What Does it Mean to Transfer Domain Names?
The transfer of domain names refers to the process of moving a domain from one domain registrar, reseller or hosting provider to another. A domain provider is a company that is either accredited register and manage domain names on behalf of customers, or affiliated to an accredited registrar.
When you transfer a domain name, you’re essentially changing the entity responsible for managing and renewing your domain registration.
It’s important to note that transferring a domain name does not necessarily mean changing your website’s hosting provider, although it’s common to transfer both the domain and hosting at the same time. The domain transfer process typically takes a few days to complete, during which your website should continue to function normally.
Reasons to Transfer Domain Names [The Why]
Below are some of the main reasons why individuals or businesses choose to transfer domain names:
1. Better pricing
Over time, domain registration and renewal fees can add up, especially for those who own multiple domains. By transferring to a provider with more competitive pricing, domain owners can potentially save money. However, it is important to note that cheap domains don’t always include the same quality features, support and performance.
2. Improved features and services
Different registrars, resellers or hosting providers offer varying sets of features and services. A domain owner may decide to transfer their domain to a provider that offers additional tools or services that better align with their needs.
3. To consolidate domains and/or hosting
Managing multiple domains across different registrars, resellers or hosts can be cumbersome and inefficient. By consolidating all domains and or hosting under a single provider, domain owners can streamline the management process, and have a user-friendly, centralised platform for managing domain settings and other products efficiently.
4. Dissatisfaction with current provider
Poor customer service, frequent downtimes or website outages, security vulnerabilities, or a lack of necessary features; can lead to frustration and dissatisfaction with the current provider. In such cases, transferring the domain to a more reliable and capable provider can improve the overall experience and ensure better website performance and security.
5. Domain theft protection
Domain theft or hijacking attempts can be a serious concern for website owners. Transferring a domain to a reputable and secure provider with robust security measures can help mitigate the risk of unauthorised access, or domain hijacking, providing peace of mind and better protection for the domain.
If a website is migrating to a new platform or content management system (CMS), the domain owner may need to transfer the domain to a hosting provider that offers improved compatibility and support for the new platform. This ensures a smoother transition and optimal performance for the website on the new platform.
Website performance, loading times, and uptime are crucial factors for a positive user experience and search engine rankings. If a domain owner finds that their current provider is not delivering satisfactory performance or uptime, they may transfer their domain to a host with a more robust infrastructure, faster servers, and better reliability, so as to ensure optimal website performance and availability.
The Process of Transferring a Domain Name: 7 Simple Steps [The How]
Wondering how to transfer your domain ? The process generally involves the following seven simple steps:
Step 1: Unlock the domain
First, you need to unlock the domain with your current provider. This removes any transfer restrictions and allows you to initiate the transfer process. You can usually find the option to unlock the domain in your account management area.
Step 2: Obtain the EPP Authorisation Code
Once the domain is unlocked, you need to obtain the EPP (Extensible Provisioning Protocol) authorisation code, also known as the’ transfer code’ or ‘auth code’. This code is a unique string of characters that proves your ownership of the domain and allows the new registrar to accept the transfer. You can typically request the EPP code from your current registrar’s account management area or by contacting their customer support.
Step 3: Initiate the transfer with the new domain provider
After obtaining the EPP code, the transfer process with the new domain provider you want to transfer the domain to, needs to be initiated. This usually involves providing the domain name and the code, along with any other required information, such as your contact details.
Step 4: Approve the transfer request
The new registrar will send a transfer request to your current registrar. You may receive a notification from your current registrar asking you to approve or deny the transfer request within a specific time frame (usually 5-7 days). Please note that you need to ensure your account with your current provider is up to date, as they may decline a transfer request until it is.
Step 5: Wait for the transfer to complete
After you approve the transfer request with your current registrar, the new registrar will complete the transfer process. This can take a few days, during which time your website should continue to function normally. Do not forget to cancel any services related to the transferring domain, as they will not be cancelled by your current provider without written confirmation from yourself.
Step 6: Update nameservers (optional)
If you are also transferring your hosting to a new provider along with the domain, you will need to update the nameservers for your domain to point to the new hosting provider’s servers. This step ensures that your website remains accessible after the transfer is complete.
Step 7: Manage the domain with the new provider
Once the transfer is complete, the new registrar will become the designated registrar for your domain name. You can manage the domain, update contact information, renew its registration, and make any other necessary changes through the new provider’s platform.
