or the shopping cart (if applicable) respond correctly.

If something is broken, the most common culprit is incorrect database credentials in wp-config.php — double-check them first.

If you're also evaluating other hosting providers for this or future projects, elenlace.com offers detailed side-by-side comparisons of top hosting providers to help you make the right call.

Step 5: Point Your Domain to Hostinger and Cancel HostGator

Once the site is verified, go to your domain registrar's DNS panel and update the nameservers to Hostinger's (hPanel will show you the exact values, typically something like ns1.dns-parking.com and ns2.dns-parking.com).

DNS propagation takes between 15 minutes and 48 hours. During that window some visitors may see the old site (on HostGator) while others see the new one (on Hostinger) — this is normal.

Do not cancel your HostGator account until propagation is complete and you've confirmed everything is working on the new server. Keep the ZIP and SQL backup files on your computer for at least 30 additional days.

Key Takeaways

• Always take a full backup (files + database) before touching the new server.
• Update wp-config.php with the new Hostinger database credentials before testing the site.
• Verify the site using Hostinger's temporary domain before changing the DNS.
• DNS propagation can take up to 48 hours — keep your HostGator account active during that period.
• Retain your backups for at least 30 days after the migration is complete.

Would you rather have someone handle the migration for you? The team at elenlace.com handles WordPress migrations with full verification before any DNS change. Browse more hosting guides in our hosting comparisons section.

FAQ

Will my SEO rankings drop when I move from HostGator to Hostinger?

Not if you keep your content and URL structure intact. Make sure WordPress permalinks are configured identically on the new server, and that the site loads quickly — Google factors in page speed, and Hostinger's LiteSpeed servers tend to outperform HostGator in that regard.

Can I use a plugin like Duplicator or All-in-One WP Migration instead of the manual method?

Yes. Plugins like Duplicator, All-in-One WP Migration, and UpdraftPlus automate the packaging and restore process. They're especially useful when your site exceeds 1 GB and you want to avoid phpMyAdmin's upload size limits.

How long does the migration take?

The technical work (backup, upload, and configuration) takes 30 to 90 minutes for a medium-sized site. DNS propagation can add up to 48 hours, though most visitors will hit the new server in under 4 hours.

Does Hostinger offer free WordPress migration?

Hostinger includes free WordPress migration on some plans (Business and above). Before doing it manually, check your hPanel to see if an assisted migration option is available in the WordPress section.

Compare providers

Other providers and guides worth comparing:

• HostGator México
• Hostinger
• HubSpot