Transferring your domain to a new registrar or hosting provider can be a smooth process—if done correctly. The biggest concern for businesses and website owners is ensuring there’s no downtime during the transfer.
If your website goes offline, it can lead to lost visitors, revenue, and SEO rankings. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to transfer your domain safely while keeping your website live throughout the process.
Why Transfer Your Domain?
There are several reasons why you might need to transfer your domain to a new provider:
✅ Better Pricing – You’ve found a registrar with better renewal rates or a promotion.
✅ Consolidation – You want to manage multiple domains under a single provider.
✅ Improved Support – Your current registrar doesn’t offer the level of support you need.
✅ Better Features – The new provider offers additional services, such as enhanced security, email hosting, or DNS management.
✅ Business Changes – Your company has rebranded, changed ownership, or needs a domain under a new management system.
Whatever the reason, the goal is to ensure a seamless transition without disrupting your website, emails, or online presence.
Step-by-Step Guide to Transferring Your Domain Without Downtime
Step 1: Check Your Domain’s Eligibility for Transfer
Before starting, confirm that your domain is eligible for transfer. Here are some things to check:
🔹 60-Day Lock Rule – Domains cannot be transferred within 60 days of initial registration or a previous transfer.
🔹 Domain Expiration Date – Ensure your domain is not expired. It’s best to start the transfer at least a month before expiration to avoid complications.
🔹 No Pending Changes – If you recently changed registrant details, nameservers, or contact information, your domain may have a temporary transfer lock applied.
📝 Tip: If your domain is locked, you can request an unlock from your current provider.
Step 2: Backup Important Website & Email Data
Before initiating the transfer, back up your website files, databases, and email accounts (if applicable).
✔️ If you use a website builder or WordPress, take a full backup via your hosting control panel.
✔️ If your domain includes email hosting, note down MX records and email settings to avoid disruptions.
🔹 Website Backup: Use cPanel, FTP, or a backup plugin (if using WordPress).
🔹 Email Backup: Export important emails if you’re changing email providers.
Step 3: Update Your DNS Records (If Changing Registrars & Hosting Providers)
If you’re transferring your domain but also moving to a new hosting provider, you’ll need to update your DNS settings before initiating the transfer.
1️⃣ Log into your current registrar.
2️⃣ Find the DNS or Nameserver Settings.
3️⃣ Update the nameservers to point to your new hosting provider’s servers.
4️⃣ Wait for DNS propagation (can take up to 24 hours).
📝 Tip: If you’re keeping the same hosting provider and only changing the domain registrar, your website should remain unaffected.
Step 4: Unlock Your Domain & Retrieve the EPP Code
To begin the transfer, follow these steps:
🔹 Unlock your domain – Log in to your current registrar and disable the domain lock.
🔹 Retrieve your EPP/Auth Code – This is a unique authorization code needed for the transfer.
✔️ Some registrars allow you to request the EPP code via email, while others generate it inside the dashboard.
📝 Tip: Some domains (like .AU) may not require an EPP code but might need a domain password instead.
Step 5: Initiate the Transfer with Your New Registrar
Now that your domain is unlocked and you have the EPP code, it’s time to start the transfer:
1️⃣ Log into your new domain registrar.
2️⃣ Enter your domain name in the transfer section.
3️⃣ Provide the EPP/Auth Code when prompted.
4️⃣ Confirm transfer settings and continue to checkout.
At this stage, your new provider will notify your current registrar about the transfer.
✔️ You may receive an email from your old registrar asking to confirm the transfer. Approve it if required.
Step 6: Keep Your Website & Email Active During Transfer
Once the transfer begins, it can take 24-7 days for the domain to fully transfer. However, your website and emails can stay active if you’ve already updated the DNS settings before initiating the transfer.
✔️ If your nameservers remain unchanged, your website will not go down.
✔️ If you moved hosting, DNS propagation will ensure your new hosting takes over smoothly.
📝 Tip: Avoid making major changes to your website or emails during the transfer period.
Step 7: Verify the Transfer & Update Contact Information
Once the transfer is completed:
✔️ Log into your new registrar and verify that the domain is listed under your account.
✔️ Update your contact details (especially WHOIS information, if applicable).
✔️ Check your website & email to ensure everything is running as expected.
Congratulations! 🎉 Your domain has successfully transferred without any downtime!
Common Issues & How to Fix Them
❌ Transfer Delayed or Stuck?
✅ Check your email for any verification requests from your old registrar.
✅ Some registrars take longer than others (up to 7 days). Contact support if needed.
❌ Website Not Loading After Transfer?
✅ Double-check your DNS records—they may still be pointing to the old hosting provider.
✅ If you changed nameservers, wait 24 hours for propagation.
❌ Emails Not Working?
✅ If you changed email providers, ensure your MX records are correctly set up.
✅ Log into your email provider’s control panel and verify your domain connection.
Final Thoughts: Should You Transfer Your Domain?
Transferring your domain doesn’t have to be complicated. By preparing in advance, updating your DNS settings before the transfer, and following the right steps, you can move your domain without any downtime or data loss.
At Define Hosting, we make domain transfers seamless and stress-free. Whether you’re looking for better pricing, enhanced security, or improved support, our team is here to help you every step of the way.
🔥 Ready to transfer your domain? Visit Define Hosting today and get started! 🚀
