Ever found yourself wanting a fresh start online or simply needing to tidy up your web presence? Removing a domain from Hostinger can seem daunting if you’re unsure where to begin. Whether you’re switching services, ending a project, or managing multiple websites, knowing how to remove a domain safely is important for keeping things organized and secure.
In this article, we’ll walk you through each step, share helpful tips, and make the process effortless for you.
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How to Remove a Domain from Hostinger: A Complete Guide
If you’re managing websites on Hostinger, knowing how to remove a domain from your hosting account is essential. Whether you want to clean up unused domains, switch providers, or restructure your projects, removing a domain is a straightforward process—but it’s important to get each step right.
Let’s walk you through how to safely remove a domain from Hostinger, break down each step, highlight key tips, and answer the most common questions about the process.
The Straightforward Way to Remove a Domain from Hostinger
Removing a domain from Hostinger means taking it off your hosting account. This could involve deleting the domain from your active websites, breaking the link between the domain and your hosting plan, or even completely deleting it from your dashboard. The actions you take depend on your goal:
- Want to free up domain slots for new projects?
- Need to transfer your domain to another provider?
- Simply cleaning up your account for better organization?
No matter your reason, the guide below will help you take the right steps safely.
Step-by-Step: How to Remove Your Domain from Hostinger
Here’s a detailed walk-through to remove a domain from your Hostinger account. Note that the exact steps can vary based on whether the domain was purchased from Hostinger or simply pointed there for hosting.
1. Log in to Your Hostinger Account
Start by accessing your Hostinger control panel:
- Go to the Hostinger dashboard.
- Enter your login credentials.
- Select the relevant hosting plan if you manage multiple accounts.
2. Identify the Domain to Remove
On your dashboard, find the list of domains associated with your account. You’ll typically see this in the “Domains” or “Websites” section.
- Double-check the domain you want to remove.
- Ensure it’s not actively linked to any critical services or essential websites.
3. Backup Important Data
Before making changes, it’s wise to protect your content:
- Download backups of website files using the File Manager or FTP.
- Export databases if the domain hosts important databases.
- Save any custom email accounts tied to the domain, as these may be deleted.
4. Remove or Unlink Domain from Website/Hosting Plan
Depending on your setup, the domain might be:
- An Addon Domain (an extra site under your main hosting plan)
- The Main Domain (the primary site for the hosting package)
- A Parked Domain (redirecting to another site)
For Addon or Parked Domains:
- Navigate to the “Domains” or “Websites” section.
- Locate the domain in question.
- Click on “Manage,” “Remove,” or “Delete.”
- Confirm your action when prompted.
For Main Domains:
- If you want to remove the main domain, you may need to delete the entire hosting plan or swap your main domain in settings before removal.
5. Cancel Domain Registration (if you own the domain via Hostinger)
If you registered the domain directly with Hostinger and want to let it go:
- Go to the “Domains” section.
- Click on the domain you wish to cancel.
- Look for options like “Cancel Renewal,” “Delete Domain,” or “Remove Domain.”
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Follow prompts carefully—deleting a domain registration is often irreversible once completed.
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Note: Domains registered elsewhere (like GoDaddy or Namecheap) will need to be managed from their respective dashboards. Unlinking them from Hostinger only removes their connection to your hosting, not the actual ownership.*
6. Update DNS Records (Optional but Important)
If you used custom DNS or email services:
- Remove or update DNS records to avoid interruptions with third-party services.
- If moving the domain elsewhere, update nameservers accordingly.
7. Confirm Removal
- Refresh your dashboard to verify the domain no longer appears.
- Double-check your website list and domain section.
Additional Tips and Best Practices
– Double-Check Before Deletion
Domains play a central role in your online presence. Be sure you’re deleting the correct one and that there’s no critical information or site tied to it unless you’ve backed everything up.
– Understand the Difference: Removing vs. Cancelling
- Removing a domain from hosting simply detaches it from your Hostinger website or plan.
- Cancelling a domain registration relinquishes your ownership, making it available to others after a grace period.
