Transfer Guide
A step-by-step domain
transfer guide.
Follow this domain transfer checklist before moving a domain to APN Cloud. A little preparation avoids delays, failed transfers, lost EPP codes and DNS or email problems.
- Step-by-step
- No-downtime tips
- Fix common errors
- Expert support
Domain transfer guide
How do you transfer a domain name?
To transfer a domain name, unlock it at your current registrar, copy the EPP (authorization) code, start a transfer order with the new registrar and approve the confirmation email. Once the registry approves the request, the new registrar manages your domain while you stay the owner.
This guide walks through every stage: checking eligibility, finding your auth code, protecting your DNS and email, starting the transfer, approving it and verifying everything afterwards.
Looking for a quick overview instead? Visit the domain transfer page, compare extension pricing or check your domain with the WHOIS lookup.
At a glance
What you need before you transfer a domain
EPP / auth code
The secret code from your current registrar that proves you are allowed to move the domain.
Domain unlocked
The registrar transfer lock must be turned off, or the registry will reject the request.
Reachable email
Approval messages go to the registrant contact, so that inbox must be accessible.
60 days old
Domains are usually locked for 60 days after new registration or a previous transfer.
Prepare first, then transfer
Six stages to move your domain without downtime
Check eligibility
- Confirm the domain is active, not expired and not under any dispute.
- Make sure 60 days have passed since registration or the last transfer.
- Check the registrant email is valid, as approval mails are sent there.
- Renew first if the domain expires soon and your registrar advises it.
Unlock & collect the code
- Log in to your current registrar account and open the domain settings.
- Turn off the registrar lock (transfer lock) for the domain.
- Request the EPP code, also called auth code or transfer secret.
- Copy the code carefully and never share it in public places.
Prepare DNS, email & website
- Export or screenshot every DNS record, including MX and TXT entries.
- Note your current nameservers and keep them unchanged for now.
- Confirm where your website and email are hosted before you move.
- Pick a quiet day to transfer, away from launches and campaigns.
Start the transfer at APN Cloud
- Open the APN Cloud transfer page or contact our support team.
- Enter the domain name and paste the authorization code exactly.
- Review pricing, registrant details and your DNS plan before paying.
- Complete the order and watch your inbox for approval messages.
Approve & track the request
- Open the confirmation email sent to the registrant or admin contact.
- Approve the request, or approve it in your old registrar's panel.
- Wait for the registry to process it, usually within about 5 days.
- Contact support if the status stays pending without any change.
After transfer completion
- Verify that nameservers and DNS records are correct and complete.
- Test your website, email, SSL and any connected third-party services.
- Re-enable the domain lock once the transfer has completed.
- Update renewal settings and contact details in your APN Cloud account.
EPP / auth code
Where to find your domain authorization code
Look in domain settings
Open the domain in your registrar account and check the Security, Lock or Transfer tabs.
Search their help centre
Search for 'EPP code', 'auth code' or 'transfer key' to find the registrar's exact steps.
Check your registrar email
Some registrars email the code to the registrant instead of showing it in the dashboard.
Ask their support team
If you cannot find it, support can usually generate or resend the code for you.
Domain status codes
Status codes that can block a domain transfer
Client Transfer Prohibited
The registrar has locked the domain. Ask your current registrar to unlock it first.
Server Transfer Prohibited
The registry is blocking the transfer. Registrar or registry help may be required.
Pending Transfer
A transfer is already in progress, so wait for it to complete or be cancelled.
Redemption Period
The domain has expired and is being recovered. Restore or renew it before moving.
Avoid downtime
Protect your website, DNS and email during the transfer
Common transfer problems
Why a domain transfer fails and how to fix it
Wrong or expired auth code
Request a fresh EPP code from your registrar and paste it without spaces.
Domain locked at registrar
Disable the transfer lock in your current registrar account and try again.
Approval email not confirmed
Check spam folders and approve the request before the deadline expires.
Registrant email unreachable
Update the contact email at your current registrar, then restart the transfer.
Transfer restriction applies
The domain may be inside the 60-day window or under a registry hold.
Order details incomplete
Check the domain name, code and billing details, then resubmit the order.
Domain transfer guide FAQ
Frequently asked questions about domain transfers
What is the first step to transfer a domain?
Confirm the domain is eligible. It should be active, older than 60 days and not locked by a dispute or registry hold. Then unlock it at your current registrar and request the EPP code.
Where do I find my EPP code?
Log in to your current registrar, open the domain settings and look for Security, Lock or Transfer options. Some registrars email the code to the registrant, and support can generate it if you cannot find it.
Should I unlock the domain before transferring?
Yes. A registrar transfer lock blocks the move, so turn it off before starting. After the transfer completes you can lock the domain again in your APN Cloud account.
How do I transfer a domain without downtime?
Keep your nameservers and DNS records unchanged until the transfer finishes. A registrar transfer does not move your website or email, so downtime only happens if DNS changes by mistake.
What should I back up before a domain transfer?
Export all DNS records, including A, CNAME, MX and TXT entries, and note your nameservers. Also record where your website and email are hosted so you can verify them afterwards.
Why did my domain transfer fail?
Common causes are a wrong auth code, a domain that is still locked, an unconfirmed approval email, outdated registrant details or a domain inside the 60-day restriction window.
Does a domain transfer renew my domain?
For many extensions a successful transfer adds one year to the current expiry date. Exact rules depend on the extension and registry, and the price is shown at checkout.
Can I cancel a domain transfer?
You can usually reject the approval email or ask your current registrar to cancel a pending transfer. Once the registry completes it, the domain is managed by the new registrar.
What happens after the transfer completes?
Verify nameservers and DNS records, test your website and email, re-enable the domain lock and update renewal settings and contact details in your APN Cloud account.
Can APN Cloud check my domain before I transfer?
Yes. Contact our support team with your domain name and we can help you review transfer readiness, or you can use the WHOIS lookup to check registrar, expiry and status codes yourself.
Want us to check before you transfer?
Send us your domain name and we'll help you review transfer readiness before you start, so it goes through first time.