If you have purchased hosting from Hostinger, one of the first things you should learn is how to use its control panel. Hostinger hPanel is the dashboard used to manage hosting services, websites, domains, email accounts, billing, and other account settings.
Whether you are creating your first WordPress website or managing multiple websites, understanding hPanel can make everyday hosting tasks much easier. Instead of searching through different menus, you can use the dashboard to find the tools you need.
In this beginner-friendly guide, you will learn how to access Hostinger hPanel, understand its main sections, manage your website, edit DNS records, work with files and databases, configure email, and use important security and backup features.
Dashboard naming:Hostinger has updated its interface and now commonly refers to the main control panel as the Hostinger dashboard. Many tutorials and users still call it hPanel. The name and menu layout may differ slightly depending on the account and service.
1. How to Access Hostinger hPanel
You can access Hostinger's control panel through a web browser. You do not need to install separate desktop software to manage your hosting account.
Enter the email address and password associated with your Hostinger account. If you previously configured social login, you can use that option instead.
If two-factor authentication is enabled, complete the additional verification step.
Step 3
Open your dashboard
After signing in, Hostinger displays your account dashboard. From here, you can access your websites, domains, email services, VPS products, billing information, and account settings.
Quick tip: Bookmark hpanel.hostinger.com in your browser so you can open your hosting dashboard quickly next time.
2. Understanding the Hostinger Dashboard
The dashboard is the main place where you manage Hostinger services. Its left sidebar contains the main navigation sections, while the central area displays information and actions related to the selected section.
Depending on your account, you may see sections such as:
Dashboard section
Purpose
Home / Your business
View your Hostinger services and account overview.
Websites
Create, manage, import, and edit websites.
Domains
Manage domain names, registration details, and DNS settings.
Emails
Manage email hosting and mailboxes.
VPS
Access and manage virtual private server services.
Billing
View subscriptions, invoices, and payment methods.
Marketplace
Explore additional Hostinger services and products.
Account and Security
Manage account information, login protection, and preferences.
Some dashboard versions also provide a search function, favorites, help options, and quick-access tools. You may be able to pin frequently used sections so that they are easier to find.
3. How to Manage Websites in Hostinger hPanel
The Websites section is one of the most frequently used parts of the dashboard. It displays websites associated with your hosting plans and provides access to their management tools.
Open the Websites section
Log in to your Hostinger account.
Click Websites in the left sidebar.
Find the hosting plan that contains your website.
Locate the website you want to manage.
Click its preview or select Manage site.
The website card can display details such as its domain, website type, creation date, hosting plan, and available actions.
Common website management actions
Manage site: Open the hosting dashboard for supported WordPress, PHP/HTML, and web application websites.
Edit site: Open the visual editor for supported Hostinger Website Builder websites.
Preview: Open the website to check how it appears to visitors.
Create site: Add a new website to an eligible hosting plan.
Import site: Start a website migration or upload process.
Connect domain: Assign a custom domain to a website.
Important: Hostinger's hosting dashboard is not identical for every website type. For example, Website Builder websites use their own editing interface, while WordPress websites provide access to WordPress-specific tools.
DNS stands for Domain Name System. DNS records tell browsers, email services, and other internet systems where to find services associated with your domain.
For example, an A record can point your domain to a server IP address, while MX records specify which mail servers receive email for your domain.
How to open DNS settings
For a domain managed through Hostinger, the current dashboard provides a DNS option under the Domains section. For a website with an active hosting plan, the DNS Zone Editor may also be accessible through the website's hosting dashboard.
Log in to Hostinger.
Open Domains and select DNS.
Choose the domain you want to manage.
Review the DNS records displayed on the page.
Use the available options to add, edit, or delete a record.
For an active hosting plan, another available route may be Websites → Manage site → Advanced → DNS Zone Editor.
Common DNS record types
Record
Purpose
Example use
A
Points a hostname to an IPv4 address.
Connecting a domain to a web server.
AAAA
Points a hostname to an IPv6 address.
Connecting a domain to an IPv6-enabled server.
CNAME
Creates an alias for another hostname.
Pointing www to another hostname.
MX
Specifies mail servers for a domain.
Configuring business email.
TXT
Stores text-based verification and policy information.
SPF, DKIM, and domain verification.
NS
Identifies the authoritative nameservers.
Directing DNS management to a provider.
Be careful when editing DNS: Incorrect changes can make your website or email unavailable. Before changing records, save the existing values. Also remember that Hostinger's DNS tools generally manage active DNS records only when the domain uses Hostinger nameservers.
