How to Transfer Domain Names Away from GoDaddy
Thinking of ditching GoDaddy and taking control of your domain name? Many website owners are switching to a new domain name registrar for better prices, improved customer support, and a more user-friendly experience.
Transferring your domain might initially seem intimidating, but it’s a straightforward process. This guide will walk you through each step to confidently move your domain name to a new home.
Why transfer away from your GoDaddy account
GoDaddy is a well-known name in the domain registration world, but it’s not always the best fit for everyone. Here are some common reasons why some people do a domain transfer.
Price hikes
GoDaddy’s renewal fees can be surprisingly high. While they might offer tempting introductory prices to lure you in, those rates can often skyrocket when it’s time to renew. This lack of transparency can be frustrating for website owners.
Customer support challenges
When you need help with domains, you want quick and reliable support. While GoDaddy does offer phone and live chat customer support, their response times and the quality of assistance can be inconsistent.
Limited customization features
GoDaddy’s website builder and templates can feel restrictive, making it difficult to achieve a truly unique and personalized design for your website and related content.
Limited eCommerce features
GoDaddy might not offer all the tools and features you need to manage your domain effectively, especially when discussing eCommerce. Moreover, GoDaddy’s eCommerce features might fall short if you’re looking to build a robust online store.
They offer basic tools, but you might need more advanced features like extensive product variations or integrated marketing tools, which call for more upsells that increase costs.
With so many reasons to explore a new registrar, it’s time to see just how easy it is to transfer your domain.
What’s the domain transfer process?
Moving your domain name from your current registrar to another is easier than you think. However, there are things you must keep in mind before transferring your domain.
- Make sure your domain isn’t about to expire. Renew it if you need to.
- Your domain needs to have been registered for at least 60 days before you can transfer it.
- Keep your domain’s contact information updated to avoid any delays.
When you’re done with the prerequisites and ready to move, here are step-by-step instructions on transferring your domain from GoDaddy to another registrar provider.
- Log in to the GoDaddy domain settings page. Head over to your GoDaddy account and sign in to your Domain Portfolio.
- Choose your domain. Select the specific domain you want to transfer over to Domain.com.
- Initiate the transfer. Under the “Transfer” section, choose “Transfer to Another Registrar.” If your domain isn’t yet eligible for transfer (e.g., it hasn’t been registered long enough), GoDaddy will let you know.
- Review the checklist. GoDaddy will show you a handy checklist with some important details. Give it a quick look-over.
- Continue the transfer. Click on “Continue with transfer.” If you have Domain Protection enabled, you must verify your identity. If you’ve also turned on your two-step verification, this might involve entering a code from your authenticator app or sent through your SMS. Alternatively, you can enter the one-time password GoDaddy sent to your registrant email address.
- Grab your auth code. This is an important step! You’ll need an authorization code (sometimes called an EPP code) from GoDaddy. You can find it in your domain settings, or GoDaddy can email it to you.
- Head to Domain.com. Now, hop over to Domain.com and start the transfer process. You’ll enter your domain name and that authorization code you just grabbed.
- Checkout and confirm. Complete the checkout process on Domain.com. Click continue.
- Check your inbox. Domain.com will send you an email within a few hours. There will be a link to approve the transfer. Click it to give the final okay.
The transfer usually takes about 5-7 days to finish up. From here, Domain.com takes care of everything behind the scenes.
Once the transfer is done, you’ll get a confirmation. You can now manage your new domain name in your new account.
That’s all there is to it! You’ve successfully moved your domain to Domain.com. You can now enjoy their user-friendly tools, competitive prices, and excellent customer support.
Troubleshooting tips for a smooth domain transfer
While new domain name transfers usually go off without a hitch, here are a few things to watch out for:
Transfer lock
Double-check that your domain is unlocked in your GoDaddy account. If it’s locked, you won’t be able to transfer it. This is a security measure to prevent unauthorized transfers.
WHOIS privacy
If you enable WHOIS privacy, you must disable it temporarily during the transfer. This service masks your personal contact information in the public WHOIS database.
However, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) requires accurate contact information to be visible during transfers. You can re-enable WHOIS privacy after the transfer is complete.
60-day rule
Remember that you typically can’t transfer domains within 60 days of registering them or transferring them to another registrar. This rule is in place to prevent fraudulent domain transfers and ensures a cooling-off period.
If you encounter any bumps along the way, your host or the new registrar’s customer support team should be able to assist you.
Why choose Domain.com as your new domain registrar?
Domain.com offers several advantages that make it a popular choice for website owners seeking an alternative to GoDaddy.
Competitive pricing
Domain.com frequently runs special offers and promotions on domain registrations and renewals. Combined with their transparent pricing structure, this can make them a more budget-friendly option than GoDaddy.
User-friendly interface
Navigating and managing your domains is more accessible with Domain.com’s intuitive interface. You’ll find it easy to update settings, configure DNS, and access all the necessary tools without unnecessary complexity.
Affordable domain protection
Protect your personal information from public view with Domain.com’s affordable domain privacy and protection feature. Moreover, Domain.com also offers Domain Expiration Protection, should your domain expire in the face of failed payments.
24/7 customer support
You can get the help you need when you need it from Domain.com. They offer 24/7 customer support via phone and chat, ensuring assistance to address your questions and concerns.
Bulk domain management
Domain.com simplifies overseeing multiple domains from a single, centralized domain management page. This streamlines tasks like renewals, updates, and DNS management.
Domain forwarding and masking
You can discreetly redirect your domain to another website with Domain.com’s domain masking. This creates a seamless experience for visitors while directing them to the desired destination.
Email forwarding
Create professional email addresses using your domain name and forward them to your existing email accounts like Gmail or Outlook. This enhances your brand identity and provides a more professional image.
Easy DNS management
Domain.com provides a user-friendly interface for managing your domain’s DNS records. This simplifies tasks like setting up email, configuring subdomains, and connecting your domain to your website hosting.
Visit Domain.com today to start the transfer process!
Make the switch to Domain.com
Ready to give your domain the home it deserves? Transfer your domain to Domain.com today and experience the difference!
With Domain.com, you can enjoy easier management, enhanced security, and a seamless online experience. Our expert support team is also here to assist you every step of the way through live chat.
With its user-friendly interface, competitive pricing, and excellent customer support, Domain.com provides everything you need to manage your online presence effectively.
Don’t wait any longer. Switch to Domain.com and unlock the full potential of your online presence. Click here to get started!
FAQs about transferring domains from GoDaddy
Yes, you absolutely can transfer your domain name away from GoDaddy. You are not locked into your current registrar forever. You can move it to a different registrar that better suits your needs.
The domain transfer process typically takes around 5 to 7 days to complete. However, it can sometimes be faster or slower depending on various factors, such as the specific domain extension (.com, .org, etc.) and whether any issues arise during the transfer.
Moving your domain from GoDaddy to Domain.com can offer advantages like cost savings, a better user experience, improved customer support, and more features. However, the best choice depends on your specific needs and priorities.
To get your GoDaddy authorization code, log in to your GoDaddy account and go to your Domain Portfolio. Select the domain, and under “Additional Settings,” choose “Transfer domain away from GoDaddy.” You’ll find the code there, and GoDaddy will also email it to you.
