Transfer a domain to another registrar

Your domain belongs to you: you can move it to another registrar whenever you want. This guide explains how to prepare the transfer from your Upkyo client area, and how to keep your website and email running during the move.

Before you start

• The domain must have been registered or transferred more than 60 days ago: this is a registry rule, not an Upkyo one.
• It must not be expired. If it is close to its expiry date, renew it first, see Renew a domain name.
• The owner's email address must be valid: a confirmation may be sent to it.
• Export your DNS zone from Import / Export to keep a copy of all your records.

Get the transfer code step by step

1. Open Domains and click your domain.
2. In the Protection tab, remove the transfer lock.
3. In the EPP code tab, get the transfer code.
4. Give this code to your new registrar, on their transfer page.
5. Approve the transfer if a confirmation email arrives at the owner's address.
6. Wait for the transfer to complete: the new registrar lets you know when the domain has arrived.

How do you avoid downtime during the transfer?

A transfer changes the registrar, not necessarily the name servers. The risk comes when you switch to the new provider's name servers.

1. Export the current zone from the DNS tab, Import / Export tool (BIND format).
2. Recreate or import these records at the new provider.
3. Pay special attention to the website's A or CNAME record, the MX records and the TXT records (SPF, DKIM, DMARC).
4. Switch name servers only once the new zone is complete.
5. Check the result after a few hours, see Why is my DNS change not visible yet?.

What about my Upkyo services linked to the domain?

Transferring the domain does not automatically delete your hosting or mailboxes at Upkyo. If you want to keep them, the new DNS zone must keep pointing to them: same A, CNAME and MX records as today.

If you are leaving these services too, first download your files and emails, then cancel them from your client area, see Cancel a service.

Why lock a domain?

The transfer lock stops anyone from moving your domain without your consent, even if they get hold of the code. It is an important protection against domain theft. Remove it only for the duration of the transfer. If you change your mind, turn it back on in the Protection tab.

Common mistakes

• The new registrar rejects the code: check that it was copied in full, with no space before or after. Upper and lower case matter.
• The domain is still locked: the lock must be removed in the Protection tab before you start the request.
• 60-day period not over: the transfer will be refused until it ends.
• Website or email down after the transfer: the DNS zone was not copied to the new provider. Add the missing records from your export.

Need help? Upkyo support answers 24/7 by ticket at /submitticket.php or at support@upkyo.com.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get the EPP code for my domain?

Open Domains, click your domain, then the EPP code tab. The transfer code is shown there. Also remove the lock in the Protection tab.

How long does an outgoing transfer take?

Usually a few days. It depends on the extension and on the new registrar, which keeps you informed of its progress.

Does a transfer delete my website or email?

No, the transfer does not touch your services. DNS records are what link the domain to the website and email: copy them to the new provider before changing name servers.

Can I cancel a transfer in progress?

Turn the transfer lock back on in the Protection tab and let the new registrar know. If the transfer has already completed, you will need a new transfer the other way, see Transfer a domain to Upkyo.