File Manager allows you to view and manage files stored in your hosting account through a browser. You can use it to upload website files, organize folders, edit supported files, and download backups.
How to open File Manager
Open the Websites section.
Find your website and click Manage site.
Open the hosting dashboard.
Find File Manager in the available tools or sidebar.
Open the file manager for your website.
What is the public_html folder?
The public_html directory is commonly used as the document root for a website on Hostinger shared hosting. It contains the files that the web server serves when visitors open your domain.
For example, a simple PHP website may contain:
Example website structure
public_html/
public_html/index.php
public_html/style.css
public_html/images/
public_html/about.html
Common File Manager actions
Upload website files and supported archives.
Create new files and folders.
Rename or move files.
Edit supported text and code files.
Download files to your computer.
Delete files that are no longer required.
Safety tip: Do not delete or overwrite files unless you understand their purpose. Before editing important configuration files, download a copy so you can restore the original if something goes wrong.
7. How to Manage Databases in Hostinger
Many websites use databases to store information such as posts, user accounts, products, settings, and other content. WordPress, for example, uses a MySQL-compatible database to store website information.
Hostinger provides database management tools through the hosting dashboard.
How to access database management
Open Websites in your Hostinger dashboard.
Select the website you want to manage.
Click Manage site.
Find the Databases section.
Open the database management option available for your plan.
What can you do with databases?
Create a new database and database user.
Review existing database details.
Manage database access credentials.
Open phpMyAdmin where available.
Import or export database files.
Delete databases that are no longer needed.
phpMyAdmin provides a browser-based interface for working with MySQL-compatible databases. You can use it to browse tables, run SQL queries, and import or export database files.
Important: A WordPress website can stop working if its database is deleted or its connection details are changed incorrectly. Always create a backup before making database changes.
8. How to Manage WordPress Using Hostinger hPanel
If your website uses WordPress, Hostinger provides tools that can help you manage it without opening the WordPress administration dashboard for every task.
Open your website's hosting dashboard and look for the WordPress Overview section if it is available for your account.
Common WordPress management tasks
WP Admin: Open the WordPress dashboard.
Updates: Review available WordPress core, theme, and plugin updates.
Plugins: Manage supported plugin actions from the hosting dashboard.
Themes: Review and manage supported theme options.
Maintenance mode: Enable maintenance mode where the relevant tools are available.
Security: Access available website security tools.
How to open WordPress Admin
Go to Websites in Hostinger.
Find your WordPress website.
Click Manage site.
Look for the Admin Panel or WP Admin shortcut.
Click it to open your WordPress dashboard.
From WordPress Admin, you can publish posts, create pages, install themes, configure plugins, and manage website content.
Follow the instructions to create or manage mailboxes.
Common email management tasks
Create and manage email accounts.
Change mailbox passwords.
Access webmail where available.
Review email storage and service details.
Configure email-related DNS records.
The exact email features and mailbox limits depend on the email service included with or purchased for your account.
10. How to Manage Security and SSL in Hostinger
Website security is important because it protects your visitors, website data, and hosting account. Hostinger provides several security-related tools, although their availability depends on the service and plan.
SSL certificate
An SSL/TLS certificate allows your website to use HTTPS. It helps encrypt information exchanged between a visitor's browser and your website.
To review SSL settings:
Open the Websites section.
Select your website and click Manage site.
Find the Security section or SSL option.
Review the certificate status and follow the displayed instructions if activation is required.
After activation, test your website using its HTTPS address.
Other useful security practices
Use a strong, unique Hostinger account password.
Enable two-factor authentication for your account.
Keep WordPress, themes, and plugins updated.
Use trusted plugins and themes.
Remove unused applications and administrator accounts.
Review available malware scanning and security tools.
Keep website and database backups.
Protect your Hostinger account too: Website security and account security are different. Enable two-factor authentication in your account's Security settings to add another layer of protection to your Hostinger login.
11. How to Create and Restore Website Backups
A backup is a copy of your website files and database that you can use to recover your site if something goes wrong. It is especially useful before installing major updates, changing website code, or migrating to another host.
How to access backups
Open Websites in your Hostinger dashboard.
Find the website you want to back up.
Click Manage site.
Find Backups in the hosting dashboard.
Review the available backup and restoration options.
Depending on your hosting plan, you may have automatic backups, manual backup creation, or restoration options. Some plans allow manual backups of website files and databases, while others have different backup availability.
When should you create a backup?
Before updating WordPress or important plugins.
Before changing website files or configuration.
Before migrating your website.
Before making significant database changes.
Before redesigning or rebuilding your website.
