Preparing to Transfer Your Domain from Hostinger: Key Requirements and Steps
Transferring a domain from one hosting provider to another is a relatively simple process, but it does require a few important steps to ensure everything goes smoothly. Whether you’re moving your domain to another registrar for better services, pricing, or functionality, the process is similar across all providers. In this blog, we'll walk you through how to transfer a domain from Hostinger to a different registrar.
Why Transfer a Domain?
There are several reasons why you might want to transfer your domain from Hostinger to another registrar:
- Better pricing: Another registrar might offer better domain management features or lower renewal rates.
- Improved customer support: You might prefer the customer service of another registrar.
- Consolidation: If you have domains scattered across different providers, transferring them to one registrar could simplify management.
- Better features: Some registrars offer enhanced features like advanced DNS management, privacy protection, or email forwarding.
Now, let’s dive into how you can initiate and complete the transfer.
Prerequisites for Transferring Your Domain from Hostinger
Before you start the transfer process, make sure you meet these requirements:
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Domain Age: The domain you want to transfer must be at least 60 days old. ICANN (the organization that governs domain registrations) enforces this rule to prevent domain hijacking.
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Unlock Your Domain: By default, domains are locked to prevent unauthorized transfers. You will need to unlock your domain before transferring it to another registrar.
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Access to the Domain’s Admin Email: You will need access to the email address associated with the domain's administrative contact, as you’ll receive a transfer authorization code (EPP code) and instructions via email.
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Get the EPP Code: This code is required by the new registrar to initiate the transfer. It serves as a security measure to confirm that you are the legitimate domain owner.
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Ensure Domain Is Not Expiring Soon: It’s best to transfer your domain at least 15 days before it’s due to expire. If your domain is close to expiring, it might not be eligible for transfer.
Steps to Transfer Your Domain from Hostinger
Step 1: Log In to Your Hostinger Account
Go to Hostinger’s website and log in to your account where the domain is registered.
Step 2: Unlock Your Domain
- Once logged in, navigate to the “Domains” section from the main dashboard.
- Select the domain you want to transfer.
- Find the Domain Lock option, and toggle it to Unlock.
Unlocking your domain is an important step, as domains that are locked cannot be transferred to another registrar.
Step 3: Get the EPP Code (Transfer Authorization Code)
- In your Hostinger dashboard, look for the “Domain Management” section for the domain you wish to transfer.
- Click on Manage Domain or Domain Settings.
- You should see an option to Get EPP Code or Request Authorization Code. This code is essential for initiating the transfer with your new registrar.
- Hostinger will send the EPP code to the administrative contact email for the domain. Check your email inbox (including your spam folder) for the code.
Step 4: Initiate the Transfer with Your New Registrar
Now that you have the EPP code, it's time to initiate the transfer at the new registrar. Popular domain registrars include GoDaddy, Namecheap, Google Domains, and Bluehost. The process may vary slightly between providers, but here are the general steps:
- Create an Account with your new registrar if you don’t already have one.
- Look for the Domain Transfer option on the registrar's website.
- Enter the domain name you want to transfer.
- Paste the EPP code into the appropriate field when prompted.
- Review the transfer details and complete the process.
Step 5: Confirm the Transfer
After submitting the transfer request, the new registrar will send a confirmation email to the administrative email address on the domain. This email will include a link or button to approve the transfer.
It’s crucial to confirm the transfer request as soon as possible, or it may be automatically canceled.
Step 6: Wait for the Transfer to Complete
The transfer process typically takes about 5 to 7 days to complete. During this period, you may receive status update emails from both Hostinger and your new registrar.
While the transfer is in progress, your domain should continue to function normally, including any associated websites or emails. However, be aware that changes to DNS settings may not take effect until the transfer is finalized.
Step 7: Check the Domain After Transfer
Once the transfer is complete, verify the following:
- Access to DNS settings: Ensure that you can manage your domain’s DNS records at the new registrar.
- Domain renewal: Make sure the domain has been renewed for an additional year (most registrars extend the registration period by one year during the transfer).
- Email and website functionality: Test your website and email addresses to ensure everything is working as expected.
Step 8: Manage Your Domain Going Forward
Now that your domain is with a new registrar, you can take advantage of the services and features they offer. This could include:
- Setting up domain forwarding or email forwarding
- Enabling domain privacy protection to keep your personal information private in WHOIS databases
- Configuring DNS settings or setting up subdomains
Troubleshooting Common Issues
While the process is straightforward, here are some common issues you may encounter:
- Domain Locking: If you forget to unlock your domain at Hostinger, the transfer will fail. Always double-check that the domain is unlocked.
- Incorrect EPP Code: Ensure that the EPP code you entered is correct. If it’s expired or invalid, request a new one from Hostinger.
- Transfer Denied: If you don’t approve the transfer request within a specific time frame, it may be automatically canceled. Make sure to act quickly when you receive the confirmation email from your new registrar.
Conclusion
Transferring a domain from Hostinger to another registrar is an easy process if you follow the steps outlined above. Remember to unlock your domain, request the EPP code, and initiate the transfer with the new registrar. With a bit of patience, you’ll have your domain safely transferred, and you can enjoy the benefits of your new registrar.
If you run into any trouble during the transfer, don’t hesitate to reach out to the customer support teams of both Hostinger and your new registrar. Happy domain transferring!
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