How to Transfer a Domain to a New Host: A Beginner’s Step-by-Step Guide

Learning how to transfer a domain to a new host can be confusing because people often use “domain transfer” and “weme thing. They are not.

A domain transfer moves your domain registration from one registrar to another for billing and management. For example, you may move a domain from GoDaddy or Namecheap to Hostinger. Your website files, WordPress installation, email accounts, and DNS records do not automatically move with the domain. de explains how to transfer a domain safely using Hostinger as the main example. The same process applies to most domain registrars.

Why Transferring a Domain to a New Host Matters

You may want to transfer a domain because you want simpler billing, better renewal pricing, easier DNS management, or fewer accounts to manage.

Many website owners prefer keeping their hosting and domain under one provider. This can make it easier to manage renewals, SSL certificates, DNS records, and support requests from one dashboard.

However, you do not always need to transfer the domain itself. If you are happy with your current registrar but want to use a different web host, you can simply update nameservers or DNS records to point the domain to the new hosting account. Tip:** Transfer your domain only when you want to move its registration and billing to a new provider. If your only goal is moving your website to new hosting, updating DNS records is usually enough.

How to Transfer a Domain to a New Host: What You Need Before Starting

Before starting the transfer, keep these details ready:

Access to your current domain registrar account
Access to your new hosting or domain registrar account
Access to the domain’s administrator email address
Your domain authorization code, also called an EPP Code, Auth Code, or Transfer Code
A copy of your current DNS records
Details of your website hosting provider
Details of your business email provider
At least several days before your domain expires
Around 15 to 30 minutes to start the transfer process

For most generic domains such as .com, .net, and .org, the domain normally must be at least 60 days old and must not have been transferred within the previous 60 days. A recent registrant contact change may also create a transfer lock. Country-specific domain extensions can have different rules.

How to Transfer a Domain to a New Host: Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Decide Whether You Need a Domain Transfer or DNS Change

Before doing anything, decide what you are actually trying to move.

A domain transfer changes the company that manages your domain registration. The new provider becomes responsible for renewal billing, domain settings, transfer protection, and registration management.

A DNS change points your domain to a new website host while keeping the domain registered with your current registrar.

Use this table to decide what you need:

Your Goal	Best Option
Move website files to a new host	Website migration
Keep domain registrar but use new hosting	Change DNS or nameservers
Consolidate domain and hosting in one account	Transfer domain registration
Move WordPress website and domain	Migrate website first, then transfer or repoint domain
Change domain ownership to another person	Domain ownership change or account push
Send visitors from one domain to another	Domain redirect

If you are moving a WordPress website to Hostinger, migrate the website first and test it before changing DNS. Hostinger recommends pointing the domain only after website migration is complete so the original site stays online during the process. Tip:** Do not transfer your domain and migrate your website on the same day unless you are comfortable managing DNS records. Complete the website migration first, then handle the domain transfer separately.

Step 2: Check Whether Your Domain Is Eligible for Transfer

Not every domain can be transferred immediately.

Your domain should usually meet these requirements:

It is more than 60 days old
It has not been transferred recently
It is active and not suspended
It is not in redemption or pending deletion status
It is not locked for transfer
You have access to the administrator email address
You can get the EPP or authorization code
DNSSEC is disabled if your new registrar requires this before transfer

Hostinger’s current transfer requirements state that eligible domains should be active, not in redemption, at least 60 days past registration or transfer to the current provider, and have a valid EPP or Auth Code. Hostinger also recommends starting while there are at least seven days left before expiration. transfer can be blocked after a recent ownership or registrant contact change. ICANN rules allow a 60-day transfer lock after certain registrant changes unless the registrar offers and accepts an opt-out before the change is made. Tip:** Do not update your registrant name, organization name, or email address right before transferring the domain. That change may trigger a 60-day transfer lock.

Step 3: Copy Your DNS and Email Records Before Making Changes

Before unlocking the domain, make a copy of all existing DNS records.

This is important because your DNS records control where your website, email, subdomains, verification tools, and other services connect.

