Starting May 20th,2026, pointing a domain to Hostinger Website Builder using an A record (IPv4 address) will no longer be supported. To prevent any service interruptions, you must update your domain connection.
This update applies to you only if your domain meets all of the following conditions:
- The domain is registered with a different provider (not Hostinger).
- The domain is not currently using Hostinger nameservers.
- The domain is currently connected to Hostinger Website Builder using an A record (IP address).
If your domain is registered at Hostinger or already uses Hostinger nameservers, no action is required. For all other cases, updating the connection ensures your website remains active and benefits from improved stability and performance.
Before you start
While we aim to make this transition as smooth as possible, please keep the following in mind:
- Brief downtime: Updating DNS records will cause your website to be temporarily unavailable. This is a normal part of the process, and your services should be back up and running within a few hours.
- Propagation: It can take up to 24 hours for these changes to spread across the internet globally.
- Timing: To minimize any impact on your visitors, we suggest making these changes during low-traffic periods, such as over the weekend. If you need any help during the process, our team is here for you 24/7.
- DNS backup: Consider exporting or backing up your current DNS records before you begin. Having a copy of your original settings ensures you can easily reference or restore them if needed.
Here are the available options to connect your domain.
Option 1 (Recommended) – Using Hostinger nameservers
Pointing your domain to Hostinger nameservers is the most reliable method. This transfers your DNS zone management to Hostinger.
Here are a few important considerations before changing your domain’s nameservers to Hostinger
- This method removes existing custom DNS records, such as TXT verification records or A and AAAA records used for external subdomains.
- Email records will be set to Hostinger Mail values. Email services may be temporarily interrupted until the records for your email provider are reconfigured. In most cases, incoming emails will be queued by the sender and delivered once the records are restored.
- You can adjust your DNS records in hPanel after the propagation period is complete.
- Nameserver addresses vary depending on the domain. If you have multiple domains connected to Hostinger Website Builder websites, ensure you verify and use the specific values provided for each.
Follow these steps to update your nameservers:
- If you use an external email provider instead of Hostinger Mail, take note of your current email records: MX, SPF (TXT), DMARC (TXT) and DKIM (TXT or CNAME).
- Log in to your domain registrar’s management panel.
- Locate the nameserver settings for your domain.
- Replace the existing records with your custom Hostinger nameservers.
- Wait for the DNS records to propagate.
- Review your email records:
- If you are using Hostinger Mail, you do not need to make changes to email DNS records.
- If you have a different email provider, delete the Hostinger Mail MX, SPF, DMARC and DKIM records after propagation and add your specific email provider’s records.
- Re-add any custom DNS records that were reset during the nameserver update.
Option 2 – Using CNAME records
Use this method if you prefer to keep DNS management at your current provider or if they do not support nameserver changes. This method preserves your existing email configuration and other custom DNS records.
- Access your domain provider’s DNS management zone.
- Delete all existing A and AAAA records for your domain or subdomain.
- Add the following CNAME records depending on whether your website is connected to the root domain or a subdomain.
Root domain
If your website is on the root domain (e.g. domain.tld), add the following two records:
- Name:
@ - Points to:
connect.hostinger.com - TTL: default or 14400
And
- Name:
www - Points to:
connect.hostinger.com - TTL: default or 14400
Subdomain
If your website is on a subdomain (e.g. shop.domain.tld), add only this record:
- Name: your subdomain name without the domain, e.g.
shop - Points to:
connect.hostinger.com - TTL: default or 14400
Do not add a www record for subdomains.
After making these changes, allow some time for the DNS records to propagate.
NOTES
- Use this method to point your domain to Hostinger Website Builder via Cloudflare if you prefer that platform.
- If you encounter any difficulties managing the DNS Zone at your domain provider, you can consider contacting their support directly.
Option 3 – Transfer the domain to Hostinger
If your registrar does not support nameserver or root CNAME changes, you can transfer your domain to Hostinger to manage all services in one place. Follow this guide for detailed steps: How to transfer a domain to Hostinger.
Troubleshooting Hostinger Website Builder domain connection
If your website is not loading after the update, check the following:
- Values: Ensure the DNS values match the requirements exactly.
- Cloudflare: If using Cloudflare, set the record status to DNS only (grey cloud), not Proxied.
- Propagation: Verify the status using online DNS checkers to ensure the change has spread.
- Browser cache: Clear your browser cache or try an incognito window.
While updating your connection requires a brief transition period, these modern methods provide a more stable and faster experience for your visitors. Once propagation is complete, your website will benefit from optimized delivery.