Seamless Domain Transfers: Moving Your Domain to a New Registrar Without Downtime

A Step-by-Step Guide to Safe, Smooth, and Smart Domain Migrations in 2025

Why Domain Transfers Matter

Transferring a domain might sound like a scary tech ritual, but it’s a pretty common process for businesses, bloggers, and brands looking for better deals, improved management, or enhanced support from a new registrar.

But here’s the catch: downtime during a transfer = lost visitors, lost revenue, and SEO trouble.

This blog is your step-by-step game plan for moving your domain like a pro, with zero disruption.

What Triggers a Domain Transfer?

Before diving into the how, let’s cover the why. People often transfer domains to:

• ✅ Consolidate domain management
• ✅ Access better DNS tools
• ✅ Save costs
• ✅ Improve support & reliability
• ✅ Gain better security options

But whether it’s strategic or financial, you always want that switch to be invisible to users.

Pre-Transfer Safety Checks (Don’t Skip These!)

Before initiating a transfer, lock in the safety nets:

1. Check Domain Eligibility

• The domain must be older than 60 days
• Cannot be within 60 days of a previous transfer

2. Make Sure WHOIS Info is Updated

• Email and contact info must be accurate, since approval emails go there.

3. Unlock the Domain

• Domains are usually “locked” by default.
• Go to your current registrar and disable the transfer lock.

4. Get the EPP/Auth Code

• Also called the transfer key.
• Your new registrar will need this.

Pro Tip:

If you’re using Google Domains, GoDaddy, Namecheap, Cloudflare, etc., each has its dashboard with simple options to unlock & export the EPP code.

Keep Your DNS Running Like Nothing’s Happening

Here’s where most people mess up and cause downtime:

❗ Your DNS settings are usually tied to your domain registrar.

If you move the domain and DNS at the same time, there’s a risk of nameserver propagation delays.

Fix: Use External DNS Before Transfer

1. Point your domain to an external DNS (like Cloudflare, DigitalOcean, or your host’s DNS)
2. Update the nameservers at your current registrar
3. Wait 24-48 hours for propagation
4. Only THEN start the domain transfer

This way, when you transfer the domain, the DNS settings already live elsewhere, no impact during the registrar switch.

Domain Transfer Process (Step-by-Step)

Here’s how the actual move happens.

Step 1: Prep Your Domain

• Unlock the domain
• Get the EPP/Auth code
• Confirm contact details

Step 2: Choose the New Registrar

• Sign up or log in to your new registrar
• Start a domain transfer process
• Enter your domain name
• Input the EPP code

Step 3: Approve the Transfer

• You’ll get an email from your current registrar
• Click the approval link
• Wait 5-7 days (ICANN timeline) if no manual confirmation

Step 4: Monitor & Confirm

• The domain will show as “Pending Transfer.”
• After approval, it should appear in your new registrar dashboard

Pro Tip:

Transfers don’t affect hosting if DNS remains untouched!

How Long Does It Take?

Most transfers take 5 to 7 days, depending on registrars and ICANN protocols. Some (like Cloudflare and Google Domains) are much faster.

Troubleshooting & Common Issues

❌ Problem: Domain Locked

• Fix: Unlock at the current registrar and try again

❌ Problem: Email Incorrect

• Fix: Update WHOIS info, wait for sync

❌ Problem: Transfer Rejected

• Fix: Double-check your EPP code and ensure the domain is eligible

After the Transfer: Final Touches

Once the domain is active under your new registrar:

• Check DNS settings again
• Enable WHOIS protection
• Lock your domain again for security
• Set up renewal reminders or auto-renew

Bonus: Why Use Cloudflare DNS Before Domain Transfers?

If you’re expecting traffic during a domain move, Cloudflare’s DNS offers a layer of protection:

• Global Anycast DNS = super fast resolution
• Free DNS + CDN = added speed boost
• Keeps traffic flowing while the domain changes hands

Wrapping Up

Moving a domain doesn’t need to feel like pulling teeth.

When done, right? With DNS separation, timing, and proper steps, you’ll move domains like a stealthy ninja, keeping visitors and Google none the wiser.

Too Long; Didn’t Read? Checklist

• Unlock domain
• Get EPP/Auth code
• Update WHOIS email
• Move DNS to an external provider (optional but ideal)
• Start the transfer at the new registrar
• Approve via email
• Wait 5-7 days
• Verify the domain at the new registrar
• Re-lock & test DNS

Still Confused? We Can Help!

Need a walkthrough? Our team at Nest Nepal can help with domain moves, DNS setups, and everything in between, with zero downtime guaranteed.