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How to Transfer a Domain to GoDaddy: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re looking to consolidate your domain management or take advantage of GoDaddy’s competitive pricing and features, learning how to transfer a domain to GoDaddy is essential. This guide will walk you through the entire process, from preparing your domain to completing the transfer. Whether you’re moving from another registrar or consolidating multiple domains, we’ll cover everything you need to know for a smooth transition.

Table of Contents

• Pre-Transfer Checklist
• Step 1: Unlock Your Domain
• Step 2: Obtain the Authorization Code
• Step 3: Initiate the Transfer with GoDaddy
• Step 4: Approve the Transfer
• Post-Transfer Steps
• Troubleshooting Common Issues
• Conclusion

Pre-Transfer Checklist

Before you begin the domain transfer process, ensure you meet these requirements:

• Domain age: The domain must be at least 60 days old (ICANN rule)
• Registration status: The domain shouldn’t be expired or within redemption period
• Contact information: Ensure your WHOIS info is current and valid
• Domain lock: The domain must be unlocked at your current registrar
• Email access: You must have access to the administrative email on file

Why Transfer to GoDaddy?

GoDaddy offers several advantages for domain owners:

• Competitive pricing and frequent promotions
• User-friendly control panel
• 24/7 customer support
• Integrated hosting and email solutions
• Free domain privacy with some plans

Step 1: Unlock Your Domain

All domains are typically locked by default to prevent unauthorized transfers. Here’s how to unlock yours:

1. Log in to your current domain registrar’s account
2. Navigate to your domain management section
3. Look for “Domain Lock” or “Transfer Lock” settings
4. Disable the lock feature (this may be called “unlock domain”)
5. Save your changes

Note: Some registrars may require additional verification steps before allowing you to unlock the domain.

Step 2: Obtain the Authorization Code

Also known as an EPP code or transfer key, this unique code is required for all domain transfers:

1. In your registrar’s control panel, find the domain you’re transferring
2. Look for an option labeled “Authorization Code,” “EPP Code,” or “Transfer Key”
3. Request the code (some registrars email it automatically)
4. Copy the code to a secure location

Important: Some registrars may delay sending the code for security reasons. If you don’t receive it immediately, check your email spam folder or contact support.

Step 3: Initiate the Transfer with GoDaddy

Now you’re ready to start the transfer process with GoDaddy:

1. Visit GoDaddy.com and log in to your account (or create one)
2. Navigate to the Domain Transfer section
3. Enter the domain name you want to transfer
4. Follow the prompts to verify domain availability for transfer
5. Enter the authorization code when prompted
6. Complete the checkout process (you’ll need to pay for at least 1 year renewal)

What Happens Next?

After initiating the transfer:

• GoDaddy will send a transfer request to your current registrar
• You’ll receive an approval email (usually within a few minutes)
• The current registrar has up to 5 days to release the domain (most do it within 24 hours)

Step 4: Approve the Transfer

To complete the transfer, you must approve it through email:

1. Check the email associated with your domain’s administrative contact
2. Look for an email from your current registrar (subject may include “Transfer Approval”)
3. Follow the instructions to approve the transfer (usually a link to click)
4. If you don’t see the email, check your spam folder or contact your registrar

Tip: Some registrars automatically approve transfers if no action is taken within 5 days.

Post-Transfer Steps

Once the transfer is complete:

1. Verify the domain appears in your GoDaddy account
2. Check that DNS settings transferred correctly (or update them if needed)
3. Enable auto-renewal to prevent accidental expiration
4. Consider adding domain privacy if desired

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Transfer Taking Too Long?

If your transfer hasn’t completed within 7 days:

• Check if you approved the transfer email
• Verify the authorization code was correct
• Confirm the domain was unlocked at the old registrar

Authorization Code Problems

If you’re having trouble with your EPP code:

• Request a new code from your current registrar
• Ensure there are no extra spaces when copying/pasting
• Contact support if codes aren’t being accepted

Domain Not Eligible for Transfer

Common reasons include:

• Domain is less than 60 days old
• Domain is expired or in redemption
• There’s a pending dispute or legal hold

Conclusion

Now that you know how to transfer a domain to GoDaddy, you can take advantage of their competitive pricing and robust domain management tools. The process is straightforward when you follow these steps carefully. Remember to prepare in advance, keep your authorization code secure, and monitor your email for approval requests.

Ready to transfer your domain? Start your GoDaddy domain transfer today and enjoy simplified domain management with one of the world’s largest registrars.

Pro Tip: Consider transferring multiple domains at once to save