How to Successfully Transfer a Domain Name from Wix   

So, you’re thinking about moving your domain away from Wix. Maybe you’re looking for better pricing, more control over your domain settings, or a registrar that offers additional features. Whatever the reason, transferring your domain doesn’t have to be a daunting task. 

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the entire process of moving your domain from Wix. But before we jump into it, let’s first explore some common reasons people decide to make the switch. 

Why transfer your domain from Wix

There are several reasons why migrating from Wix might be the right move for your business, and they boil down to your specific needs.  

Better pricing

One of the biggest reasons many businesses transfer their domain is for better pricing and lower renewal costs. While Wix offers competitive pricing, some domain registrars might offer better deals on long-term contracts.     

More features

Some registrars offer advanced features that can improve the functionality of your website and benefit your business as it grows. These include email hosting, enhanced security features, or additional website management tools.    

Greater flexibility  

As your business continuously evolves, transferring to a new registrar with more flexible customization options allows you to adjust your domain settings to meet your changing needs easily.  

Step-by-step guide to moving your domain from Wix  

Transferring your domain from Wix to a new registrar is simpler than you might expect, especially when you have the right guide. 

Here’s how you can transfer your domain name from Wix: 

1. Check your domain’s eligibility for transfer 

Before you begin, it’s important to know if your domain is ready to be transferred. The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) requires domains to be at least 60 days old before being eligible for transfer. If your domain is younger than 60 days, you must wait until this lock period expires.    

If your Wix domain has expired, it’s still transferable, but only within the grace period—a 30-day window after its expiration.     

If your Wix domain is past the grace period, it’s still possible to proceed with the transfer, but it will be difficult or expensive to recover.

2. Prepare and unlock your Wix account for transfer 

If you’re done checking your Wix domain’s validity for transfer, you have to unlock it first before proceeding with the domain transfer. Registrars like Wix often lock domains to prevent unauthorized transfers.  

Follow these steps to unlock your Wix account:    

1. 1. Log in to your Wix account and make sure that your email address, phone number, and mailing address are up to date. 

2. 2. Go to your Wix account dashboard, go to the Domains section, then click on the domain you want to transfer.   

3. 3. Click Manage Domain, then find the Advanced tab.   

4. 4. Turn off the Transfer Lock option. This allows your new registrar to process and complete the transfer process.   

5. 5. After unlocking your Wix domain, click the three-dot icon next to your domain name to access the Domains Actions menu, then choose the Transfer Away from Wix option.   

6. 6. After reviewing your domain transfer information, click Transfer Domain and I Still Want to Transfer.   

Wix will send an authorization code or EPP code. The code is unique to your domain and is a security measure to confirm that you’re the authorized domain owner.    

Keep this authorization code handy; you’ll need to enter it into the transfer request form on your new registrar’s website.   

3. Go to your new domain registrar 

Now that you have your EPP, you can head to your selected registrar’s website and sign up for an account. After logging in, you can access several tools and domain transfer.

4. Start the domain transfer process 

Each registrar has different processes and website layouts but look for the option to transfer a domain. This is often located in the domain management section of your preferred registrar’s website. At this page, you need to enter the domain name you wish to transfer.   

Upon entering your domain name, wait for the registrar to finish checking its eligibility. After verifying your details, your new registrar will give instructions on how to complete the transfer. Take note of specific requests or instructions related to DNS settings, too. 

5. Enter the EPP code and other important details 

As mentioned earlier, the EPP code is important in the transfer process. This is the step in the process where you’ll need it. When prompted by your new registrar, enter the EPP code that you received from Wix. You will also need to confirm your domain’s contact details.   

6. Complete and confirm the checkout 

After entering all the required details, you can proceed to checkout. You will likely pay a transfer fee at this stage. The cost usually covers the price of a one-year domain renewal.   

Review your contact details again before proceeding with the payment to check if everything is correct.   

7. Wait for an email confirmation 

If your checkout is successful, you should receive an email confirmation from your new domain registrar. This email will include directions, links, or buttons to click to approve the domain transfer.    

Remember to check both your inbox and spam folder for this message because they often have a limited timeframe for completion. If you fail to approve the transfer within the deadline, you must initiate the process again.   

8. Check the DNS and website setup 

Once the transfer is approved, it’s time to review your DNS settings. Your DNS records and settings ensure your website and email traffic function properly.   

Note that your DNS will stop working shortly after a successful domain transfer. If you fail to update your DNS records, your website could experience performance issues such as loading errors or undelivered emails.   

If this step is too technical, consult your domain registrar’s support team for guidance. 

9. Transfer your email services 

Another step in the domain transfer process involves migrating your email services to your new registrant’s website. This is important if you’re using custom domain emails as it ensures uninterrupted communication with your customers and employees.   

