What Does It Mean To Transfer A Domain
When you say you want to transfer a domain we are referring to changing the company that you pay yearly for the domains registration- the domain registrar. Domain transfers do not affect your website code or structure, but they affect who your domain is registered through. If you want to have all your domains and hosting in one place so you can pay for them and manage them all in one place, you will want to transfer a domain to InMotion Hosting. More information about this can be found in our article, the difference between transferring a domain name and changing the nameservers.
If youre looking for information on how to transfer your website to InMotion Hosting, please see our New Customer Website Getting Started Guide.
Prepare Your Domain For Transfer:
- Unlock your domain remove the Registrar lock you may have set for added security
- Obtain the Auth/EPP code from the current Registrar:
Auth/EPP codes are required for all .com, .net, .org, .us, .biz, .info, .me, .co, .io, .ca, .tv, .in, .mobi, .cc, .pe, .com.pe, .net.pe, .org.pe, .tech, .top, .party, .loan, .faith and other new gTLD domains. If you cannot request an EPP code in account with your Registrar, contact them and ask to provide it to you.
Transfer Shopify Domain To WordPress
WordPress is a PHP-based open-source CMS used in conjunction with a MySQL or MariaDB database. WordPress offers a simplified website design requiring minimal coding. Heres how to transfer your Shopify domain to WordPress:
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Get The New Nameserver Values
First things first, find a list of nameservers from your new hosting provider. The information is usually provided on the companys documentation page or in the post-purchase email.
If you still cant find the info, you should contact your hosting provider.
At Hostinger, you can find all DNS-related information in Hosting -> Accounts -> Details.
The list of nameservers often look like this:
ns1.dns-parking.comns2.dns-parking.com
Web hosts usually provide two or more nameservers. Take note of all these addresses because youll need to enter them into your domain registrars control panel.
Already Have A Domain
If youve already registered a domain name from a third-party provider, you can simply transfer it to Squarespace.
Search for your name, business, or brand name.
Check the availability of domain names on a wide range of domain extensions.
Select one or more domain names and domain extensions.
Register your selected domains with Squarespace so you can manage them in one place.
Check out and pay.
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B Redirecting Just The Emails
In this case, youre only getting a new provider for your email while leaving your website and everything else with the current web host.
To do this, were going to use whats called your domains MX records. From a users point of view, an MX record is a simple note that specifies the address of the mail server youre using.
Just like with nameservers, setting MX records works differently with each web host and domain registrar.
First, go to your new email hosting provider and find out what their MX addresses are. The fastest way to get this info is to reach out to the support team of the host.
Once you have these values, youll need to set them with your domain registrar. Again, depending on which registrar youre using, you might find this setting in different places. The support trick works here as well. Simply reach out to the registrars support team and ask where to set the MX records for your domain.
For example, if you have your domain on GoDaddy, log in to your user panel, and click on DNS next to your domain name:
On the next page, click on ADD below the list of the current records.
From the dropdown, select MX and fill out the remaining fields accordingly based on the MX values given to you by the new hosting provider.
When you approve the changes, your domain will be redirected successfully.
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How To Transfer Your Domain To A New Host
Now that you understand why you might want to transfer your domain name, its time to discuss how to get it done. Youll need two things: a domain thats still active, and an account on the platform where you want to transfer it to. The latter is easy enough to secure just sign up to your new web host or registrar as you would any other site. Then proceed to the first step.
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Transferring A Domain Names Registration
Switching the registrar for your domain name can be a hassle because of checks in the system against fraudulent domain transfers of ownership, which used to be a regular occurrence in the earlier days of the commercial Internet. The current system has two main protections: a domain name lock at your current registrar that prevents changes by any party, and an authorization code for transferring a domain name that is typically mailed to the administrative address in a domain name registration. Make sure that your registration record has a current email address for you otherwise you add time and frustration to making the transfer.
You cant transfer a domain within 60 days of registering it. GoDaddy claims on its transfer support page that changing other details of your registration can also put a 60-day lock in effect, but that is not ICANN policy, and you may need to call GoDaddynot email the companyto make it start the transfer.
If youve opted for private registration with a domain host, that adds another step that you need to take care of first. Private registration, which has a murky but acceptable status in the domain world, puts your domain in a kind of escrow in which the DNS host registers the domain in its name, even though you own it. Those trying to pull information out of the public registration records cant get at your mailing address, phone number, or email.
Heres the sequence you need to follow at your current registrar:
How To Transfer Domain To Hostgator
Once you have gone through the pre-transfer checklist, youre now ready to transfer your domain! Please make sure to have your EPP code handy.
Step 1: Check for possible domain transfer issues
There are two ways to check your domain for possible issues the Customer Portal and Front-of-Site.
Customer Portal
When attempting to transfer your domain, HostGator automatically checks several possible issues that may prevent your domain from transferring. Youll receive a screen like this one:
This list checks for all of the things that HostGator can check directly.
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Confirming Your Domain Transfer
If the EPP was incorrect, you will receive an email on the accounts administrative email address that should be used to confirm the domain transfer. You have to follow the instructions. You may receive a second email from your current registrar asking you to confirm the transfer again. When the operation is complete, you will receive a confirmation email from SiteGround.
Read more what happens after you have ordered a domain name transfer in this article.
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Best Vps Host With A Free Transfer
As we move to the higher levels of web hosting, many providers will expect customers to know a lot more about server maintenance and management. Those with virtual private servers, root access, or other administrative roles, however, are likely facing higher stakes than those with personal shared hosting accounts or blogs. Because performance and security are critical to an online business, VPS customers may prefer to rely on the experts to move their site. Those types of managed services take the stress out of the move and guarantee any downtime will be minimal.
