How to Transfer a Domain from Another Registrar to Hostking

How to Transfer Your Domain to Hostking

To transfer a domain from another registrar to Hostking, unlock the domain, get the authorisation code (EPP code) from your current registrar, then start the transfer in the Hostking client area at my.hostking.host. The steps are the same whichever registrar you are leaving.

Transferring your domain to Hostking puts your domain and hosting in one place. This makes it easier to manage everything from a single account.

Important: Some domains cannot be transferred straight away. Registrars can block a transfer if the domain is recently registered, has had a recent change of registrant details, or was recently transferred. Check the rule with your current registrar before you start. See Why Can't I Transfer My Domain? The 60-Day Lock Explained.

Before You Start

You will need:

• Access to your current registrar's control panel
• Your domain's EPP code (also called the authorisation code, auth code, authentication code or transfer key)
• Your domain must be unlocked at your current registrar
• Your WHOIS contact email address must be accessible, because a confirmation email will be sent there

The EPP code is a password that proves you own the domain. Keep it private.

Step 1 — Unlock Your Domain

Log into your current registrar and open your domain management settings. Look for Domain Lock, Registrar Lock or Transfer Lock, and turn it off. If you cannot find this setting, contact your current registrar's support team and ask them to unlock the domain for transfer.

Step 2 — Get Your EPP / Authorisation Code

While you are still in your current registrar's control panel, request your EPP code. Your registrar may show it in the domain management or security settings, or email it to you on request. Some registrars call it an auth code or transfer key. Check your current registrar's help pages for the exact steps.

Keep this code ready for Step 3. Codes can expire, so request a new one if the transfer does not start.

Step 3 — Start the Transfer at Hostking

1. Log into my.hostking.host
2. Open the Domain Transfer service from your client area
3. Enter your domain name and check that it is eligible for transfer
4. Enter your EPP/authorisation code when prompted
5. Complete checkout

If you cannot find the Domain Transfer option, contact support using the details at the end of this article.

Step 4 — Approve the Transfer

After you submit, you will receive a confirmation email at your WHOIS contact address. Click the approval link to authorise the transfer. Your current registrar may also send a separate confirmation request. Approving it there can speed up the process.

Transfer time: Most transfers finish within 1 to 7 days. The exact time depends on the domain extension and on how quickly the approvals are completed.

Keep Your Website and Email Working

The transfer moves the domain registration. It does not, by itself, change where your website or email points.

Before you start, decide which option you want:

• Change the nameservers to Hostking's. This moves the whole DNS zone (the set of records for your domain) to Hostking.
• Keep your current DNS and change only the A records. This points just the website to Hostking and leaves the rest of your DNS where it is.

Before the transfer, download a copy of your DNS zone file from your current registrar. Keep it as a backup so you can recreate your records if needed.

Warning: If your domain uses your current registrar's free DNS, that service may stop when the domain moves. Check this before you transfer.

In cPanel, you can edit DNS records from the Domains section by opening Zone Editor, finding your domain and clicking Manage. Records you add in cPanel only work if the domain's nameservers point to the place where you added them. DNS changes can take up to 24 hours to spread across the internet.

After the Transfer

• Check that the domain shows as active in your Hostking client area.
• Check that your website and email still work.
• If you use email on the domain, check that the MX records and any TXT records are in place.

Common Problems

"Domain is locked" error
Unlock the domain at your current registrar first. See Step 1.

"Invalid authorisation code"
The EPP code is wrong, expired or already used. Request a fresh one from your current registrar.

Approval email never arrived
Check your spam folder. If your WHOIS email address is out of date, update it at your current registrar first. Note that changing contact details may trigger a new lock period.

Transfer taking longer than 7 days
Open a support ticket at my.hostking.host with your domain name and we will check the status.

Transfer was rejected
The most common causes are an incorrect or expired code, the domain still being locked, a recent registration or transfer, or an inaccessible WHOIS email address. Check each of these, then try again.

Need Help?

Our support team is available every day from 05:00 to 20:00 UTC via live chat at hostking.host, or by opening a ticket at my.hostking.host.