Prerequisites & What You Need

Before uploading, make sure you have everything in order. Rushing this step leads to 90% of beginner frustrations.

Prepare Your HTML Files Correctly

The single most important rule: your main homepage file must be named index.html. When someone visits your domain, the server looks for index.html (or index.php) first. Any other filename and visitors will see a blank directory or error page.

Correct File Structure

# ✅ Correct structure — index.html at root level
my-website/
├── index.html         ← Homepage (required)
├── about.html
├── contact.html
├── css/
│   └── style.css
├── js/
│   └── script.js
└── images/
    ├── logo.png
    └── hero.jpg

# ❌ Wrong — index.html buried in a subfolder
my-website/
└── src/
    └── index.html   ← Visitors won't find this

Make sure all your file paths in HTML are relative (e.g., css/style.css, not C:/Users/yourname/my-website/css/style.css). Absolute local paths will break on the server.

Access the Hostinger hPanel

Hostinger uses its own custom control panel called hPanel instead of the traditional cPanel. It's clean, fast, and beginner-friendly.

Method 1 — File Manager Upload

The File Manager is the easiest way to upload files — no extra software needed, works entirely in your browser. Best for sites with fewer than 20–30 files.

Method 2 — ZIP File Upload & Extract

If your website has many files and folders, uploading one by one is painfully slow. The ZIP method lets you upload everything in a single file, then extract it on the server. This is ideal for medium-to-large static sites.

# Windows
Select all files inside your website folder (Ctrl+A)
Right-click → Send to → Compressed (zipped) folder
# Name it: website.zip

# Mac
Select all files → Right-click → Compress X items
# This creates Archive.zip

# Linux / Terminal
cd /path/to/my-website
zip -r website.zip .
# The . includes all files in current directory

Method 3 — FTP Upload with FileZilla

FTP (File Transfer Protocol) gives you full control over your file uploads. It's faster for large sites, supports drag-and-drop folder transfers, and is the preferred method for developers who update their sites frequently.

FileZilla → File → Site Manager → New Site

Protocol:   FTP - File Transfer Protocol
Host:       ftp.yourdomain.com   (from hPanel FTP Accounts)
Port:       21               (default FTP port)
Logon Type: Normal
User:       your_ftp_username  (from hPanel)
Password:   your_ftp_password  (from hPanel)

# Click Connect → Accept the certificate if prompted

Connect Your Domain to Hostinger

If you purchased your domain through Hostinger, it's likely already connected to your hosting. If you bought it from another registrar (GoDaddy, Namecheap, Google Domains, etc.), you'll need to point its DNS nameservers to Hostinger.

Option A — Domain Registered with Hostinger

Go to hPanel → Domains. If your domain is listed and shows "Active," it's already connected to your hosting. Skip to Section 8.

Option B — Domain from Another Registrar

Test Your Live Website & Troubleshoot

Once DNS has propagated, open your domain in a browser. Here's a checklist to verify everything is working correctly.

• Homepage loads at yourdomain.com (not a directory listing or error page)
• All images display correctly (no broken image icons)
• CSS styling is applied (page looks like your local version)
• Navigation links work and go to the correct pages
• JavaScript features behave as expected
• Site loads over HTTPS (check for padlock icon in browser)
• Test on mobile using your phone's browser (not connected to WiFi)

Common Issues & Fixes

Enable Free SSL (HTTPS)

Hostinger includes a free Let's Encrypt SSL certificate with all plans. You must activate it manually:

Quick Reference — Which Method to Use?

Publishing your first website is a milestone — and Hostinger makes it accessible even for complete beginners. Bookmark this guide and refer back whenever you need to update your site or troubleshoot an issue. Happy hosting!