Thinking about moving your website from GoDaddy to Hostinger? You’re not alone—and it’s easier than you might think. Whether you’re seeking faster performance, better customer support, or more affordable pricing, switching hosts can give your site a new lease on life.
Getting migration right is crucial for a smooth transition and to keep your website online. In this article, we’ll walk you through each step, share practical tips, and help you avoid common pitfalls.
How to Migrate Your Website From GoDaddy to Hostinger: A Complete Guide
Moving your website from GoDaddy to Hostinger might sound complex, but with a structured approach, it’s a smooth transition. Whether you want more features, better prices, or improved performance, Hostinger can suit your needs. Let’s break down the process into clear, actionable steps and address common hurdles, benefits, and practical tips to ensure a successful migration.
Why Migrate From GoDaddy to Hostinger?
Switching hosting providers often brings tangible benefits:
– Enhanced Performance: Hostinger is known for fast loading times and optimized infrastructure.
– Cost Efficiency: Many users find Hostinger plans more affordable, especially for similar or better feature sets.
– Better Support: Hostinger’s support reputation is strong, with swift responses and knowledgeable reps.
– Modern Tools: Hostinger offers easy-to-use panels and automated tools, simplifying website management.
What You Need to Prepare
Before migrating, let’s set you up for success by gathering everything you need:
- Access to GoDaddy Account: Make sure you can log in and manage both web hosting and domain services.
- Access to Hostinger Account: If you haven’t already, create and activate your Hostinger account.
- Website Backup: Download or generate a complete backup of your site (files and databases).
- Domain Credentials: Keep domain login info handy if you plan to transfer your domain as well.
Step-by-Step Website Migration Process
Migrating your website involves moving both your website’s files and, if you choose, your domain registration. Here’s how:
1. Back Up Your Website on GoDaddy
The first step is safeguarding your website data.
- Website Files: Use GoDaddy’s File Manager or an FTP client (like FileZilla) to download all files in your public_html (root) folder.
- Database: If your website uses a database (common with WordPress, Joomla, etc.), log in to phpMyAdmin in GoDaddy’s cPanel and export your database as an SQL file.
- Emails (Optional): If you have email accounts set up, back up important emails or consider setting them up anew in Hostinger.
2. Set Up Your Hostinger Hosting Environment
Let’s get your new home ready:
- Choose Your Hosting Plan: Pick a Hostinger plan that matches your website’s needs (Web Hosting, WordPress Hosting, VPS, etc.).
- Access the Control Panel: Once the plan is set, use Hostinger’s hPanel or cPanel to manage your environment.
- Create a New Database: If you’re migrating a CMS site, create a new database in Hostinger and note down the credentials (database name, user, password, and host).
3. Upload Your Website Files to Hostinger
With backup in hand, move your files:
- Via File Manager or FTP: Use Hostinger’s File Manager or FTP to upload files to the public_html folder.
- Unzip Files: If your backup is in a ZIP file, use the File Manager to extract it into the correct directory.
- Check File Structure: Ensure your files and subfolders mirror the structure from GoDaddy.
4. Import Your Database (If Applicable)
For dynamic sites, restore your database:
- Access phpMyAdmin in Hostinger: Find the new database, open phpMyAdmin, and choose the “Import” option.
- Upload SQL File: Select your exported database file and start the import.
- Update Configuration Files: If your site has a configuration file (e.g. wp-config.php for WordPress), update database credentials to match Hostinger’s details.
5. Test Your Website on Hostinger
Before updating DNS, preview your site:
- Temporary Domain: Hostinger often provides a temporary URL to preview your website.
- Host File Edit: Alternatively, edit your computer’s hosts file to point your domain to Hostinger’s server IP for private testing.
- Check Functionality: Ensure everything looks and works as expected—menus, forms, media, and database-driven content.
6. Update Domain Name Settings
Now it’s time to point your visitors to the new location.
Option 1: Update DNS Records
- Nameservers: Find Hostinger’s nameservers in your dashboard; they usually look like
ns1.dns-parking.com,ns2.dns-parking.com. - Update in GoDaddy: Log in to your GoDaddy account, select your domain, and change the nameservers to Hostinger’s.
- Propagation Time: DNS changes can take a few hours to 48 hours to propagate worldwide.
Option 2: Transfer Your Domain Registration (Optional)
If you want to manage your domain with Hostinger:
- Unlock Domain: In GoDaddy, unlock your domain and request an EPP/authorization code.
