Hostinger Domain Transfer Step by Step

Transferring your domain to Hostinger can be a straightforward process if you follow the right steps.

First, you need to initiate the transfer process by obtaining an authorization code from your current registrar. This code is usually found in your account settings or by contacting their support team.

To begin the transfer, you'll need to log in to your Hostinger account and go to the "Domains" section. From there, click on the "Transfer Domain" button.

You'll then be prompted to enter the authorization code, which you obtained from your previous registrar.

Consider reading: Hostinger Create Account

Before initiating the domain transfer process, it's essential to ensure that your domain is in the 'Active Period' and not in the 'Redemption Grace Period' or 'Pending Delete' period.

You won't be able to change the name servers associated with your domain until the transfer is complete, so make sure your domain name is pointed to the new hosting provider's name servers if you've already migrated your website.

To prepare your domain for transfer, you'll need to obtain your domain's authorization code (EPP or auth code), unlock the domain at your current registrar, and temporarily disable privacy protection features during the transfer period.

Here's a checklist to ensure a smooth domain transfer:

Before you start the transfer process, it's essential to ensure that your domain is eligible for transfer. This means checking that at least 60 days have passed since the domain was registered at its current provider.

You should also check that your domain is active and not suspended by the registry or in the redemption period. This is crucial to avoid any delays or issues during the transfer process.

To initiate a domain transfer, you'll need to obtain a valid EPP/Auth code from your current registrar. This code is usually required by the new registrar to complete the transfer.

It's also important to note that domain transfers can take a few days, so it's best to start the process when your domain has at least 7 days left before it expires.

Additional reading: Azure Domain Name Registration

Here are some key requirements to ensure a smooth domain transfer:

Make sure you're aware of these requirements to avoid any issues during the transfer process.

To obtain the Secret Key for your domain, you'll need to access your Hostinger account. Log in to your Hostinger Profile and navigate to your domains area by clicking on Domains.

If you have more than one domain, select your domain from the left side panel. You'll need to obtain an authorization code, also known as an EPP code or Secret Key, which is required for all specific domain extensions.

Here are the steps to obtain the Secret Key:

Note that the Secret Key is a short unique passcode that is assigned to a domain name, and you'll need to provide this code to prove ownership of the domain and authorize the transfer.

To initiate the transfer, start by unlocking your domain from the current registrar. This is a crucial step that needs to be done before proceeding.

You'll need to open the Hostinger Transfer Domain page and insert your domain name. Click on Transfer to move forward with the process.

Next, you'll be prompted to proceed with the payment. This is where you'll need to enter the EPP code, which is a unique passcode assigned to your domain name.

You'll also have the option to keep your current nameservers or use Hostinger's nameservers. If you choose to keep your current nameservers, you'll have the option to keep your current records.

Here's a summary of the steps to initiate the transfer:

Remember to review the transfer process carefully and confirm the transfer once it's initiated.

You have three options to choose from when selecting nameservers and DNS records during the domain transfer to Hostinger: Use Hostinger's name servers, Use existing name servers, or Custom settings (advanced).

The first option is suitable if you plan to create a new website and set up email accounts entirely at Hostinger. If your current provider doesn't support DNS management for domains registered elsewhere, consider options 2 or 3.

Here are the three options in more detail:

You'll need to temporarily disable your domain's WHOIS privacy feature to initiate the transfer process. This is a crucial step that must be done before proceeding.

To disable WHOIS privacy in Hostinger, navigate to the Domain Overview page and scroll down to the WHOIS Privacy section. Click the toggle button to disable it.

The changes may take a few minutes to be reflected on public WHOIS. This is a necessary step to ensure a smooth transfer process.

By disabling WHOIS privacy, you'll allow the new registrar to access the necessary information to complete the transfer.

Verifying DNS settings is a crucial step in the domain transfer process. You need to ensure that your domain's DNS settings are correctly configured within the new control panel.

DNS changes can take anywhere from a few minutes to 48 hours for full propagation, so be patient and give it time. If required changes have been made after the transfer, such as updating nameservers, wait for DNS propagation before checking if your website is functioning correctly.