Youll likely need a VPS host that provides some form of managed services to move your site, as unmanaged plans sometimes tend to resemble the Wild West anything goes. Managed services and customer support are key to successful experiences with VPS or cloud hosting, in our opinion, and this host is one of the best at blending modern infrastructures with helpful service:
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Create Your Site Backup For Migration Using Duplicator
Go to the admin area of the site you want to move, and install the Duplicator plugin. Its one of the best WordPress plugins for migrations and backups. If you dont know how to install a plugin, please refer to our step-by-step guide on installing a WordPress plugin.
Once youve installed the Duplicator plugin, go to Duplicator » Packages in your WordPress dashboard.
Then, click the Create New button in the right-hand corner of the page.
Next, youll see a page like the one pictured below. Click the Next button to start the package building process.
From there, itll take you to the second step in the package building process. Make sure that your scan is complete and all the results are Good. Then, click the Build button.
Wait until the process is complete. This may take a while, depending on how large your site is.
Once the process is complete, youll see download options for Installer, Archive, and One-Click Download. Youll need to click on One-Click Download because youll need both your Installer and Archive files.
The Archive file is a copy of your site, and the Installer file will help you automatically download the installation process.
What Is A Domain Transfer
A domain transfer is the process of switching your domain name from one registrar to another. To be eligible for a transfer, you must have been with your current registrar for at least 60 days, since ICANN enforces a 60-day Change of Registrant lock.
You might want to initiate a domain transfer for a number of reasons. Maybe your current registrar has suddenly increased their prices, or your site is taking more time to load. Maybe you’ve found a better deal somewhere else and prefer to consolidate multiple domains under a single DNS registrar.
Whatever the reason, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to transfer a domain.
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Why And How To Transfer Your Domain
Let’s say you already have a great domain name, but you’re not happy with your domain registrar. Don’t worry, you can transfer your domain to another registrar. So how do you figure out if transferring is right for you? Here are a few things to consider.
Why transfer?
Not all domain registrars are the same. From the features they provide to how reliable they are, there’s a lot more to registrars than just selling you names. If you’re not satisfied with your registrar, the good news is you’re not locked in. You can make a switch anytime.
Dont Fear Domain Transfers
Transferring a domain is normally a pretty quick and simple process. Only in some exceptional cases are such transfers not immediately realized. For example, its not always possible to transfer a domain if the web address has been recently purchased. In this case, domain locking can inhibit a domain transfer for a certain period.
- Domain administration
Just because a domain has expired, doesnt mean it has to be kicked to the curb immediately. It is worth considering turning the internet address into a parked domain for a certain period of time in order to generate advertising revenue. This allows domain owners to bide their time and come up with a new web project for the domain or to find a suitable buyer.
- Domain administration
So you want to redirect your domains or subdomains to other URLS, but you dont know how?Essentially, domain redirects can be carried out on both a server-side as well as client-side basis. These are divided into two categories: the first one consists of redirects via .htaccess or PHP. Client-side options rely on the HTML meta tag, refresh, or JavaScript. Find out here which option is best for…
- Domain administration
- Technical matters
The Auth Code or AuthInfo Code is required when you want to move your domain to another provider. By requesting the code, the new provider can ensure that you are the registered user of the domain. It is crucial that you keep this information private. The Auth Code is the key to your domain.
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Retrieve The Transfer Code
Once the status is set to Disabled, a link labelled AUTH/INFO will appear. Clicking on this link will open a window that contains your AUTH/INFO code .
The code will be requested by your new registrar to complete the transfer process. You can verify the details with your provider.
Make sure to copy and paste the code as opposed to typing it by hand, since some characters are easily confused.
Initiate The Domain Transfer With Your New Web Host
Next, go to your new web hosting account and initiate the domain transfer. There may be some variation between the web hosts but the basic process remains the same.
If you are transferring the domain name to HostGator, click on the Transfer Domains option in the Domain menu at the top of the home page.
Enter your domain name and click on Transfer. You will get a list of transfer eligibility criteria.
The process of transferring a domain to HostGator requires an authorization code. You must put in a request for authorization code, or AuthCode, from your existing web host after unlocking that domain. It typically takes up to five days to get an authorization code.
Search for Transfer a domain option in your dashboard. Provide the authorization code and the domain name you want to transfer.
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Authorize The Domain Transfer
Once you enter the authorization code, you’ll be contacted by both your old registrar and your new provider. You’ll be asked to confirm your contact details and officially approve the transfer. Ensure the contact info you’ve provided to both registrars is correct and be prepared to answer questions about why you’re leaving your current service.
Key Things To Consider When Considering A New Registrar
1. FeaturesEvery registrar offers a suite of features and services, such as privacy protection, web hosting and email. If you don’t have all the features you want with your current registrar, you may wish to take advantage of a better package offered by a different registrar.
In addition to comparing features, it’s also important to look at how the features and services are priced and implemented:
- Price: Do the features you need cost extra or are they included as part of the package?
- Ease of use: Are the features you need easy to implement? Will they require manual effort on your part, or does the registrar offer some simple tools to make things like domain management easier for you?
- Support: Will customer support be available when you need it?
- Provider: Who provides the features they’re selling? Some registrars offer all their own services for email and web hosting, while others partner with third-party providers.
2. PriceLook critically at the price structure of your domain registrar, because each one is different. Some registrars might charge extra fees for services you consider critical, while others may offer the same services at no additional charge. Some may offer a low price for the first year, but then have much higher renewal rates. If your domain registrar is charging you more than you would be charged elsewhere, you may want to look for a less expensive registrar.
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