10 Benefits of Choosing Domains.co.za as Your Domain Name Provider [The Where]
If you want to know where to move your domain name to, here are the top reasons to consider Domains.co.za:
1. We are ICANN Accredited
Domains.co.za is an ICANN Accredited domain name registrar. This means we meet industry standards, follow best practices, and ensure trustworthy registration data processes. We also hold various other accreditations that provide peace of mind to our customers.
2. We adore our customers
We aim to providethe best in responsive and knowledgeable support to our customers. Our team of support staff possess in-depth technical expertise to resolve complex issues quickly.
3. What you see is what you get
We clearly disclose all costs upfront with no hidden fees, and offer competitive registration and renewal rates.
4. We give you everything you need, and MORE!
We offer the following FREE features:
Domain Name Parking : Reserve a domain name for future use without incurring hosting costs.DNS Hosting : This service ensures that your domain name correctly resolves to the right IP address, allowing visitors to access your website.Nameserver Management : Control your domain’s DNS settings and records and choose where its DNS is hosted.1-Click DNSSEC: A suite of internet security specifications that add authentication and data integrity to the DNS protocol, adding an extra layer of security to your domain. “Is It Up” Monitoring Tool: A service that continuously checks the availability and uptime of your website or domain.Blacklist Check: A service that checks if your domain or IP address has been blacklisted by various spam databases, or security organisations.URL Forwarding: With URL forwarding you can redirect your domain name to any other domain name.
5. We prioritise security practices
From two-factor authentication, SSL encryption of data, and secure handling of sensitive WHOIS data, we take the security of your domain seriously.
6. We are Geo-Redundant
We know that reliability and uptime are non-negotiable, and therefore offer a track record of a highly available DNS infrastructure on geo-redundant DNS servers. This ensures quick propagation of changes no matter where the visitor is located.
7. Manage your domain quickly and easily
We offer a user-friendly control panel to simplify domain management functions like updating nameservers, contacts, renewals, and more, including bulk management capabilities.
8. Benefit from our value-added services
For your convenience we offer a series of value-added services including:
9. Transfer domain names quickly and easily
We offer a straightforward process for transferring domains, with no excessive charges or complications.
10. We’ve made a great name in the industry
We’ve been in the industry since 2001 and have built an excellent reputation when it comes to security, features, support, transparency, reliability and customer satisfaction. Read what other customers say about us .
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
– It is easy, and relatively quick, to transfer domain names from one provider to another.
FAQs
To transfer domain names means what exactly?
To transfer your domain is to change the domain name registering provider that manages the registration of the domain name.
Does a domain transfer affect hosting?
No, transferring a domain does not directly affect your website hosting. They are separate services that can both be transferred independently of each other.
What is a reverse Whois Lookup?
A reverse Whois lookup allows you to find domains owned by a specific registrant name, or email address.
What will happen if I transfer my domain name?
If you transfer your domain to a new host, the new domain name provider will become the designated manager of your domain registration and renewal, and does not affect your website.
How do I transfer my website to another person?
You’ll need to update the registrant contact information and transfer ownership completely, including your website hosting attached to the domain.
Does a domain transfer move DNS records?
No, your existing DNS settings don’t automatically transfer. The nameservers need to be updated, either by yourself, or on request to the new provider.
How much does a domain name transfer cost?
When you transfer a domain name to Domains.co.za the pricing structure is as follows:
For all local ZARC domain extensions (e.g. . co.za) there is usually no cost involved. International domain transfers (e.g. .com) incur a fee, which is normally the same as the renewal fee of that particular extension. Your domain name will also be renewed for a year ahead of the transfer date.
What is the process of transferring a domain name?
Visit the new domain provider’s “transfer domain” page, enter the domain name you want to transfer, obtain and enter your authorisation code. Approve the request from your previous provider and wait for completion.
How long does it take to move a domain?
Domain transfers typically take 5-7 days to process fully from initiation to completion.
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Chantél Venter is a creative writer, strategic thinker, and a serious gesticulator. She’s passionate about storytelling, small businesses and bringing color to the world – be it through her words or wardrobe.
She holds a four-year degree in Business and Mass Media Communication and Journalism. She’s been a copywriter and editor for the technology, insurance and architecture industries since 2007 and believes anybody can run a small business successfully. She therefore enjoys finding and sharing the best and most practical tips for this purpose.
