Your registrar and web host do not need to be the same company. You can keep a domain registered at GoDaddy while hosting WordPress at Hostinger. The important part is knowing where DNS is currently managed before changing anything.
1. Identify the authoritative DNS provider
Check the domain’s nameservers. If they point to Hostinger, edit DNS in Hostinger. If they point elsewhere, edit records there. Do not create records in a dashboard that is not authoritative and expect them to affect the live domain.
2. Back up the existing DNS records
Take screenshots or export the current zone if available. Pay particular attention to MX, TXT, DKIM and DMARC records used by email. Connecting a website should not require deleting unrelated mail records.
3. Add/assign the domain in Hostinger
Make sure the custom domain is attached to the intended website in hPanel. Then follow Hostinger’s current connection instructions for the DNS method you choose.
4. Verify WordPress URLs and HTTPS
After the domain resolves to the correct site, confirm WordPress Address and Site Address use the final HTTPS domain. Test the homepage and an inner post.
5. Refresh permalinks if inner pages 404
If the homepage works but posts return 404, go to WordPress Settings → Permalinks and save the intended structure again before editing rewrite files manually.
6. Purge caches only after the configuration is correct
Old browser, WordPress, server or CDN cache can make a fixed configuration look broken. Purge the relevant layers and retest in a private window.
If the custom domain shows a 404, follow our Hostinger domain 404 checklist. Hostinger’s current guidance also lists domain assignment, cache and WordPress permalinks among common 404 causes.
