This guide will walk you through the two primary methods to get your domain and hosting talking to each other. We’ll cover the “why” behind the process, provide detailed step-by-step instructions for popular registrars, and show you what to do next to get your website built and launched.

Key Takeaways

  • You Have Two Methods: You can point your domain by changing its Nameservers (the recommended method) or by updating its A Record (a more advanced method).
  • Nameservers are the “GPS”: Changing your nameservers tells the entire internet to get all DNS instructions (for your website, email, etc.) from Hostinger. This is the simplest and most common method.
  • A Records are a “Specific Coordinate”: Changing only the A Record points just your web traffic to Hostinger’s IP address. This is for users who need to keep other services, like email, managed at their domain registrar.
  • Propagation Takes Time: After you make changes, it can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 48 hours for the new settings to spread across the globe. This is called DNS propagation. Be patient!
  • After Connecting, Build Your Site: Once your domain is pointed, your next steps are to install WordPress on Hostinger, secure your site with an SSL certificate, and start building your pages with a tool like the Elementor Website Builder.

Understanding the Building Blocks: Domains, Hosting, and DNS

Before we jump into the “how-to,” let’s quickly clarify the key players involved. Understanding these concepts will make the whole process much clearer.

What is a Domain Name?

Think of your domain name (e.g., yourwebsite.com) as your website’s street address. It’s the easy-to-remember name that people type into their browser to find you. You purchase or “register” this address from a company called a domain registrar (like GoDaddy, Namecheap, Google Domains, etc.).

What is Web Hosting?

If the domain is the address, your web hosting (in this case, your Hostinger plan) is the plot of land and the house built on it. It’s the physical space on a server where all your website’s files, images, and content are stored. Without hosting, your address would lead to an empty lot.

What are Nameservers (NS)?

Nameservers are the master GPS or directory service for your domain. When you buy a domain from GoDaddy, its nameservers are set to GoDaddy’s by default.

When you buy hosting from Hostinger, you are essentially building your “house” on Hostinger’s “land.” To get people to the right place, you must tell your domain registrar (GoDaddy) to stop using its own directory. Instead, you tell it to use Hostinger’s nameservers.

This change delegates all control to Hostinger. From that point on, anyone asking for yourwebsite.com will be directed to Hostinger’s nameservers, which then point them to the specific server holding your website’s files.

What is the DNS?

The Domain Name System (DNS) is the global “phonebook” of the internet. It’s a vast, decentralized database that translates human-friendly domain names (like yourwebsite.com) into computer-friendly IP addresses (like 192.168.1.1).

Nameservers are a core part of the DNS. Here’s a simplified look at what happens when someone types your domain into their browser:

  1. You type yourwebsite.com into your browser.
  2. Your browser asks a DNS resolver, “What’s the IP address for yourwebsite.com?”
  3. The resolver checks the domain’s authoritative nameservers (which you will set to Hostinger’s).
  4. Hostinger’s nameserver looks at its internal records and says, “The files for yourwebsite.com are on my server at IP address 123.45.67.89.”
  5. The resolver passes this IP address back to your browser.
  6. Your browser connects directly to that IP address, and your website loads.

Common DNS Record Types Explained

When you manage your DNS, you’ll see several “record types.” Here are the most important ones:

  • NS Record (Nameserver): This is the master record. It says, “The authoritative server for all DNS records for this domain is ns1.hostinger.com.”
  • A Record (Address): This is the most common record. It points a domain or subdomain directly to an IP address. (e.g., yourwebsite.com -> 123.45.67.89).
  • CNAME Record (Canonical Name): This record points a subdomain to another domain name instead of an IP. It’s an alias. The most common one is pointing www.yourwebsite.com to yourwebsite.com.
  • MX Record (Mail Exchange): This record controls your email. It tells the internet where to deliver email sent to your domain (e.g., [email protected]).
  • TXT Record (Text): This record holds plain text. It’s often used for verification (proving you own your domain to Google or other services) and email authentication.

This is why Method 1 (Nameservers) is so much easier. When you point your nameservers to Hostinger, all these other records (A, CNAME, MX) are automatically managed for you within your Hostinger hPanel. If you use Method 2 (A Record), you have to manage them yourself at your registrar.

Before You Begin: Pre-Flight Checklist

To make this process as smooth as possible, have the following information ready.

  1. Your Domain Registrar Login: You’ll need the username and password for the company where you bought your domain (e.g., GoDaddy, Namecheap).
  2. Your Hostinger Account Login: You need access to your Hostinger hPanel to find your nameservers and IP address.