If you’re using Google Workspace for your email and your subscription is billed through Wix, here’s how you can transfer your email to your new domain registrar:   

1. 1. Log in to your Wix account and check if you have access to your Google Workspace Admin Console in your Wix dashboard.   

2. 2. Reach out to Wix’s customer care team to request your Google Workspace account transfer from Wix to Google. Note that this action is irreversible, and once you complete the transfer to Google, you can’t repurchase a business email through Wix.    

3. 3. Sign in to your Google Workspace admin account and accept the Product Agreement and Terms of Service.   

4. 4. Change your domain’s MX records to Google’s once it is active with the new domain registrar. 

5. 5. Verify your domain ownership and follow the steps outlined in your Google Workspace admin console. This involves providing a TXT record provided by Google to your new domain’s DNS settings.  

Take note that DNS changes can take up to 48 hours to propagate, and you might experience some email disruptions. After finalizing the settings, you can conduct a test email to ensure everything functions correctly.    

Common issues during a domain transfer  

The domain transfer may seem straightforward, but it’s still prone to several issues and complications. Here are a few problems you might encounter during the domain transfer process and how you can handle them:  

Transfer delays  

On average, transferring domains takes 5 to 7 days, but this could take a few more days depending on several instances. These include:  

• • Incorrect and outdated contact information  

• • Expired domains or domains in redemption status  

• • DNS downtime or mismanaged DNS settings  

• • Enabled domain lock  

Fortunately, these errors are easy to prevent and fix. Proactively update your domain’s details before transferring to ensure the process goes smoothly. If these tasks are complex, contact your new domain registrar’s customer support for assistance.  

Transfer rejections  

In addition to delays, sometimes domain transfers get rejected for several reasons. Here are a few examples and how you can resolve them:   

• • The domain is in “client transfer prohibited” status    

This means that your domain is locked, and transfers are blocked. As mentioned earlier, you can toggle this option in your registrar’s settings.    

• • The registrar denies transfer for unclear or unauthorized reasons 

Reach out to the registrar’s support team to get an idea of the cause of the rejection. A possible reason could be outstanding payments. If the registrar fails to justify the rejection, file a formal complaint with ICANN or another domain regulator. 

• • The domain is under legal dispute 

Most of the time, it’s likely related to ownership conflicts, trademark infringement, and pending legal actions involving the domain. It’s important to settle these matters before proceeding with any domain transfer.    

Why switch to Domain.com?  

If you’re looking for the most reliable domain registrar to migrate to, look no further than Domain.com. Here’s why you should trust Domain.com as your new domain registrar:  

Automatic and easy transfers  

At Domain.com, our domain transfer process is easy, hassle-free, and seamless. In just 4 easy steps you can have your domain hosted with us.    

Total DNS control and management  

Managing your DNS controls has never been easier. At Domain.com, you can control your DNS settings throughout your registration period.   

Secure and reliable transfers  

Our WhoIs privacy and protection service keeps your website and personal information secure against identity theft and fraud.    

We also lock your domain automatically to prevent hijacks or any unauthorized transfers.     

24/7 customer support  

For any questions or concerns, you can easily get help from our 24/7 live chat with friendly and expert support team.  

Email forwarding  

Our email forwarding feature lets you to set up your professional, domain-based email address to any valid email address you own. 

URL forwarding  

Redirect your website traffic from one domain to another with Domain.com’s URL forwarding feature.   

Give your domain the upgrade it deserves, and switch to Domain.com!   

Now that you’ve got a solid understanding of how to transfer your domain, the next step is deciding on the best registrar for your needs. It’s important to pick a provider that not only makes the transfer process easy but also supports your long-term goals for your website. 

If you’re looking for a registrar with reliable tools, excellent customer support, and strong security features, Domain.com offers a great option. Our user-friendly approach to domain transfers makes managing your domain straightforward and hassle-free.    

Transfer to Domain.com today and see why we’re the trusted choice for domain management!  

FAQs about transferring domains from Wix  

How long does it take to transfer a domain from Wix?   

Transferring your domain away from Wix takes up to 7 days to complete. However, this can go beyond depending on various requirements, specifications, and policies. For example, some top-level domain extensions have their specific prerequisites.    

Will my website experience downtime during the transfer?   

Domain transfers usually do not inherently cause website downtime. However, it is still possible. It’s important to notify your customers of disruptions in advance.    

What happens if I don’t update my DNS settings after the transfer?   

Not updating your DNS settings after a domain transfer will disrupt your website’s accessibility and security. Your website’s servers might experience downtime. In addition, outdated DNS settings make your domain vulnerable to cyber threats.