A manual cPanel-to-Hostinger move transfers WordPress files and its database, then reconnects the installation on the destination before changing public DNS. Website migration does not automatically migrate mailbox contents, cron jobs or every DNS setting.
This guide focuses on the practical decision points for how to migrate wordpress from cpanel to hostinger manually. The examples are educational and should be adapted to your site, provider, client agreement or application requirements rather than copied without verification.
How to Migrate WordPress from cPanel to Hostinger Manually: Practical Guide
Before you start: gather the right information
Write down the current environment, version numbers or business requirements. For a live website, create a known-good backup and make potentially disruptive changes on staging first. For business documents, confirm the client, scope and acceptance criteria before using a sample.
Step-by-step walkthrough
- Create an off-site backup of WordPress files, uploads and the MySQL database; verify that both archives can be opened.
- Prepare the destination website in Hostinger and check PHP version, extensions, storage and database limits.
- Export the original database using phpMyAdmin and download the actual WordPress folder including wp-content and wp-config.php.
- Create a new database and user on the destination, import the SQL export and record the new database connection details privately.
- Upload WordPress into the destination document root and update only the required DB settings in wp-config.php.
- Test the destination site before DNS cutover, including login, media, permalinks, forms and checkout if applicable.
- Move DNS deliberately and verify SSL, redirects, email routing and old-domain links after cutover.
- Keep the original site and restore plan available until the new site is stable.
Worked example or reference template
Migration verification checklist
- ☐ Database connects without errors
- ☐ wp-content/uploads images display
- ☐ Admin login works
- ☐ Pages and rewrite rules load
- ☐ Contact form sends from authorized provider
- ☐ SSL and email DNS are correct
- ☐ Backup and rollback remain available
How to verify the result
Check the output from the perspective of the person who will use it. Test the critical workflow, note what was changed and preserve enough evidence to reverse a failed update. For public-facing sites, repeat the check while logged out and on a mobile browser. For templates, verify totals, wording and payment or ownership terms before sharing.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Do not change DNS before validating the destination if an alternative preview is available.
- Do not upload an entire cPanel backup archive into public_html and assume it is a deployable site.
- Do not assume website migration transfers existing mailboxes.
Related BDKick tutorials
For the next step, see WordPress Images Not Showing After Migration: Fix Broken Media, WordPress Mixed Content After Cloudflare SSL: Safe Fixes. These pages are part of the same article batch; publish the linked posts before promoting this page.
Official documentation and references
Frequently asked questions
Can Hostinger migrate automatically instead?
Depending on the plan and eligibility, Hostinger offers assisted or automated migration routes.
Do I need to change my domain?
No. A hosting move can retain the existing domain and permalinks.
Will my cPanel email inbox move with WordPress?
No. Email migration is a separate task.
Why do images break after the move?
Missing uploads, old URLs, permissions or HTTPS issues are common causes.
Final checklist
Confirm the instructions match your specific environment, save a backup or clean document copy, test the main outcome and record any remaining risks. If you are publishing technical guidance, revisit it after major product updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Hostinger migrate automatically instead?
Depending on the plan and eligibility, Hostinger offers assisted or automated migration routes.
Do I need to change my domain?
No. A hosting move can retain the existing domain and permalinks.
Will my cPanel email inbox move with WordPress?
No. Email migration is a separate task.
Why do images break after the move?
Missing uploads, old URLs, permissions or HTTPS issues are common causes.