The process of transferring a domain name from one web hosting service to another will vary slightly depending on where you purchased your domain and where you are transferring it to. However, the steps generally involve the same process.
For most major web hosting providers, the process will be as simple as logging into the account where you registered your domain, confirming your details, and unlocking your domain. Then, from your new web hosting account, you can initiate a domain transfer, which will automatically process the transfer and finalize it after your confirmation.
Here’s how to transfer a domain name from one host to another:
1. Go to your domain and confirm your contact information
To get started, go to your domain name and verify that your contact information is still correct. If you have domain name privacy, you will need to turn it off in order to process the transfer. Additionally, depending on your domain registrar, you may also need to update your nameservers to reflect the nameservers of your new web hosting provider.
For example, if you transfer your domain to HostGator, your nameservers could be:
- ns0000.hostgator.com
- ns1111.hostgator.com
To do this, simply copy and paste the nameservers from your web hosting account to your domain registrar.
2. Unblock your domain name
Domain names are locked by default so you don’t delete or edit them by mistake. Therefore, the first step in transferring your domain name to a new host is to unlock it. The option would be under the Security or a similar title in the domain dashboard.
For example, this web hosting service provider gives it as Anti-theft protection.
If you have multiple domain names with the host, you will need to go to the specific domain name you wish to transfer.
3. Start the domain transfer with your new host
Next, access your new web hosting account (or cPanel) and initiate the domain transfer. There may be variations between web hosts, but the basic process remains the same.
If you are transferring the domain name to HostGator, click the Transfer domains possibility in the Domain menu at the top of the home page.
Enter your domain name and click To transfer. You will get a list of transfer eligibility criteria.
The process of transferring a domain to HostGator requires an authorization code. You must submit an authorization code request, or Authorization code, from your existing host after unlocking this domain. It usually takes up to five days to get an authorization code.
To research Transfer a domain option in your dashboard. Provide the authorization code and the domain name you wish to transfer.
4. Allow domain transfer
Then, authorize the domain transfer and relax. The processing will take a few days. Once the process is complete, you will receive a notification in your email. During the domain transfer process, you should be able to access your domain from the old host.
Note that the authorization request can take up to a week to be processed. Once you can access your domain from the new host, you should go ahead and cancel the old one so you don’t have to pay for the service.
