How to Deploy a React Website on Hostinger

How to Deploy a React Website on Hostinger | Complete Guide (2026)

Learn how to deploy a React application on Hostinger using hPanel. This beginner-friendly guide covers building your project, uploading files, configuring routing, and troubleshooting common deployment issues.

Deploying a React application doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you’ve built your project with Vite or Create React App, Hostinger provides an affordable and reliable platform for hosting static React websites.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to deploy your React project on Hostinger in just a few simple steps.


Prerequisites

Before you begin, make sure you have:

  • A Hostinger hosting account
  • A registered domain connected to your hosting
  • Node.js installed on your computer
  • A completed React project
  • FTP access (optional)

Step 1: Build Your React Project

Navigate to your project directory.

For Vite:

npm run build

This generates a dist folder containing the production-ready files.

For Create React App:

npm run build

This generates a build folder.


Step 2: Log in to Hostinger hPanel

  1. Open your Hostinger account.
  2. Go to Websites.
  3. Click Manage.
  4. Open File Manager.

Navigate to:

public_html

This is where your website files should be uploaded.


Step 3: Remove Default Files

Delete the default files inside public_html, such as:

index.php
default.php

Your React application will replace these files.


Step 4: Upload the Build Files

For Vite

Open the dist folder and upload all files and folders inside it.

Do not upload the dist folder itself.

Correct structure:

public_html/
│
├── assets/
├── favicon.ico
├── index.html
└── ...

For Create React App

Upload everything inside the build folder.


Step 5: Configure React Routing

If you’re using React Router, refreshing a page like:

example.com/dashboard

may display a 404 Not Found error.

Create a file named:

.htaccess

inside public_html and add the following:

<IfModule mod_rewrite.c>
RewriteEngine On
RewriteBase /
RewriteRule ^index\.html$ - [L]
RewriteCond %{REQUEST_FILENAME} !-f
RewriteCond %{REQUEST_FILENAME} !-d
RewriteRule . /index.html [L]
</IfModule>

This ensures all routes are handled by your React application.


Step 6: Visit Your Website

Open your browser and visit:

https://yourdomain.com

Your React website should now be live.


Deploying React in a Subfolder

If your application is hosted in:

https://yourdomain.com/app

For Vite, update vite.config.js:

export default defineConfig({
  base: "/app/",
});

Rebuild the project:

npm run build

Upload the new dist folder.


Connecting a Custom Domain

Inside Hostinger:

  1. Open Domains.
  2. Point your domain to your hosting.
  3. Enable SSL.
  4. Wait for DNS propagation.

After propagation, your website will be available securely over HTTPS.


Enable SSL

Hostinger offers free SSL certificates.

  1. Open SSL in hPanel.
  2. Enable SSL.
  3. Wait a few minutes.
  4. Force HTTPS if necessary.

Common Deployment Issues

White Screen After Deployment

Possible causes:

  • Incorrect asset paths
  • JavaScript errors
  • Missing files

Check the browser console for details.


404 on Refresh

Solution:

Create the .htaccess file shown earlier.


CSS or Images Not Loading

This usually happens when the base path is incorrect.

For Vite:

base: "/"

or

base: "/your-folder/"

depending on your deployment.


Website Shows Hostinger Default Page

Clear the contents of public_html before uploading your React build.


Updating Your Website

Whenever you make changes:

npm run build

Upload the newly generated files to public_html, replacing the existing ones.


Best Practices

  • Always deploy production builds.
  • Enable SSL for secure connections.
  • Compress images to improve performance.
  • Use browser caching where possible.
  • Test your site on mobile devices.
  • Back up your website before major updates.

Conclusion

Deploying a React application on Hostinger is straightforward. Build your project, upload the production files to public_html, configure React Router with an .htaccess file, and your website is ready for visitors.

Whether you’re using Vite or Create React App, following these steps will ensure a fast, secure, and reliable deployment.

Happy coding!


Frequently Asked Questions

Can I host a React app on Hostinger?

Yes. Since React applications compile into static HTML, CSS, and JavaScript files, they can be hosted on Hostinger’s shared hosting plans.

Does React Router work on Hostinger?

Yes. Add the appropriate .htaccess rewrite rules so all routes are redirected to index.html.

Do I need Node.js on Hostinger?

No. Node.js is only required on your local machine to build the React project. Hostinger serves the generated static files.

Should I upload the dist folder?

No. Upload the contents of the dist (or build) folder directly into public_html, not the folder itself.

Is Hostinger good for React?

Yes. Hostinger is a cost-effective option for hosting static React websites, offering SSL support, a file manager, and fast loading speeds.

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