How to Find Your Hostinger Nameservers

This is the most critical piece of information you need.

  1. Log in to your Hostinger hPanel.
  2. On the main Dashboard, find your hosting plan and click the Manage button.
  3. In the Hosting sidebar (or on the main page, depending on your layout), look for the Accounts section and click on Details.
  4. You will see a section labeled Nameservers. Hostinger typically provides two nameservers. They will look something like this (Your actual nameservers may be different, so always check your own account):
    • ns1.dns-parking.com
    • ns2.dns-parking.com
  5. Keep this browser tab open. You will need to copy and paste these two values into your domain registrar’s settings.

Method 1: Pointing Your Domain via Nameservers (Recommended)

This is the cleanest, simplest, and most recommended method for 99% of users. You are telling your domain registrar to hand over all DNS control to Hostinger.

Why This is the Preferred Method:

  • Simple: You only need to copy and paste two values.
  • Automatic: Hostinger will automatically configure all your other DNS records (A, CNAME, MX) to work perfectly with its hosting and email services.
  • Centralized Management: You’ll manage everything—your hosting, website files, and DNS—from one place (your hPanel).

General Step-by-Step Guide

The exact menu names will vary slightly, but the process is almost identical at every domain registrar.

  1. Log in to your domain registrar’s website (where you bought the domain).
  2. Navigate to your list of domains and find the one you want to point.
  3. Go to that domain’s management settings. Look for an option called “Manage DNS,” “DNS Settings,” or “Nameservers.”
  4. You will see your current, default nameservers (e.g., ns1.godaddy.com). Look for a button or link that says “Change,” “Edit,” or “Use Custom Nameservers.”
  5. Select the “Custom” or “Manual” option. This will give you blank text boxes.
  6. Go back to your Hostinger hPanel tab. Copy the first nameserver (e.g., ns1.dns-parking.com).
  7. Paste it into the first nameserver field (Nameserver 1) at your registrar.
  8. Copy the second nameserver (e.g., ns2.dns-parking.com).
  9. Paste it into the second field (Nameserver 2).
  10. Save your changes. Your registrar will likely show you a warning that this is a critical change. Confirm and save.

That’s it! You’ve done your part. Now, you just have to wait for DNS propagation.

Here is a helpful video walkthrough of the process: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sK7KajMZcmA 

Detailed Walkthroughs for Popular Registrars

Here are the specific steps for the most common domain registrars.

How to Point a Domain from GoDaddy to Hostinger

  1. Log in to your GoDaddy “Domain Portfolio.”
  2. Click on the specific domain name you want to update.
  3. On the domain’s settings page, click on “DNS.”
  4. Scroll down to the “Nameservers” section and click the “Change” button.
  5. A new window will pop up. Select the option “I’ll use my own nameservers.”
  6. Enter your two Hostinger nameservers (e.g., ns1.dns-parking.com and ns2.dns-parking.com) in the fields provided.
  7. Click “Save.” GoDaddy will ask you to confirm. Check the box for “Yes, I consent…” and click “Continue.”

How to Point a Domain from Namecheap to Hostinger

  1. Log in to your Namecheap account dashboard.
  2. Find your domain in the list and click the “Manage” button next to it.
  3. Look for the “NAMESERVERS” section.
  4. Click the dropdown menu (it’s likely set to “Namecheap BasicDNS”) and select “Custom DNS.”
  5. Two fields will appear (Nameserver 1, Nameserver 2).
  6. Enter your two Hostinger nameservers in these fields.
  7. Click the small green check mark to the right to save your changes.

How to Point a Domain from Google Domains to Hostinger

  1. Log in to your Google Domains account.
  2. Click on the domain name you wish to manage.
  3. Click on the “DNS” tab in the left-hand navigation menu.
  4. At the top of the page, you will see two tabs: “Default nameservers” and “Custom nameservers.” Click “Custom nameservers.”
  5. In the “Nameserver” fields, enter your two Hostinger nameservers.
  6. Click the “Switch to these settings” button.

How to Point a Domain from Bluehost to Hostinger

  1. Log in to your Bluehost account.
  2. Click on the “Domains” tab from the side navigation menu.
  3. Select the domain you want to update.
  4. This will open a new page. Click on the “DNS” tab.
  5. In the “Nameservers” box, click the “Edit” button.
  6. Select the “Custom” option.
  7. Enter your two Hostinger nameservers in the fields provided.
  8. Click “Save.”

Method 2: Pointing Your Domain via A Record

This method is more advanced and should only be used if you have a specific reason to do so. With this method, you are not changing your nameservers. You are keeping your DNS management at your registrar (e.g., GoDaddy) and just telling it to point web traffic to Hostinger’s server.

