Domain transfer does not equate to website transfer. In case of dissatisfaction regarding pricing, customer service, and domain management by your existing domain registrar, transferring to a new registrar would be a wise move for you.
The good thing is that domain transfer is relatively easy to accomplish as long as you follow the right process.
This article explains how to transfer your domain name to a new registrar, prerequisites needed before the transfer process begins, common pitfalls in the transfer process, and reasons why many Nigerian companies prefer HarmonWeb for their domain registration and management needs.
Table of Contents
What Is Domain Name Transferring?
Domain name transferring is nothing but shifting the administration of the domain name from one accredited registrar to another.
Suppose your domain is registered through some other agency at present; then you may transfer it to another agency without changing anything regarding your website, email id or domain name.
Your website will retain the same domain. Just the company administering your domain name changes.
Why Transfer Your Domain to Other Registrars?
Following are some of the reasons why people change their domain registrar:
- For better customer support
- For ease of use of domain name management
- Cost saving for domain renewal
- For added security facilities
- Quick technical assistance
- Management of hosting and domain together
In case you are having your hosting from one hosting company, then transferring your domain to the same company will become easy for you.
Requirements Prior to Transferring a Domain Name
These requirements should be fulfilled before the process of transferring begins:
1. Domain Should Be at Least 60 Days Old
It’s not possible to transfer most of the domain extensions registered or transferred within the last 60 days.
2. The Domain Should Not Be Expired
Although some registrars offer transferring services even when the domain is expired (during grace period), it’s better to transfer the domain before the expiration date.
3. Unlock the Domain Name
Almost all registrars use a locking mechanism for their domains to make sure that no other transfer can occur. It’s necessary to log in and unlock the domain name.
4. Ensure That You Have Updated Contact Information
Make sure that the registrant email address is active as the authorization letter for the transfer would be sent to this email address.
5. Get the Authorization (EPP) Code
The EPP code (Authorization code/Transfer key) is needed to confirm that you are the owner of the domain.
Step by Step Process to Transfer Domain
Do everything step by step carefully.
Step 1: Un-locking of the Domain Name
Log-in to your old registrar and unlock your domain.
Find options that are related to:
- Domain Lock
- Registrar Lock
- Transfer Lock
Unlock these domains before moving further.
Step 2: Generate Authorization Code
Create the EPP Code (domain authorization code) on your old registrar’s website. Some websites provide an immediate code, while some deliver through emails.
Step 3: Domain Transfer Request
Go to HarmonWeb website and start the process of transferring.
Insert:
- Your domain name
- Authorization code (EPP Code)
- Account details
Step 4: Approval of the Domain Transfer
You will receive the email asking for approval for domain transfer. If you approve the transfer process, your domain will be transferred. If you do not confirm, then your domain will never be transferred.
Step 5: Waiting for the Transfer Process to Be Completed
Domain transfer usually takes 5-7 days to complete. But some may take much less time. Your domain will be transferred within few days.
Is My Website Going to Be Down While I Am Transferring the Domain?
No.
Transferring the domain name doesn’t necessarily mean that you will transfer your website or hosting.
Provided that your DNS settings don’t change, all your website, emails, and other online activities must remain accessible throughout the transferring process.
Domain Name Transfer: Common Mistakes to Avoid
Most of the domain name transferring delays take place due to the simple mistakes.
So, please make sure you avoid these common mistakes:
- Attempting to transfer the domain which is less than 60 days old
- Not unlocking the domain
- Providing an incorrect EPP code
- Ignoring the confirmation email
- Letting your domain expire before completing the transfer process
- Changing nameservers during the transferring process
The preparation work always helps to make things easier.
Advantages of Moving Your Domain to HarmonWeb
Whether you have a personal blog, business website, or eCommerce website, you should find it easy to manage your domain.
Using HarmonWeb means that you get:
- Effective domain management
- Affordable domain prices
- Supportive customer service
- Easy DNS management
- Domain renewal alerts
- Secure domain protection tools
- Domain and hosting managed from a single control panel
Managing your hosting and domain from us makes it easier for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Will domain transfer influence the SEO of the website?
No.
Domain transfer will not influence your search ranking as long as your site stays available and your DNS is correctly set up.
2. Is the expiration date of a domain extended after the transfer?
Yes.
Most domains such as .com are extended by one year after a transfer.
3. Is it possible to transfer my website along with the domain?
Not necessarily.
Transfer means changing the registrar, but if you have to change your hosting as well, then your website migration should be done separately.
4. How long will domain transfer take?
It usually takes about 5-7 days.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the steps to transfer a domain from one registrar to another will help you prevent any disruptions and take better control over your Internet identity.
For reliable domain management, competitive pricing and great customer service, HarmonWeb offers you everything necessary to manage your domains without any worries.
