How to Transfer a Domain Without Losing Your Website

Transferring a domain name to a new registrar can feel intimidating, especially if your website is live and generating traffic. The good news is that with proper preparation, you can move your domain smoothly without downtime or data loss. Here’s a step-by-step guide to make sure your website stays online throughout the process.

1. Understand What’s Being Transferred

When you transfer a domain, you’re only moving the registration from one registrar (like GoDaddy, Namecheap, or Google Domains) to another. Your website files, hosting service, and email accounts remain where they are unless you choose to move them too. This distinction is key—your website won’t disappear just because the domain registration changes hands.

2. Check Transfer Eligibility

Most registrars follow ICANN rules:

A domain must be at least 60 days old.
A domain cannot be transferred within 60 days of a previous transfer.
The domain must be unlocked at your current registrar.

Before starting, confirm that your domain meets these requirements.

3. Back Up Your Website and Email

Even though domain transfers don’t usually affect hosting, it’s wise to have backups. Save your website files, databases, and any connected email accounts. This ensures you can quickly restore services if anything unexpected happens.

4. Verify Your DNS Settings

Your DNS (Domain Name System) records control where your domain points—usually to your hosting server and email provider. Before initiating the transfer:

Note down all existing DNS records (A, CNAME, MX, TXT, etc.).
If your registrar currently hosts your DNS, consider switching your DNS management to your hosting provider or a third-party service (like Cloudflare) before the transfer. This way, DNS stays consistent regardless of registrar changes.

5. Unlock Your Domain and Get the Authorization Code

Log into your current registrar’s control panel:

Unlock the domain.
Request an EPP/Auth code—this is like a password that authorizes the transfer.

6. Initiate the Transfer at the New Registrar

Go to your new registrar and begin the transfer process:

Enter the domain name.
Provide the authorisation code.
Confirm payment (if required).

The new registrar will contact the old one to approve the transfer.

7. Approve the Transfer

You’ll usually receive an email from your current registrar asking you to confirm the transfer. Approve it promptly to avoid delays. Transfers typically take 5–7 days to complete.

8. Monitor Your Website During the Transfer

Your website and email should remain online throughout, as long as DNS settings haven’t changed. To be safe:

Test your site on different devices.
Check email deliverability.
Use monitoring tools (like UptimeRobot) for peace of mind.

9. Confirm the Transfer is Complete

Once the transfer finalises:

Log into your new registrar account and confirm the domain is listed.
Double-check that DNS settings are still correct.
Update billing and contact details to avoid expiration issues.

Transferring a domain doesn’t have to mean risking downtime. By preparing ahead - backing up your site, securing DNS settings, and approving the process quickly—you can move your domain registration without interrupting your business.

If you’re not comfortable handling the process alone, many registrars offer to manage everything for you. That way, you can focus on running your business while your domain moves safely to its new home.