When Should You Use This Method?

  • You have a complex email setup: Your company’s email is on Google Workspace or Microsoft 365, and you don’t want to risk messing up your MX records.
  • You have many subdomains: You have other services (shop.yourdomain.com, app.yourdomain.com) pointed to various other servers and want to keep managing them all in one place at your registrar.

If this doesn’t sound like you, please use Method 1.

Step 1: Find Your Hostinger Site’s IP Address (A Record)

Since you aren’t pointing your nameservers, you need the specific IP address of your server.

  1. Log in to your Hostinger hPanel.
  2. On the main Dashboard, find your hosting plan and click the Manage button.
  3. In the Hosting sidebar, click on Details.
  4. Look for the Website IP Address (or Site IP Address). It will be a string of numbers like 123.45.67.89.
  5. Copy this IP address.

Step 2: Change Your A Record at Your Registrar

  1. Log in to your domain registrar (GoDaddy, Namecheap, etc.).
  2. Navigate to your domain’s “DNS Management” or “Manage DNS” page.
  3. You will see a list of your current DNS records (A, CNAME, MX, etc.). Do not change the nameservers.
  4. Find the “A” Record for your root domain. The “Name” or “Host” field will be @ (which stands for your root domain, yourwebsite.com).
  5. Click “Edit” (or a pencil icon) for that record.
  6. In the “Value” or “Points to” field, delete the old IP address and paste in your Hostinger IP Address you copied in the previous step.
  7. Leave the TTL (Time To Live) setting as is (or set it to “Automatic” or “1 Hour”).
  8. Save the record.

Step 3: Don’t Forget the ‘www’ (CNAME Record)

You also need to make sure the www version of your site points to the right place.

  1. Back in your DNS records list, look for a CNAME record where the “Name” or “Host” is www.
  2. Edit this record.
  3. Set the “Value” or “Points to” field to your root domain name: yourwebsite.com (do not include http:// or www).
  4. Save the record.

This www CNAME record tells the internet that www.yourwebsite.com is just an alias for yourwebsite.com, which your A record is already pointing to your Hostinger IP.

Pointing a Subdomain to Hostinger

What if you only want to host a subdomain (like blog.yourdomain.com) at Hostinger, but keep your main site (yourdomain.com) somewhere else?

The process is simple.

  1. Log in to your domain registrar (or wherever your nameservers are currently pointed).
  2. Go to the DNS Management page.
  3. You are going to add a new record, not edit an existing one.
  4. Click “Add Record” and select type “A”.
  5. In the “Name” or “Host” field, type only the subdomain part. For blog.yourdomain.com, you would just type: blog.
  6. In the “Value” or “Points to” field, paste your Hostinger IP Address.
  7. Set the TTL (if asked) to 1 Hour or 3600 seconds.
  8. Save the record.

Now, your main site stays where it is, but anyone visiting blog.yourdomain.com will be sent to your Hostinger server.

The Waiting Game: Understanding DNS Propagation

After you’ve completed Method 1 or 2, your work is done. But your site won’t work instantly. You must wait for DNS propagation.

What is Propagation and Why Does It Take Time?

Propagation is the process of your new DNS settings spreading across the entire globe. The internet’s “phonebooks” (DNS resolvers) all over the world need to be updated with your new information. These servers check for updates at different intervals, which is why it doesn’t happen all at once.

This process can take as little as 30 minutes or as long as 48 hours. You cannot speed this up. It’s a good time to take a break.

How to Check if Your Domain is Pointing Correctly

Instead of just refreshing your browser (which can show you a cached, old version of your site), use a dedicated tool.

  • Online DNS Checkers: The best way is to use a free service like dnschecker.org.
    • Go to the website.
    • Type your domain name (yourwebsite.com) into the search box.
    • Select “NS” from the dropdown if you used Method 1 (Nameservers).
    • Select “A” from the dropdown if you used Method 2 (A Record).
    • Click “Search.”
    • You will see a list of locations around the world. If you see green checkmarks and your new Hostinger nameservers (or IP address) listed, it’s working! If you see a mix of old and new, it’s still propagating.
  • Using Your Computer’s Terminal (Advanced):
    • On Windows: Open Command Prompt and type nslookup yourwebsite.com. Check the “Non-authoritative answer” to see what IP address it’s resolving to.
    • On Mac/Linux: Open Terminal and type ping yourwebsite.com. It will show you the IP address it’s connecting to.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If it’s been 48 hours and things still aren’t working, here are a few common problems.