Take screenshots or export the following records:

A Record for your main website
CNAME Records for subdomains and services
MX Records for email delivery
TXT Records for SPF, DKIM, DMARC, Google verification, and Microsoft verification
SRV Records if you use special software or communication services
Nameservers
CDN settings
Cloudflare settings
Email forwarding settings

This step is especially important if you use Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Zoho Mail, or another external email provider. If you change nameservers without copying email records, your website may work while your email stops sending or receiving messages.

Pro Tip: Save DNS records in a simple spreadsheet or document before the transfer. Do not rely on memory, especially if your website uses business email or multiple subdomains.

Step 4: Unlock the Domain and Get the EPP Code

Most registrars lock domains by default to prevent unauthorized transfers. The setting may be called Domain Lock, Registrar Lock, Transfer Lock, or Client Transfer Prohibited.

Open Domain Management or My Domains.
Select the domain you want to transfer.
Find Domain Lock, Transfer Lock, or Registrar Lock.
Disable the lock.
Find Authorization Code, EPP Code, or Transfer Code.
Copy the code exactly as shown.
Keep the code private.

The EPP code is a unique security code that proves you are authorized to move the domain. It may appear in the dashboard or be sent to the administrative email address connected to the domain. re transferring a domain away from Hostinger, you can find the authorization code by opening Domains, clicking Manage next to the domain, and viewing the Authorization Code section in the domain overview. Tip:** Copy and paste the EPP code instead of typing it manually. Authorization codes are case-sensitive and even one incorrect character can delay the transfer.

Step 5: Start the Domain Transfer With the New Provider

Once your domain is unlocked and you have the EPP code, start the transfer from the new provider.

Using Hostinger as an example:

Log in to your Hostinger account.
Open Domains.
Click Transfer an Existing Domain.
Enter your domain name.
Click Transfer.
Complete the payment process.
Enter the EPP or Auth Code.
Choose whether to keep your current nameservers or use Hostinger nameservers.
Confirm the transfer request.

Hostinger lets users choose whether to keep the current nameservers or switch to Hostinger nameservers during the transfer. Keeping your existing nameservers is generally the safest option when your website and email are already working correctly. generic domain transfers, the transfer fee includes an additional one-year renewal added to the current expiration date. Some country-code extensions follow different rules and may not include this extra renewal period. Tip:** Select Keep Existing Nameservers unless you are ready to recreate all DNS records on the new provider. This reduces the risk of website or email downtime.

Step 6: Approve the Transfer Email

After you submit the transfer request, check the administrative email address attached to your domain.

You may receive one or more confirmation emails from the current registrar, new registrar, or domain registry. Open the email and click the approval link if required.

Do not ignore this message. A transfer can fail or remain pending if you do not approve it within the allowed time.

Check these folders if you cannot find the email:

Inbox
Spam
Junk
Promotions
Updates
Archived messages

Hostinger states that domain transfers normally require a confirmation email after the transfer order is submitted. Tip:** Verify the domain administrator email before starting the transfer. If it belongs to an old employee, agency, or inaccessible inbox, fix access before requesting the EPP code.

Step 7: Wait for the Transfer and Avoid DNS Changes During the Process

A domain transfer is not always instant. It often takes around five to seven days, depending on the domain extension and the current registrar. he transfer process, avoid making unnecessary changes to DNS, nameservers, ownership details, or contact details.

Hostinger notes that nameservers can be locked during the transfer process, so you should choose your nameserver option carefully before submitting the request. usually keep your existing website online during the transfer by leaving the DNS setup unchanged.

Your website should continue working if:

Existing nameservers remain in place
Your current hosting account stays active
DNS records are not deleted
Your website migration is completed before DNS changes
Your email records remain unchanged

Pro Tip: Keep your old hosting account active until your website, email, SSL certificate, and subdomains are fully checked after the transfer.

Step 8: Check Website, Email, and Security Settings After Transfer

Once the transfer is completed, log in to the new registrar dashboard and check everything carefully.

Review these items:

Domain expiration date
Auto-renewal status
Domain privacy settings
Registrar lock status
Nameservers
DNS records
Website loading
SSL certificate
Business email delivery
Subdomains
Redirects
CDN connection
Google Search Console verification
Google Analytics tracking
Contact forms

You should also confirm that the WHOIS contact information is accurate. ICANN requires registrant contact information to remain correct so that you can receive transfer, renewal, and security notifications. confirm that everything is working, enable the domain lock again. This protects the domain from unauthorized transfers in the future.

