Domain Management on Hostinger Horizons
TL;DR:
- Connect your domain through the domain management section for a professional URL
- Verify ownership via email confirmation after connecting
- Configure DNS settings and SSL certificates in the domain settings panel
- Set up redirects to guide traffic between old and new domains
- Remove or modify domains through the same management interface
Getting your domain connected and configured properly on Hostinger's Horizons makes your website look professional and ensures visitors can find you easily. Here's how to handle the main domain tasks you'll need.
Connecting Your Domain
Start by heading to the domain management section in your Horizons dashboard. Look for the option to add a new domain and click it. The interface will walk you through the connection process step by step.
You'll need to enter your domain name and confirm you own it. Hostinger will then guide you through pointing your domain to their servers.
Verification Process
After connecting your domain, you'll get a verification email. Check your inbox (and spam folder) for this message and click the verification link. This confirms you actually own the domain and aren't trying to hijack someone else's.
The verification usually happens within a few minutes, but it can take up to 24 hours in some cases.
DNS and SSL Configuration
Once your domain is verified, you can configure the technical settings that make everything work properly.
DNS Settings
In your domain settings panel, you'll find the DNS configuration options. These tell the internet where to find your website when someone types in your domain name. Hostinger usually sets these up automatically when you connect your domain, but you can adjust them if needed.
The main record you'll work with is the A record, which points your domain to your website's IP address.
SSL Certificates
SSL certificates encrypt the connection between your website and your visitors. This shows up as the padlock icon in browsers and is essential for trust and SEO.
Hostinger provides free SSL certificates that install automatically. You can manage these in the same domain settings area. The certificate will renew automatically, but keep an eye on the expiry date just in case.
Setting Up Redirects
Redirects send visitors from one URL to another. This is useful when you've changed domain names or want to send traffic from multiple domains to one main site.
In the domain management settings, look for the redirect or forwarding option. Enter the URL where you want visitors to end up, then save your changes.
Choose between a temporary redirect (302) or permanent redirect (301). Use permanent redirects when you've moved content for good, as this helps preserve your SEO rankings.
Changing or Removing Domains
If you need to disconnect a domain or change its settings, go back to the domain management section. You can delete domains entirely or modify their configuration.
Be careful when removing domains. If people are used to visiting your site at that address, removing it will break their bookmarks and any links pointing to your site.
FAQs
How do I connect my domain to Hostinger's Horizons?
Go to the domain management section, select add new domain, and follow the setup wizard. You'll need to verify ownership via email before the domain becomes active.
Where can I find DNS and SSL settings?
Both are in the domain settings panel under domain management. DNS settings control where your domain points, while SSL manages your security certificate.
How do I set up redirects in Horizons?
Find the redirect option in domain management, enter your target URL, choose between temporary or permanent redirect, and save the changes.
Can I manage multiple domains from one account?
Yes, you can add and manage multiple domains through the same domain management interface.
Jargon Buster
DNS (Domain Name System) – The system that translates domain names like yoursite.com into IP addresses that computers can understand.
SSL Certificate – A security certificate that encrypts data between your website and visitors, shown by the padlock icon in browsers.
A Record – A DNS record type that points your domain name to your website's IP address.
301 Redirect – A permanent redirect that tells search engines the content has moved permanently to a new location.
302 Redirect – A temporary redirect that indicates the move is only temporary.
Wrap-up
Domain management in Hostinger's Horizons covers everything you need to get your website online with a professional address. The interface handles most of the technical complexity for you, but understanding these basics helps you troubleshoot issues and make changes when needed.
Keep your SSL certificates current, monitor your DNS settings if you make changes, and use redirects thoughtfully to maintain your site's SEO value. With these fundamentals sorted, your domain will serve your website reliably.
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