  • “My Domain Still Shows the Old Site.” This is almost always a cache issue. Your browser or computer is holding onto the old DNS information. Try clearing your browser cache (cookies and site data) or flushing your computer’s DNS cache.
  • “I’m Seeing a ‘Site Not Found’ Error.” This usually means propagation is not complete, or you made a typo. Go back to your registrar and triple-check that the nameservers are spelled exactly right (e.g., ns1.dns-parking.com, not ns1.dns-parking.co**n**).
  • “My Email Stopped Working!” This happens if you used Method 2 (A Record) but forgot to check your MX Records. Your A record moved your web traffic, but your MX records (which control email) might still be pointing to your old host. If you used Method 1 (Nameservers), this shouldn’t be a problem, as Hostinger will set up your MX records for you. You may just need to re-create your email addresses (e.g., [email protected]) inside the Hostinger hPanel.
  • “Hostinger Says My Domain Isn’t Pointed Yet.” Even if you’ve done everything right, Hostinger’s hPanel has to wait for propagation just like everyone else. If your status is still “Pending” or “Not Pointed,” just be patient and check back in a few hours.

Your Domain is Connected. Now What?

Congratulations! The hard part is over. Your domain and hosting are connected. Here are your logical next steps to get your site live.

Step 1: Install WordPress on Hostinger

Hostinger’s hPanel makes this incredibly easy with its Auto-Installer.

  1. Log in to your hPanel and go to your Hosting Dashboard.
  2. Look for the “Website” section and click on “Auto Installer.”
  3. You will see a list of applications. Select “WordPress.”
  4. Fill out the simple form:
    • Select your domain name from the dropdown.
    • Create a website administrator username and password (DO NOT use “admin”).
    • Enter your administrator email.
    • Give your website a title.
  5. Click “Install.” In about a minute, Hostinger will have a fresh, clean WordPress site ready for you.

Step 2: Forcing HTTPS and Installing Your SSL Certificate

An SSL certificate is what puts the “s” in “https://” and displays the padlock icon in your browser. It encrypts data between your site and your visitors, and it’s essential for trust and SEO. Hostinger provides a free SSL certificate.

  1. In your hPanel, go to Hosting -> Manage.
  2. In the sidebar, find “Security” and click on “SSL.”
  3. You should see your domain listed. Hostinger will often try to install the SSL automatically after propagation. If it’s not “Active,” follow the prompts to install the “Let’s Encrypt” certificate.
  4. Once the SSL is active, go back to your Hosting Dashboard and find your domain. Make sure the “Force HTTPS” toggle is turned ON. This ensures all visitors are sent to the secure version of your site.

Choosing Your Web Creation Platform: Why WordPress?

You’ve set up your hosting and installed WordPress, and for good reason. It’s the most popular and flexible Content Management System (CMS) in the world, powering over 43% of all websites.

  • Complete Ownership: Unlike closed platforms (Wix, Squarespace), you own your data and your site. You can move it to any host at any time.
  • Limitless Flexibility: The WordPress plugin ecosystem is unmatched. You can add any functionality you can imagine, from full-blown eCommerce stores to social networks and forums.
  • Scalability: WordPress can run everything from a simple one-page blog to a massive enterprise-level news site.

Building Your Site with a Website Builder Platform

The “old” way to build a WordPress site was to find a pre-built “theme” and then be stuck with its layouts and limitations. Today, the game has changed thanks to visual, drag-and-drop website builders.

As a web development expert, I’ve seen firsthand how these tools have empowered creators. My colleague, Itamar Haim, a fellow web creation specialist, often says, “A visual builder frees you from the structural limits of a theme, letting you control the design and layout of every single part of your site, from the header to the footer.”

This is where a tool like Elementor comes in. It’s a complete web creation platform that works on top of WordPress, giving you the power of a developer with the ease of a visual editor.

What is Elementor?

Elementor is a drag-and-drop builder that replaces the default WordPress editor. Instead of guessing what your site looks like from a backend menu, you design it live on the front end. You can control every color, font, layout, and element down to the pixel.

Building Your Site the Smart Way

Once your domain is pointed and WordPress is installed on Hostinger, your very next step should be to install the Elementor plugin. From there, you can:

  • Choose a Foundation: Start with the fast, lightweight Hello Theme, which is a blank canvas designed to be built entirely with Elementor.
  • Import a Kit: Don’t want to start from scratch? You can import a professionally designed, full-website Kit from the Elementor Library. This gives you a complete, multi-page site (Homepage, About, Contact, etc.) that you can then just customize with your own text and images.
  • Use Elementor AI: Generate compelling copy, headlines, and even custom CSS code directly within the editor. This dramatically speeds up the creation process.
  • Build an Online Store: If you plan to sell products, Elementor’s WooCommerce Builder lets you visually design your product pages, shop archives, and checkout process—something that used to require custom code.

