Domain Transfer

If you move your domain from one provider to another you're transferring your domain. Why do people transfer their domain?

Domain providers offer different features and services for any given domain name. Usually, it's about value. Customers transfer their domain to providers like IONOS to add value to their domain name.

While all ICANN domains are transferrable, other domains have restrictions or other special conditions. Country Code TLDs or (ccTLDs), like Colombia's .co or Canada's .ca domain extensions, may have different transfer policies. The .xyz extension also has special rule regarding transfers. Blockchain domains, like .crypto, .bitcoin, and .wallet, are currently not eligible for transfer at IONOS.

If you have any questions, our transfer experts would be happy to help!

To transfer your domain you'll need the authorization code from your current provider and the current email address associated with your account. Double check you have access to this email account, because you'll receive your code in this mailbox.
We recommend that you back up all the content on your existing domain, this will not be transferred to your new host.

Since your website must be hosted on a domain, it's important to ensure that your domain provider is the best choice for both you and your business. Your provider should meet all your company needs and provide 24/7 service.

If not, it's worth considering transferring your domain name. The features offered, the quality of those features, the level of service, reliability, and price can vary greatly. So, before you transfer, it's a good idea to explore different providers.

IONOS provides domain transfers at 0 cost. Regardless of why you're transferring your domain, we don't charge any domain transfer fees and there are no added costs for moving your domain at any time. You only have to pay for the first year of renewal. Additionally, any remaining time on your current registration period will be added to the new renewal period you choose with IONOS during the transfer process. This means you can extend your domain's validity without losing any time! 

For example, if you have 3 years left on your current domain registration with another provider and decide to transfer it to IONOS for an additional 1 years, your domain will automatically have a total of 4 years of registration. This offer applies to all eligible domain extensions being transferred to IONOS. 

It usually takes between 30 minutes to 7 days. You can learn more by reading Duration of a domain transfer to IONOS.  

No, you do not need to give the authorization code to start the transfer process. However, you do need to provide the code for the process to be completed. You can enter or edit the authorization code in your control panel.

You can track the transfer status of your domain in the control panel of your profile. We’ll also keep track of it for you by sending you emails every step of the way. 

To transfer an external domain to IONOS, prepare your domain by removing any transfer locks and obtaining an authorization code from your current provider. Then, log in to your IONOS account, go to the IONOS Shop, and initiate the transfer by entering your domain name and authorization code. For more help on how to transfer your external domain into IONOS, visit our help center article.

As long as your actual domain name doesn't change and you follow the steps above, your SEO ranking shouldn't be affected by your domain transfer.

We recommend waiting to cancel your previous account until your domain transfer to IONOS is complete. This way, your site remains online throughout the transition period.

You'll find answers to all your authorization code questions and step-by-step guides in the IONOS Help Center