How to point a domain to your Hostinger VPS (A records, step by step)
Find your VPS IP, add the right A and AAAA records whether your domain is at Hostinger, GoDaddy or Namecheap, and check propagation before you ask Let's Encrypt for a certificate.
Two ways to connect a domain
A domain reaches your server through DNS records. You can either keep DNS where it is and add an A record that points at the VPS, or move the whole domain's DNS to Hostinger by changing nameservers and then add the records in hPanel.
For a single VPS the first option is quicker and less disruptive: your email records and anything else on the domain stay untouched. Change nameservers only if you want everything managed in one dashboard.
| Option | What you change | Best when |
|---|---|---|
| Add A records | Two records at your current DNS host | The domain already has email or other services set up |
| Switch nameservers | Nameservers at your registrar, then records in hPanel | You want domain, DNS and VPS in one Hostinger account |
Step 1 — Find your VPS IP address
In hPanel, open VPS, pick your server and look at the overview. You'll see an IPv4 address (four numbers, like 203.0.113.10) and usually an IPv6 address as well. Copy the IPv4 one; that's the one every record below needs.
Step 2 — Add the records
Whichever DNS host you use, the records are the same. In hPanel that's Domains → your domain → DNS / Nameservers. At GoDaddy it's the DNS tab of the domain, at Namecheap it's Advanced DNS.
Before you add anything, delete any existing A records for `@` and `www` that point somewhere else, such as a parking page. Two A records with different IPs means visitors land on either server at random.
| Type | Name / Host | Value | TTL |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | @ | Your VPS IPv4 | 300 while testing, 3600 after |
| A | www | Your VPS IPv4 | 300 while testing, 3600 after |
| AAAA (optional) | @ | Your VPS IPv6 | Same as above |
Step 3 (optional) — Switch nameservers to Hostinger
If you'd rather manage DNS in hPanel, set the nameservers at your registrar to the two Hostinger shows you in hPanel (at the time of writing, ns1.dns-parking.com and ns2.dns-parking.com). Then add the records from Step 2 inside hPanel.
Copy any MX, TXT (SPF, DKIM, verification) and CNAME records across first. Changing nameservers replaces the whole zone, so anything you don't recreate stops working, and email is usually the first thing to break.
Step 4 — Check propagation
Most changes are visible within minutes, though resolvers that cached the old record can hold it until the old TTL runs out. Nameserver changes can take up to 24 to 48 hours.
dig +short example.com A
dig +short www.example.com A
# Ask a public resolver directly, bypassing your local cache
dig +short example.com A @1.1.1.1
dig +short example.com AAAA @1.1.1.1Step 5 — Set the reverse DNS (PTR) if you'll send email
If the server sends mail directly (password resets, contact forms), set a PTR record so the IP resolves back to your hostname. Hostinger lets you edit it from the VPS settings in hPanel. Without it, Gmail and Outlook are far more likely to bin your messages.
If you send through a provider like Hostinger Email or a transactional service, you can skip this.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take for a domain to point to my VPS?
A new A record usually works within a few minutes. If you changed nameservers, allow up to 24 to 48 hours, although it is often much faster.
Should www be an A record or a CNAME?
Either works. A CNAME from www to the root domain means you only update one record if the IP ever changes; two A records are simpler to reason about. Don't create both for the same name.
Do I need to buy the domain from Hostinger?
No. Any registrar works. You only need access to its DNS settings to add the A records.
Why does my domain still show the old site?
Your computer or ISP has the old record cached. Check with `dig @1.1.1.1`, flush your local DNS cache, or try from mobile data. If the public resolver shows the new IP, it's only a cache.
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