A Note on All-in-One Solutions

While you’ve chosen Hostinger for your hosting (which is a great choice!), it’s helpful to understand the different models available. Some platforms, like Elementor Hosting, offer an all-in-one, managed solution where the WordPress CMS, the Elementor Pro builder, and premium hosting are all pre-installed and optimized to work together.

This is a great option for users who want the simplest, most streamlined experience possible. But the beauty of WordPress is that you can “bring your own hosting,” just as you’ve done, and combine powerful tools like Hostinger and Elementor to create your own perfect stack.

Final Steps: Launching Your Hostinger Site

  1. Configure Basic WordPress Settings: Log in to your WordPress admin (e.g., yourwebsite.com/wp-admin). Go to Settings -> General to set your Site Title and Tagline. Go to Settings -> Permalinks and choose the “Post name” option. This is the most SEO-friendly URL structure.
  2. Delete Default Content: WordPress installs with a default “Hello World!” post and a “Sample Page.” Delete these.
  3. Start Creating: Build your essential pages: Homepage, About, Contact, and Services/Blog.
  4. Submit to Google: Once your site is ready, sign up for Google Search Console and submit your new sitemap. This tells Google to “crawl” and “index” your new site, making it discoverable in search results.

Conclusion: From Domain to Digital Presence

Pointing your domain is the first and most important technical step in your web creation journey. By following the methods above, you’ve successfully built the bridge between your address (domain) and your home (hosting).

You’ve navigated the world of DNS, nameservers, and A records and come out on the other side. Now, the truly exciting part begins: building your website, creating your content, and sharing your vision with the world.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What’s the difference between pointing nameservers and pointing an A Record?

  • Nameservers (Method 1): You delegate all DNS control to Hostinger. This is simple and recommended. Hostinger will manage your A, MX, and all other records.
  • A Record (Method 2): You only point your web traffic to Hostinger’s IP. You keep your DNS control (and responsibility for MX records, etc.) at your registrar. This is an advanced method.

2. How long does DNS propagation really take?

It can be as fast as 30 minutes, but you should always plan for 24 to 48 hours. It depends on DNS resolvers all over the world, and you can’t speed it up.

3. I changed my nameservers, but my domain still shows my old site. What do I do?

This is a local cache issue. Your browser or computer is remembering the old IP address. Try clearing your browser’s cache and cookies. If that fails, wait a few more hours.

4. Can I use Hostinger for my email if I used Method 2 (A Record)?

Yes, but it’s a manual process. You must go to your domain registrar’s DNS settings and manually change the MX Records to point to Hostinger’s mail servers. You can find Hostinger’s MX records in your hPanel under “Email.”

5. I made a typo in the nameservers. What happens?

Your domain will not resolve to any website and will show an error. Don’t panic. Just go back to your registrar’s DNS settings, correct the typo, and save your changes. The propagation timer will start over again.

6. What is an A Record for www?

Typically, you will set the A Record for @ (your root domain) to the IP address. Then, you’ll set a CNAME Record for www to point to your root domain (e.g., yourwebsite.com). This is the most efficient way to handle it.

7. Do I have to buy my domain from Hostinger?

No. You can buy your domain from any registrar you like (like Namecheap, GoDaddy, etc.) and point it to your Hostinger account, exactly as this guide shows. This gives you the flexibility to shop for the best domain and hosting prices separately.

8. Hostinger’s hPanel says my domain is “Not Pointed,” but I just changed the nameservers. Is it broken?

No, it’s not broken. Hostinger’s system is also waiting for DNS propagation. It can’t see your changes until they have spread across the internet. Give it a few hours (or up to 48) and this status will update automatically.

9. What’s the difference between pointing a domain and transferring a domain?

  • Pointing: You change the nameservers. The domain registration stays with your original registrar (e.g., GoDaddy). You pay GoDaddy for your domain renewal each year.
  • Transferring: You move the entire domain registration from your old registrar to Hostinger. You would then pay Hostinger for your domain renewals. This is a more complex process that can take 5-7 days. Pointing is much faster.

10. I’ve pointed my domain… am I done?

No! You’ve just built the foundation. Your next steps are to install an SSL certificate (for https://), install WordPress (or another CMS), and then build your website (using a tool like Elementor)!