Good practice: Do not assume every hosting plan has identical backup features. Check the backup schedule and retention period shown in your account. Keep an independent copy of important website data when possible.
The Billing section helps you review the financial and subscription details associated with your Hostinger account.
Depending on your services, you can use it to:
Review active hosting and domain subscriptions.
Check upcoming expiration and renewal dates.
View invoices and payment history.
Manage available payment methods.
Review auto-renewal settings.
Check subscription details and available renewal options.
To access billing information, log in to Hostinger and select Billing from the dashboard navigation.
Before renewing: Review the subscription term, renewal amount, and included services. Promotional first-term pricing and renewal pricing may differ.
13. Useful Hostinger hPanel Tips for Beginners
Once you understand the main sections, these habits can make managing your hosting account easier.
Use the dashboard search
If you cannot find a particular setting, use the available search feature or navigation shortcuts rather than opening every menu manually.
Pin frequently used sections
If your dashboard supports favorites, pin tools you use regularly, such as Websites, Domains, or Billing.
Check the correct website before making changes
If you host multiple websites, confirm the selected domain before editing files, DNS records, databases, or security settings.
Monitor hosting resource usage
Check your plan's resource usage periodically. High usage can affect website performance or cause you to reach plan limits.
Use official support documentation
Hostinger updates its dashboard and tools over time. If a menu has moved, search the Hostinger Help Center for the latest instructions.
14. Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using hPanel
Editing the wrong website: Always verify the domain and hosting plan before making changes.
Deleting important files: Back up files before removing or replacing them.
Changing DNS without checking existing records: This can interrupt websites and email services.
Ignoring backups: Keep a recovery copy before major updates or migrations.
Using weak passwords: Protect both your hosting account and website administrator accounts.
Ignoring billing notifications: Monitor expiration dates and renewal settings to avoid unexpected service interruptions.
Assuming every feature is included: Tools and limits vary by hosting plan and website type.
Start Managing Your Website with Hostinger hPanel
Hostinger's dashboard brings many hosting tasks together in one place. Once you understand the Websites, Domains, DNS, Files, Databases, Security, and Billing sections, you can manage your website with greater confidence.
Start with the tools you need most, make changes carefully, and keep regular backups of your website.
Hostinger hPanel is the name commonly used for Hostinger's custom hosting control panel. It allows users to manage websites, domains, email services, hosting settings, billing, and other account features. Hostinger's current interface may also be referred to as the Hostinger dashboard.
2. How do I log in to Hostinger hPanel?
Visit hpanel.hostinger.com and sign in using your Hostinger account email and password. Complete two-factor authentication if it is enabled. You will then be taken to your account dashboard.
3. Is Hostinger hPanel free?
Hostinger hPanel is the account management interface provided with access to Hostinger services. You do not need to purchase a separate control panel license to use it, although the hosting and other services you manage may require paid subscriptions.
4. Can I manage WordPress from Hostinger hPanel?
Yes. For supported WordPress websites, Hostinger provides access to the WordPress Admin panel and additional management tools. You can also use the WordPress dashboard for posts, pages, themes, plugins, and other content tasks.
5. Where can I find File Manager in Hostinger?
Open Websites, select your website, and click Manage site. In the hosting dashboard, look for File Manager. The exact navigation may differ depending on your website type and hosting plan.
6. How do I change DNS records in Hostinger?
Open Domains and select DNS, then choose the domain you want to manage. You can add, edit, or delete supported records. Your domain generally needs to use Hostinger nameservers for Hostinger's DNS management tools to control its active records.
7. Can I manage multiple websites from one Hostinger dashboard?
Yes. The Websites section groups websites under their associated hosting plans. The number of websites you can manage depends on the hosting plans and their website limits.
8. Does Hostinger hPanel support databases?
Yes. Eligible hosting plans provide database management tools. You can create and manage databases and access phpMyAdmin where available.
9. How do I create a backup in Hostinger?
Open Websites, select Manage site, and find Backups in the hosting dashboard. The available automatic and manual backup options depend on your hosting plan and website type.
10. Is Hostinger hPanel the same as cPanel?
No. Both are hosting control panels, but they have different interfaces and management tools. Hostinger hPanel is Hostinger's custom dashboard, while cPanel is a separate control panel used by many hosting providers.
11. Can I use Hostinger hPanel on mobile?
You can access the Hostinger dashboard through a mobile browser. Hostinger also documents installing the dashboard as a Progressive Web App on supported desktop and Android browsers.
Editorial note: Hostinger may update dashboard labels, menu locations, and available features. The steps in this guide describe the general workflow; always follow the options currently displayed in your account.
