Setting up different domains per language requires the WPML plugin. Make sure to get a WPML plan in order to use this feature.
Using different domains per language lets you organize translations into separate subdomains and country code top-level domains (ccTLD). Besides improving the user experience, using different domains per language strengthens your multilingual SEO by targeting specific languages or geographic regions more effectively.
example.com – default
es.example.com – Spanish
example.es – Spain
With WPML, the most popular multilingual plugin, you can easily set up different domains per language using a single WordPress installation, saving you time and money by managing all languages from one website.
Step 1 - Purchase a domain
To get started, purchase the domain you'd like to use. You may buy new domains in the Domains tab inside your Hostinger account or go to Domain Checker page.
Step 2 - Configure DNS records
Next, you need to match the DNS records of your secondary domain with those of your primary one. This includes:
A Record – add or update the A record to point to the same IP address as the primary domain.
CNAME Records – set the www subdomain to point to the primary domain's www CNAME or CDN endpoint.
TXT Records – add DMARC and SPF records for email authentication and delivery services.
MX Records – match mail servers (MX records) to the primary domain to route emails correctly.
To configure your secondary domain DNS settings, go to the Domain portfolio area and click the Manage button on your secondary domain. Next, switch to the DNS/Nameservers tab and make the necessary changes.
💡 DNS settings take up to 24h to update so don’t worry if you don’t see your changes take effect immediately. You may check our article regarding propagation: [What is DNS propagation?]
Step 3 - Park your secondary domain
Once your DNS settings have taken effect, go to the Websites tab of your hPanel and click the Dashboard on your primary domain. Then, switch to the Parked Domains tab to enter your secondary domain, and click Park.
Step 4 - Install WPML
Finally, the last step is to install WPML on your primary domain and finalize your multi-site setup.
To do this, download the plugin from your WPML account and upload it to your WordPress site. Once activated, go to WPML → Setup and make sure to choose the different domain per language option during step two.
If WPML returns a “success” message, it indicates that the setup is correct and the domains are properly configured. At this stage, translations will be automatically displayed on the secondary domain, while the original content will remain on the primary domain.
To learn more about translating your content, see WPML’s guide for translating WordPress websites.