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A tour of hPanel: where every Hostinger setting lives
A tour of Hostinger's hPanel: log in, then find WordPress installs, email, domains and DNS, SSL, backups, File Manager, PHP version and billing in seconds.
By Mr. Ahmed · 20+ years in tech
Published · 7 min read
The short answer
- 01hPanel is Hostinger's own control panel; Hostinger does not use cPanel, but hPanel has the same core features under plainer names.
- 02You log in at hpanel.hostinger.com with your Hostinger email and password, or the Google or Facebook account you signed up with.
- 03Six top-level sections cover almost everything: Websites, Emails, Domains, Hosting or VPS, Billing and Account.
- 04WordPress content is managed at yoursite.com/wp-admin, which is a separate login from hPanel.
- 05Auto-renewal for every plan is switched on or off under Billing, then Subscriptions.
hPanel versus cPanel
hPanel is the control panel Hostinger built for itself. Everything you buy, whether websites, domains, email or billing, is managed from it. If you've used other hosts you might expect cPanel. Hostinger doesn't use it. The layout differs, but the familiar tools are all present, usually with plainer labels.
There's nothing to install or configure. hPanel is ready the moment the account is active.
Signing in
It takes a couple of minutes the first time.
- 1Go to hpanel.hostinger.com and bookmark it, or click Login at the top of hostinger.com.
- 2Sign in with your Hostinger email and password, or with the Google or Facebook account you registered with.
- 3Enable two-factor authentication under account security. Your hosting and domains are worth the extra step.
- 4You arrive on the Home screen, which lists your websites and anything needing attention.
The six sections worth memorizing
Nearly every setting sits under one of these. Know them and you'll stop hunting.
| Section | What it's for |
|---|---|
| Websites | Open a site to manage WordPress, files, databases, SSL and backups |
| Emails | Create and manage mailboxes, open webmail, view IMAP and SMTP settings |
| Domains | Domains you own, DNS records, nameservers and transfers |
| Hosting / VPS | Plan-level settings, resource usage, PHP version, server tools |
| Billing | Subscriptions, invoices, payment methods, auto-renewal |
| Account | Security, two-factor, team access, personal details |
Getting a site online
Open Websites and add a new site or open an existing one. Hostinger's onboarding gives two paths: install WordPress in a few clicks, or let the AI Website Builder generate a site. Choose WordPress for full control and plugins. Choose the Builder if you want something live quickly and don't want to maintain it.
After install you get a WordPress admin link, yoursite.com/wp-admin. That's a separate login. hPanel runs the hosting; wp-admin runs the content. If you're still deciding between the two paths, read Website Builder vs WordPress.
What people look for in week one
These are the settings new users search for most. Knowing where they are saves you a support chat.
- SSL (the padlock): open the website, find SSL, and make sure the free certificate is active so the site serves over https.
- Email: create you@yourdomain.com under Emails. The email setup guide has the full walkthrough.
- DNS records: under the domain, open DNS / Nameservers to point a subdomain, verify a service or connect email.
- Backups: open the website, then Files, then Backups, to download or restore a copy. Turn automatic backups on.
- File Manager: browse and edit site files in the browser, no FTP client needed.
- PHP version: in the hosting or advanced settings. Keep it current for speed and security.
Domains and DNS
Domains shows everything you own. Inside each one you can edit DNS records (A, CNAME, MX, TXT), change nameservers, fetch the transfer (EPP) code and toggle auto-renewal.
Keep in mind that hosting and domains are separate subscriptions. Renewing or cancelling one leaves the other untouched. That catches people who only meant to drop the hosting; the cancellation guide explains how to handle both.
Billing, renewals and getting help
Billing → Subscriptions lists every plan with its renewal date. Turn off auto-renewal, update the card or download invoices here. Hostinger emails before a renewal, but this screen is the place to check.
Stuck? Live chat runs 24/7 inside hPanel, and the Knowledge Base is searchable from the help icon. If you're buying another plan, WEBHOST2026 takes an extra 20% off at checkout.
Questions people ask
How do I log in to hPanel?
Go to hpanel.hostinger.com, or click Login on hostinger.com, and sign in with your Hostinger email and password or the Google or Facebook account you registered with. Turn on two-factor authentication once inside.
Does Hostinger use cPanel?
No. Hostinger uses its own control panel, hPanel, which has the features you'd expect from cPanel, including file manager, databases, email, DNS and SSL, organized differently.
Where do I install WordPress in hPanel?
In Websites. Add or open a site and choose the WordPress install option. Afterward, manage content at yoursite.com/wp-admin, which is a separate login.
Where is SSL in hPanel?
Inside the website, under the Websites section. Open the site, find SSL, and confirm the free certificate is active.
Where do I switch off auto-renewal?
In Billing, then Subscriptions. Open each plan and turn auto-renewal off. Hosting and domains are separate, so do it for each subscription you don't want renewed.
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