How to Transfer a Domain from One Web Host to Another

Introduction

Are you planning to create a professional website? Then the most primary thing is to consider is selecting a great domain name. Common domain names are sold quickly. Therefore, once you finalize the one for your website, check that it is not taken. You can do this with a domain name search or by paying the selling price if the owner wants to sell the domain name. Or if you’re planning to transfer domain due to slow speed or hacking incidents.

However, purchasing the desired domain name isn’t sufficient because you also need to register your domain name with a DNS (domain name system) registrar. In some cases, your web hosting provider might also function as your registrar; however, this does not have to be so- you might want to host and register with different providers.

But despite that, what do you do if you would like to transfer domain name to a new host? In this blog, we’ll be simplifying the steps for readers who wish to understand how to transfer domain to another host.

Let’s find out:

Domain Transfer Explained

A domain transfer can be described as the process of migrating your domain name from one domain registrar to another. To be authorized for a domain transfer, you should be with your existing registrar for at least 60 days because ICANN requires a 60-day change of registrant lock.

You might want to start a domain transfer for several reasons. Probably your existing registrar has unexpectedly raised their prices, your website is slowed down or you might have found a better deal elsewhere and are inclined towards consolidating several domain names under one domain registrar. 

Irrespective of the reason, let us assist you! The following are the detailed procedures on how to transfer the domain name to a new host.

Domain Name Transfer: Step-By-Step Instructions

Once you decide to switch from your current web host, you start the search for the right web hosting provider who can fulfill your requirements. Once you are done, the biggest hurdle faced is to transfer a domain to the chosen service provider.

No worries, MilesWeb being the leading web hosting service provider will brief you about how to transfer a domain from one host to another in this article.

Crucial Tips for Successful Domain Transfer

Always keep backups of your website and any other critical data before making any changes or transfers. The transfer doesn’t necessarily migrate the website’s content. If you’re also switching web hosting providers, you’ll need to migrate your website data separately. Domains often come with other services like email, SSL certificates, etc. Make sure to account for and set up these services at the new host or registrar. Additionally, you can do free website migration to ensure a smooth transition for your domain.

Checklist for Domain Transfers

(for .com, .net, .org,  .info, .biz, .co.in, .in domains)

Step 1: How to check if the domain is eligible for transfer or not?

• That the domain was created at least 60 days ago.
• That the domain has not been transferred from another registrar in the last 60 days.
• Ensure that the domain’s registrant (owner) information is correct and clearly visible in the who.is.
• Ensure that the owner’s or administrative contact’s e-mail address is valid and is one that you have access to.

Help transferring your domain from current registrar

Below you will find a couple of instructions that can help you to release your domain name from your current registrar.

Make sure that you have:

• Unlocked your domain name.
• Obtained the authorization code of the domain name.
• Access to admin email contact of the domain name.

Step 2: How to unlock domain name

Locked domain names cannot be transferred to another registrar. To transfer your domain name, you must unlock it first.

To unlock:

1. Login to your admin panel
2. Select the domain name from the list you want to transfer, using settings option click the button to OFF and save the changes.
3. If you don’t have access to admin panel, contact your registrar and ask them to unlock the domain.

Step 3: How to obtain authorization code

Authorization Code also called as Auth Code or EPP Key. Most likely there is a link in the User Panel/My account section of the existing domain registrar, from where you can request the Auth code but before applying, verify your administrative contact information.

• Select the domain. On the Settings tab, there is Authorization Code section where you can find “Email my code”, and then click “Send”.
• The authorization code is sent to your administrative contact within 24 hours, mostly instant.
• If you don’t have access to admin panel, contact your registrar and ask them to share the EPP key.

Step 4: Now contact your new registrar

Now the domain status is unlocked and you have the authorization code, share it with “The Web Hosting Provider That You Have Chosen”.

The web hosting provider will initiate the domain transfer process. An email will be sent to the admin email of the domain for acknowledgment.

Once you acknowledge the email, your old registrar will release the domain and new registrar will be ready to accept the domain. After acknowledgment, it takes 4 to 5 days for the domain to transfer to the new registrar.

On transferring a domain to chosen provider, they will go ahead and add one year to the current expiration date of your domain name. In fact, in most cases the transfer fee includes renewal/extension for one year from date of expiry. So when you transfer a domain, one year gets increased to the current validity of the domain.

Make a note that according to ICANN rules, the current registrar must provide you with your authorization code, and help you in unblocking your domain upon your request.