Domain Transfer
Transfer your domain
to APN Cloud, smoothly.
Transfer your domain to APN Cloud with your EPP / authorization code and manage DNS, renewals, hosting, SSL, email and support from one place. The process is simple when your domain is unlocked and eligible.
- Keep full ownership
- One dashboard
- Simple process
- Expert support
Domain transfer explained
What is a domain transfer?
A domain transfer (also called a registrar transfer) moves the management of your domain name from one registrar to another. When you transfer a domain to APN Cloud, you keep ownership of the name while gaining a single account for domain management, DNS, renewals and billing.
Transfers are commonly used to consolidate services, get clearer pricing, improve support or manage a domain alongside hosting. To start, you generally need the domain to be unlocked and an EPP (authorization) code from your current registrar.
A transfer does not move your website files, mailboxes or hosting. It changes the registrar responsible for the domain registration, so plan your DNS and email settings before you begin.
Why transfer
Benefits of transferring your domain to APN Cloud
One place for everything
Manage your domain, DNS, hosting, SSL, email and billing from one APN Cloud account.
Clear renewals & billing
See renewal dates and pricing up front, with invoices and reminders in one billing portal.
DNS control
Update nameservers and DNS records from your dashboard and point the domain to any service.
Security tools
Use domain lock and WHOIS privacy, where the registry allows, to protect your domain and details.
Keep full ownership
A registrar transfer changes who manages the domain, while you remain the registrant and owner.
Real human support
Our team can guide you through the auth code, approval email and post-transfer setup.
Before you start
Domain transfer requirements checklist
How the transfer works
How to transfer a domain in eight steps
Check eligibility
Confirm the domain is active, older than 60 days and that its extension supports registrar transfers.
Unlock & get your code
Turn off the transfer lock at your current registrar and copy the EPP / authorization code.
Update your contact email
Make sure the registrant email is correct and reachable, as the approval message is sent there.
Back up your DNS
Export your current DNS records and nameservers so your website and email keep working after the move.
Start the transfer
Place the transfer order with APN Cloud, enter your domain and paste the authorization code.
Approve the request
Approve the confirmation email sent to the registrant contact, or approve inside your old registrar's panel.
Track the transfer
Wait for the registry to process the request. Most generic domains finish within about 5 days.
You're in control
After approval, manage nameservers, DNS, domain lock, privacy and renewals from your APN Cloud account.
Timing & rules
How long does a domain transfer take?
Up to 5 days
Most generic-TLD transfers (.com, .net, .org) complete within about 5 days once the request is approved.
60-day rule
ICANN rules block transfers for 60 days after a new registration or a previous registrar transfer.
Usually +1 year
Many extensions add one year to the expiry date at transfer. The exact price shows at checkout.
Extension rules vary
Country-code domains can have their own timelines, requirements and fees, so check each extension.
Good to know
What doesn't transfer automatically
Website files
Your files, databases and application code stay with your current hosting account.
Email & mailboxes
Inbox messages, mailboxes and forwarders don't move automatically with the domain.
DNS records
Recreate or migrate your DNS records separately after the transfer completes.
Third-party services
Services connected to the domain may need to be reconfigured after the move.
Avoid downtime
Domain transfer best practices
Troubleshooting
Common domain transfer problems and fixes
Domain is still locked
Turn off the registrar transfer lock at your current provider, then retry the transfer order.
Wrong or expired auth code
Request a fresh EPP / authorization code from your registrar and paste it without spaces.
Approval email not received
Check the registrant email in WHOIS and your spam folder, then update it and resend the request.
Transfer says "not eligible"
The domain may be inside the 60-day window, expired, on hold or already pending transfer.
Website went offline
Nameservers or DNS records changed. Restore the previous records or point the domain to your hosting.
Privacy blocks approval
Temporarily disable WHOIS privacy so the approval email reaches the real registrant address.
Pricing & extensions
Domain transfer cost and supported extensions
Transfer pricing depends on the domain extension and is shown at checkout before you pay. For many generic extensions the transfer includes a one-year renewal. You can compare current register, renew and transfer prices for hundreds of extensions on our domain pricing page.
Not sure whether your domain is eligible? Use our WHOIS lookup to review the registrar, expiry date and registry status, or read the full domain transfer guide.
Domain transfer FAQ
Frequently asked questions about transferring a domain
How do I transfer my domain to APN Cloud?
Unlock the domain at your current registrar, copy the EPP / authorization code, start a transfer order with APN Cloud, enter the code and approve the confirmation email. After the registry approves the transfer, you can manage the domain from your APN Cloud account.
How long does a domain transfer take?
Most generic domains such as .com, .net and .org complete within about 5 days if the transfer is approved, and often faster when the current registrar releases it quickly. Country-code extensions can follow different timelines.
What is an EPP code or authorization code?
An EPP code (also called an auth code or transfer key) is a secret code issued by your current registrar that proves you are authorized to move the domain. You need it to start most registrar transfers.
Will my website or email go down during a transfer?
A registrar transfer does not normally change your website or email. Downtime usually only happens if nameservers or DNS records change. Keep your DNS unchanged until the transfer finishes and verify everything afterwards.
Can I transfer a domain I registered recently?
Not immediately. ICANN rules generally block transfers for 60 days after a new registration and after a previous registrar transfer. Wait until the window ends and try again.
Can I transfer an expired domain?
It depends on the extension and lifecycle status. A domain that is expired, on hold or in redemption often has to be renewed or restored before a transfer can proceed. Renew it with your current registrar first if possible.
Do I lose my remaining registration time when I transfer?
For many extensions the transfer adds one year to the current expiry date rather than replacing it, so you generally do not lose your remaining time. Exact behaviour depends on the extension and registry.
What happens to my DNS records after a transfer?
DNS records are not moved automatically. If your nameservers stay the same, DNS keeps working. If you use your old registrar's DNS, copy the records before transferring and recreate them where you host DNS after the transfer.
How much does a domain transfer cost?
Pricing depends on the domain extension. The transfer price is shown at checkout and usually includes a one-year renewal. You can also compare extension pricing on our domain pricing page before you start.
Can I transfer any domain extension?
Not every extension can be transferred between registrars, and some country-code domains have special rules. Search for the extension on our domain pricing page or contact support if you are unsure.
Does transferring a domain change who owns it?
No. A registrar transfer changes which company manages the domain, not who owns it. You stay the registrant of the domain name.
I did not receive the transfer approval email. What should I do?
Check spam folders and confirm the registrant email in WHOIS is correct and reachable. If WHOIS privacy hides the real address, disable it temporarily, update the contact email and resend the approval request.
Ready to transfer your domain?
Have your unlock status and authorization code ready, then start your transfer - or reach out and our team will guide you through it.