Ever signed up for a web hosting plan, only to wonder what happens if things don’t work out? If you’re considering Hostinger, you might be curious about their refund policy—and for good reason. Knowing how you can get your money back offers peace of mind, especially when committing to a new service.
In this article, we’ll walk you through Hostinger’s refund policy, including eligibility, timelines, and step-by-step instructions. Get the clarity you need before making your hosting decision!
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Hostinger Refund Policy Explained: Everything You Need to Know
If you’re considering Hostinger as your web hosting provider, understanding how their refund policy works is essential. Maybe you’re unhappy with their service, or your website needs have changed. Whatever the reason, knowing how (and if) you can get your money back puts you in control of your hosting experience.
Below, you’ll find a clear breakdown of Hostinger’s refund policy, how to request a refund, tips for a smoother process, and answers to the most frequently asked questions.
What Is Hostinger’s Refund Policy?
In simple terms: Hostinger offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on most of their hosting services.
This means you can try out their hosting products and, if unsatisfied for any reason, cancel within 30 days and request a full refund. This policy gives you peace of mind to test Hostinger without risk.
However, there are certain rules, deadlines, and exceptions you should be aware of—which we’ll break down in detail.
Services Covered by the 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee
Hostinger’s 30-day refund applies to the following products:
- Shared web hosting plans (Single, Premium, Business)
- Cloud hosting plans
- VPS (Virtual Private Server) hosting
- WordPress hosting packages
- Some email hosting products
This guarantee generally applies to most new Hostinger subscriptions, giving you a reliable window to evaluate their features and performance.
Services & Items Not Eligible for Refund
Some purchases are not covered by the 30-day money-back guarantee, including:
- Domain name registrations, transfers, or renewals
- Redemption fees (for expired domains)
- SSL certificates (after being installed and activated)
- Privacy protection add-ons
- Paid support services
- Third-party products (which may have their own refund policies)
- Dedicated IP addresses
The main reason for these exceptions? Many of these products involve fees paid by Hostinger to providers or are instantly activated and registered in your name.
Key Point: If you’re purchasing a domain name with hosting, only the hosting portion is eligible for a refund—domain fees are not.
How to Request a Refund with Hostinger
If you decide to cancel your service within 30 days, here’s how to request a refund:
1. Log in to Your Hostinger Account
Start by accessing your Hostinger account dashboard. You’ll need your login details for this step.
2. Navigate to the Subscriptions or Services Section
Locate the “Subscriptions” or “Services” tab, where your active products are displayed.
3. Cancel the Service You Want Refunded
- Select the hosting plan or product you wish to cancel.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to initiate the cancellation process.
- Carefully review the information to confirm which products you’re cancelling.
4. Submit a Refund Request
- After cancellation, you’ll typically be directed to an option to request a refund.
- Fill out any requested information and submit your refund claim.
5. Wait for Confirmation
- Hostinger usually processes refunds promptly, but it may take a few business days for the refunded amount to appear in your bank account or on your card statement.
Tip: If you purchased with a payment method like PayPal, credit card, or another gateway, your refund will be issued using the same method.
Important Aspects & Practical Tips for the Refund Process
Double-Check Your Eligibility
- Ensure you’re within the 30-day window from the original payment date.
- Verify that your product is refundable. Check if it’s included in the eligible products list above.
- If you bundled products (like hosting and domains or add-ons), remember only some may be eligible for a refund.
What Happens to Your Website and Data?
- Cancelling your hosting service deletes your website files and emails.
- Always back up your data, databases, and emails before the cancellation to avoid permanent loss.
- Download all backups via the Hostinger dashboard or file manager before confirming cancellation.
Contact Support (If Needed)
- If you’re unsure about your refund eligibility, have questions about the process, or encounter issues, reach out to Hostinger’s customer support team via live chat from your account dashboard.
- They can clarify your eligibility and walk you through the process if needed.
What to Expect After Submitting a Refund Request
- Processing Time: Refunds generally take 5–10 business days to appear in your account, depending on your bank or payment provider.
- Refund Notification: Hostinger will typically notify you via email once your refund is processed.
- Rejected Requests: If your refund is not approved, you should receive a clear explanation from support.
Cost Considerations & Potential Deductions
When you request a refund, here’s what to keep in mind regarding potential deductions and costs:
- Non-Refundable Items: As mentioned, domain registrations, SSLs, and specific add-ons are non-refundable.
- Bundle Purchases: If you received a free domain as part of your hosting package, but then cancel and request a refund, Hostinger may deduct the domain registration fee from the total refund amount since the domain is yours to keep.
- Currency & Payment Method: Refund amounts are processed in the same currency and to the same payment method you used.
Example Deduction Scenario
If you bought a hosting package with a “free domain” for $70, and the domain registration fee is $10:
– If you cancel and request a refund, Hostinger may refund $60, keeping the $10 for the registered domain (which remains in your account).
Best Practices: Making Your Hostinger Refund Smooth & Easy
- Cancel Early: Don’t wait until the last day of the 30-day period. Cancelling a few days early gives your refund more time to process.
- Back Up Your Data: Never skip data backups. Hosting cancellations are permanent and immediate in most cases.
- Check Refund Policy Updates: Hostinger may update their refund policy over time. Check the latest policy details in your account or the legal section.
- Ask Support if Unsure: If your product or payment method seems unusual, clarify your situation with Hostinger support before cancelling.
- Keep Confirmation Emails: Save copies of any emails about your refund request, reference numbers, and cancellation confirmation.
Common Challenges When Requesting a Hostinger Refund
While the refund process is straightforward, some users may encounter:
- Mistaking the start of the 30-day period (it starts from payment date, not activation date).
- Not backing up website files or emails before cancellation.
- Requesting refunds for non-eligible add-ons or domain fees.
- Expecting instant refunds (processing times depend on banks/payment providers).
Staying aware of these pitfalls helps avoid frustration.
Summary
Hostinger’s refund policy is user-friendly and transparent. The main takeaways are:
- Most hosting products are eligible for a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Certain products, especially domain registrations and add-ons, are non-refundable.
- To get a refund, cancel within 30 days, then follow their cancellation and refund process in your dashboard.
- Back up all important data before you cancel your service.
- Refunds are typically processed promptly, with return funds appearing in your account in several business days.
Understanding these guidelines ensures you can try Hostinger risk-free and get your money back if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How do I start the Hostinger refund process?
Log in to your Hostinger account, go to the subscriptions or services area, cancel your active hosting, and follow the prompts to request a refund. If you’re stuck, use live chat to ask Hostinger’s support for help.
2. What is not included in Hostinger’s 30-day money-back guarantee?
Domain name fees, SSL certificates (after activation), redemption fees, privacy protection, certain add-ons, and third-party services are non-refundable. Always check which products are eligible before requesting a refund.
3. Does the refund apply to renewal payments or only new purchases?
Generally, the refund policy covers new purchases, not renewals. If you renew your service, you may not be eligible for a 30-day refund on that transaction.
4. Can I get a refund if I purchased a bundled hosting plan with a free domain?
If you cancel, Hostinger may deduct the actual domain registration cost from your refund, since the domain is registered in your name and is yours to keep.
5. How long does it take to receive a refund from Hostinger?
Refunds are usually processed quickly, but it can take 5–10 business days for the funds to appear on your credit card, PayPal, or other payment method depending on banking times.
By understanding Hostinger’s refund policy ahead of time, you can sign up confidently, knowing you have flexibility and protection as you explore their services.