- Start Transfer at Hostinger: In your Hostinger dashboard, start a domain transfer and enter the code.
- Confirm Email: Approve the transfer via the confirmation email sent to your domain admin address.
- Wait for Completion: Domain transfers may take up to 7 days.
7. Monitor and Finalize Migration
After DNS updates:
- Monitor Site: Check your website from different devices and browsers. Ensure there are no missing files, broken images, or non-functional features.
- Set Up SSL: Activate SSL (HTTPS) in Hostinger to keep your site secure.
- Email Addresses: If you moved email hosting, configure new accounts and update MX records if needed.
- Cancel Old Hosting: Once everything works and your site is stable on Hostinger, you can safely cancel your GoDaddy hosting to avoid double charges.
Key Benefits of Migrating to Hostinger
- Improved Load Times: Optimized servers mean faster websites.
- More for Less: Often, you’ll get more resources, better plans, or lower costs.
- User-Friendly Control Panel: Hostinger’s hPanel streamlines website management, even for beginners.
- 24/7 Expert Support: Reach out anytime you need help.
- Automated Backups: Optional in many plans, adds peace of mind.
Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Migration isn’t without potential hiccups:
- Downtime Risk: Plan migration for low-traffic hours and test on temporary URLs before going live.
- Data Loss: Always make full backups before starting, and verify your backup’s integrity.
- Configuration Differences: Some settings (like PHP versions) may differ between hosts; double-check and adjust as needed.
- Email Issues: Transition emails carefully if you use GoDaddy’s mail services.
- DNS Delays: Allow up to 48 hours for domain propagation; avoid making major site changes during this window.
Practical Tips & Best Practices
- Test Everything: Always preview your site on the new host before updating DNS.
- Keep Old Hosting Active: Don’t close your GoDaddy account until your website is fully working on Hostinger and email (if migrated) is confirmed.
- Document Credentials: Use a secure method to manage new and old login details.
- Update Site Links: If your site includes hard-coded links or resources, update them if folder structure or domain changes.
- Leverage Free Migration: Hostinger often offers free professional migration; ask their support team to help if you’re unsure.
- Keep Customers Informed: If your website is business-critical, notify visitors about possible short-term access issues.
Cost Considerations
Migrating your website usually doesn’t carry a direct fee—especially if you handle it yourself or use Hostinger’s free migration services. However, be mindful of these potential costs:
- Domain Transfer: Transferring a domain often includes a renewal fee, but this extends your domain registration by a year.
- Hosting Overlap: You may pay for both GoDaddy and Hostinger during the transition; minimize overlap to reduce unnecessary charges.
- Premium Services: If you purchase migration help, SSL certificates, or extra features (backups, security tools), factor these into your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Will my website experience downtime during migration?
If you follow best practices—test on a temporary URL and update DNS only after confirming everything—it’s possible to have little to no downtime. DNS changes may take between a few minutes to up to 48 hours; plan migration for off-peak times to limit visitor impact.
2. Can Hostinger help me with the migration process?
Yes, Hostinger offers a free migration service for new accounts. After signing up, you can submit a migration request from your Hostinger dashboard, and their team will handle the technical steps for you.
3. Do I have to transfer my domain to Hostinger?
No, you don’t have to transfer your domain registration. You can simply update the DNS records at your current registrar (GoDaddy) to point to Hostinger’s servers. However, transferring your domain allows you to manage both hosting and domain in one place if preferred.
4. What should I do about my email accounts during migration?
Email accounts tied to your old hosting provider won’t transfer automatically. You’ll need to set up new email accounts at Hostinger and migrate messages if necessary. Update MX records to ensure smooth email delivery, and follow a plan to prevent lost messages.
5. How long does the entire migration take?
The time needed varies. Backing up, transferring, and restoring files/databases might take a couple of hours for small websites, while larger sites may take longer. Domain DNS propagation can take up to 48 hours. In general, the process can be completed in a day with proper preparation.
Wrapping Up
Migrating your website from GoDaddy to Hostinger isn’t as daunting as it may seem. With clear planning, methodical steps, and a solid backup, you can smoothly move to a faster, more budget-friendly, and user-focused host. Don’t hesitate to reach out to Hostinger’s support for complimentary migration help or to address any technical concerns. Take the leap—you and your website deserve the best possible platform!