– Transfer First, Then Remove
If you plan to move your domain to a new provider, transfer the domain registration first. Removing it from your hosting plan doesn’t affect your ownership, but deleting a registered domain may make it unrecoverable.
– Check Expiration Dates
Domains do not automatically get removed just because you delete a website. If you have set up automatic renewals, make sure to cancel them if you don’t want to be billed again.
– Consider Your Email Accounts
Custom email addresses (like [email protected]) linked to the domain will stop working once the domain is removed. Download important emails and notify contacts if needed.
Benefits of Removing Unused Domains
Clearing out unused domains from Hostinger can help you:
- Stay Organized: A tidy control panel helps you manage active projects more easily.
- Save Money: Avoid unnecessary renewal fees for domains you no longer need.
- Enhance Security: Reducing unused domains lowers the risk of vulnerabilities or forgotten subdomains being misused.
- Prepare for New Projects: Free up domain slots and hosting resources for new sites.
Potential Challenges and How to Overcome Them
It’s usually a smooth process, but you might encounter these issues:
- Data Loss: Accidentally deleting critical files. Always back up first!
- Downtime: Removing a wrong domain can cause website or email downtime.
- Domain Ownership Loss: If you cancel a domain registration, recovering it can be expensive or impossible.
Solutions
- Back up everything beforehand.
- Double-check the domain name and website connection before confirming deletion.
- Understand the distinction between removing, cancelling, and transferring your domain.
Cost Tips
Removing a domain from your Hostinger hosting account is generally free if you’re just detaching it from a website or hosting plan. However:
- Domain Registration Renewals: If you don’t cancel future auto-renewals for domain registrations, you might still be billed, even if the domain isn’t linked to any active website.
- Transfers: Transferring domains (to or from Hostinger) sometimes involves a small fee, depending on the domain registrar.
- Email Hosting: Email services tied to your domain might have separate fees—make sure to cancel those if you’re no longer using the domain.
Key Point: Always check your billing settings and upcoming payments to avoid unwanted charges.
Best Practices for Managing Your Domains on Hostinger
- Regularly Review Your Domains: Schedule a regular check of your domain list to keep it clean and relevant.
- Label and Organize Projects: Use descriptive names or folders in your dashboard for easy navigation.
- Plan Domain Moves: If working with clients or teams, inform them of planned removals or cancellations in advance.
- Secure Your Data: Download backups and keep them safe even after removing a domain.
- Monitor DNS Propagation: Changes to DNS setup may take time to reflect globally (usually up to 48 hours).
Conclusion
Removing a domain from Hostinger is straightforward when you understand the process. By following the steps above and keeping best practices in mind, you’ll maintain a streamlined, secure, and efficient hosting environment. Always double-check your data and settings before making changes, and use regular reviews to tidy up your domains and websites.
Remember, whether you’re freeing up space for new ventures or simply organizing your dashboard, managing your domains correctly brings clarity and peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I remove a domain from Hostinger without deleting the website?
Yes, you can unlink a domain from your hosting plan without deleting the website’s files. However, the site will no longer be available via that domain unless you link a new one.
2. What happens to emails if I remove a domain from Hostinger?
Email addresses set up under that domain (like [email protected]) stop working once the domain is removed. Be sure to back up important emails before taking action.
3. Is removing a domain from Hostinger permanent?
Removing a domain from hosting detaches it, but you still own the domain until its registration expires or you cancel it. Deleting the registration, however, is typically permanent and can make the domain available to other buyers.
4. Will I get a refund if I cancel my domain registration with Hostinger?
Most domain registrations are non-refundable. Check Hostinger’s domain refund policy before making a final decision.
5. How long does it take for DNS changes to update after removing a domain?
DNS changes may take up to 24–48 hours to propagate worldwide. During this window, some users may still reach your old domain settings while others see the update sooner.
By following this guide, you’ll be able to confidently and safely remove unwanted domains from your Hostinger account, keeping your hosting experience smooth and hassle-free.