It's essential to check your DNS settings within the new control panel to ensure everything is in order. If you're unsure, consider consulting your current domain provider for guidance.

Here are some things to keep in mind when verifying DNS settings:

If you encounter an error message during the domain transfer order, don't worry, it's not the end of the world. You can refer to the error message to find out what's causing the issue.

If you see an error message saying "Seems like this domain is available for registry. Would you like to register it?", it means the domain you inserted is currently not registered by anyone. Make sure to check the spelling; there might be a typo.

Domain transfers can be tricky, but if you see an error message saying "Domain is locked and cannot be transferred.", it's likely because the domain is still locked on the registrar's part. If you unlocked your domain recently, it might take up to a couple of hours for the change to take place.

For more insights, see: Message Transfer Agent

If you're experiencing issues with domain transfers, it's essential to contact the new registrar and Hostinger customer support team for assistance. They can help resolve common problems, such as authorization code errors or delays in the transfer timeline.

If you see an error message saying "Sorry, this top-level domain cannot be transferred to Hostinger at the moment.", it's because we currently don't support this TLD. No worries, you still can use this domain at Hostinger by pointing it to our servers.

To troubleshoot domain transfer issues, here are some steps you can take:

To initiate the transfer process, you'll need to obtain your domain's authorization code, also known as EPP or auth code, from Hostinger.

The next step is to unlock the domain at your current registrar, which will allow the transfer to proceed.

You'll also need to ensure that 60 days have passed since the initial registration of the domain, as this is a requirement for transferring domains.

Once you have prepared your domain for transfer, it's time to initiate the process from the new domain registrar.

Here are the steps to follow:

Upon receiving confirmation that your domain has been successfully transferred, it's time to complete the process by re-enabling any previously disabled privacy protection features and verifying DNS settings within the new control panel.

After transferring your domain away from Hostinger, it's essential to consider a few things to ensure a smooth transition.

The name servers associated with your domain stay the same during the transfer, so if you've already migrated to a new web hosting provider, make sure your domain is pointed to their name servers before initiating the transfer.

Domain name registrations and web hosting are separate services, so the transfer process won't automatically migrate your website. If you need help with migrating your website, submit a migration request to your new provider's client area.

Transferring your domain will include your domain renewal for another year, so if your domain is due to expire soon, take note of the new expiration date.

The domain must be in the 'Active Period' and not in the 'Redemption Grace Period' or 'Pending Delete' period to be eligible for transfer.

Once the transfer is complete, re-enable any previously disabled privacy protection features and verify DNS settings within the new control panel provided by your new registrar.

You can transfer your domain from Hostinger without disabling Domain ID Protection, a requirement that was previously in place until April 2021.

As of April 2021, you don't need to pause or disable Domain ID Protection when transferring your domain name, making the process easier and more convenient.

You'll still need to provide the EPP Code/Secret Key to prove ownership of the domain and authorize the transfer.

To obtain the EPP Code/Secret Key, log in to your Hostinger Profile, navigate to your domains area by clicking on Domains, and open the Domain Management tab.

See what others are reading: Website Hosting Multiple Domains

If you have multiple domains, select your domain from the left side panel and copy the Secret Key displayed on the tab.

If you already have an existing website that you plan to move over, be sure to check the correct steps to transfer both your Domain Name and Website to avoid downtime.

Here's a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the transfer process:

Failed Transfers can be a real headache. Sometimes, the transfer process can fail due to an invalid username or password.

You'll need to ensure that your current registrar's username and password are correct, as Hostinger requires them for the transfer process.

A failed transfer can also occur if the domain name is not unlocked at the current registrar.

Unlocking the domain name at the current registrar is a crucial step in the transfer process.

If the domain name is not unlocked, the transfer will fail, and you'll need to unlock it before retrying the transfer.

Hostinger recommends checking the transfer status regularly to catch any issues early on.

Regularly checking the transfer status can help you identify and resolve any problems before they cause further delays.