> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.hostinger.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.hostinger.com/hostinger-connector/installation-and-setup.md).

# Installation & Setup

This guide walks through installing the Hostinger Connector extension and connecting it to your Hostinger account.

## Prerequisites

* A [supported editor](/hostinger-connector/overview.md#supported-editors-and-tools) — Visual Studio Code 1.99+, Cursor, Windsurf, Devin Desktop, or Antigravity
* **Node.js 18 or later** installed on your machine (the Connector can install it for you — see below)
* A Hostinger account

## Step 1: Install the extension

1. Open the **Extensions** panel in your editor (`Ctrl+Shift+X` / `Cmd+Shift+X`).
2. Search for **"Hostinger Connector"**.
3. Click **Install**.

After installation, a **Hostinger** icon appears in the Activity Bar (the vertical bar on the side of your editor).

## Step 2: Check Node.js

The Hostinger Connector runs Hostinger's MCP servers using Node.js, so Node.js 18+ is required. The sidebar shows your Node.js status automatically:

* **Node.js X.Y.Z ✓** — you're ready to connect.
* **Node.js Required** (red banner) — Node.js is missing or older than 18. Click **Install** (or **Update**) in the banner and the Connector installs it for you using your system's package manager (Homebrew on macOS, winget or Chocolatey on Windows, apt/dnf/pacman on Linux). The sidebar updates automatically once installation finishes — no restart needed.

If automatic installation isn't possible, the Connector opens the [Node.js download page](https://nodejs.org) so you can install it manually. After a manual install, restart your editor.

## Step 3: Connect your Hostinger account

There are two ways to connect. OAuth sign-in is recommended for most users.

### Option A: One-click sign-in (recommended)

1. Click the **Hostinger** icon in the Activity Bar.
2. Click **1-Click Connect**.
3. Your browser opens the Hostinger sign-in page. Log in and approve the connection.
4. Return to your editor — the sidebar status turns green: **Connected** (via OAuth).

Sign-in must be completed within 3 minutes. If the browser doesn't open automatically, the sign-in link is printed in the editor's terminal so you can open it manually.

### Option B: API token (advanced)

Use an API token if you prefer explicit credentials, or if you're connecting in an environment where a browser sign-in isn't possible.

1. In [hPanel](https://hpanel.hostinger.com/api), go to the **API** page and click **Generate new token**. Copy the token.
2. In the Hostinger sidebar, expand **Advanced: Connect with API token**.
3. Paste your token and click **Connect with API token**.

Alternatively, open the Command Palette (`Ctrl+Shift+P` / `Cmd+Shift+P`) and run **Hostinger: Set API Token (Optional)**.

Your token is stored in the editor's encrypted secret storage. Only one connection method can be active at a time — setting a token while signed in with OAuth signs you out of OAuth first.

## Step 4: Restart if needed

* **Visual Studio Code:** tools become available immediately (reload the window if you don't see them).
* **Cursor, Windsurf, Devin Desktop, Antigravity:** fully quit and reopen the editor once after connecting, so it picks up the new MCP configuration.

## Step 5: Try it out

Open your AI assistant's chat and ask something like:

> List my Hostinger websites

If the assistant responds with your websites, you're all set. See [Using the Connector](/hostinger-connector/using-the-connector.md) for more examples and configuration options.

## Disconnecting

To disconnect your account, either:

* Click **Disconnect** in the Hostinger sidebar, or
* Run **Hostinger: Disconnect** from the Command Palette.

This signs you out, deletes stored credentials, and removes the Hostinger MCP configuration from all managed editors and tools.

> **Tip:** If you plan to uninstall the extension, disconnect first. Uninstalling without disconnecting can leave stale MCP configuration entries behind.

***

*Last updated: July 21, 2026*