Pro Tip: Turn on domain auto-renewal and use an email address you check regularly. Losing a domain because of an expired payment can be much harder to fix than a normal website issue.

Common Domain Transfer Problems and Fixes

The Domain Is Locked

Your current registrar may still have a transfer lock enabled.

Fix: Open the domain settings, disable Registrar Lock or Transfer Lock, then wait a short time for the status to update before trying again.

The EPP Code Is Not Working

The EPP code may be incorrect, expired, or copied with extra spaces.

Fix: Request a fresh code from your current registrar and paste it directly into the new registrar’s transfer form.

You Did Not Receive the Approval Email

The administrative email may be outdated, blocked, or hidden in spam.

Fix: Check spam and junk folders. Confirm that the registrant email address is accessible before restarting the transfer.

The Domain Is Under a 60-Day Lock

Your domain may be too new, recently transferred, or recently updated with new registrant details.

Fix: Check the domain registration date and transfer history. You may need to wait until the 60-day period ends. Website Stops Working After Changing Nameservers

This usually happens because DNS records were not copied to the new provider.

Fix: Restore the previous nameservers or recreate the missing A, CNAME, MX, TXT, and other required records.

Your Email Stops Working

Business email often fails after a nameserver change because MX, SPF, DKIM, or DMARC records were not recreated.

Fix: Add the email records from your previous DNS provider to the new DNS zone before relying on the new nameservers.

DNSSEC Causes a Transfer Error

Some registrars require DNSSEC to be disabled before transfer.

Fix: Disable DNSSEC at the current registrar, then restart the transfer process. Hostinger lists this as a transfer requirement for domains moved to its platform. rmance and Security Tips After Transferring Your Domain

After moving the domain, use the opportunity to improve your website setup.

Enable domain auto-renewal
Turn on registrar lock
Enable domain privacy where available
Use a strong registrar password
Enable two-factor authentication
Keep DNS records documented
Use a reliable DNS provider
Confirm SSL is active
Test website speed on mobile and desktop
Check all email accounts
Review WordPress admin accounts
Create a fresh website backup
Monitor uptime for the first few days

A domain transfer does not automatically make your website faster. Website speed depends mainly on your hosting plan, server location, caching, images, themes, plugins, and CDN setup.

Why Hostinger Can Make Domain Transfers Easier

Hostinger can make domain transfers simpler because it provides a guided transfer process through the Domains section of hPanel. You can enter your domain, provide the EPP code, choose whether to keep existing nameservers, and track the transfer from one dashboard. e a practical choice for beginners who want to manage their hosting, domain, SSL certificate, and WordPress website from one place.

Still, the most important part is not the provider. It is preparing your DNS records, keeping website hosting active during the process, protecting your EPP code, and verifying email settings after the move.

How to Transfer a Domain to a New Host: Final Thoughts

Knowing how to transfer a domain to a new host helps you take control of where your domain is managed and billed without risking your website or email.

Start by deciding whether you need a domain transfer or only a DNS change. Check eligibility, save your DNS records, unlock the domain, collect the EPP code, start the transfer, approve the confirmation email, and test everything after completion.

Keep your old hosting active until you confirm that your website, email, SSL certificate, and DNS records are working properly. A careful transfer takes a little time, but it prevents unnecessary downtime and makes your domain easier to manage in the long run.

FAQs About How to Transfer a Domain to a New Host

Does transferring a domain move my website too?

No. A domain transfer moves domain registration management only. You must migrate your website files, database, email, and DNS settings separately if needed.

Can I transfer my domain without moving my website?

Yes. You can transfer the domain registration to a new registrar while keeping your website hosted with the same company.

Will my website go down during a domain transfer?

Usually not, as long as you keep your current nameservers and DNS records unchanged during the transfer.

How long does a domain transfer take?

Most transfers take around five to seven days, although the exact time depends on the domain extension and the current registrar. can’t I transfer my domain yet?

Your domain may be under a transfer lock because it was registered, transferred, or updated recently. Many domains must wait at least 60 days before another registrar transfer is allowed. need to transfer my domain to change web hosts?

No. You can keep your domain with the current registrar and update DNS records or nameservers to point it to the new host.