To transfer a domain to another registrar, you need to unlock your domain, get an authorization code, and submit a transfer request to your new provider. A domain transfer moves your domain registration between companies while keeping you as the registered owner.
You might transfer for better pricing, customer support, security features, easier management, or to consolidate your domains under one provider.
This guide explains what to prepare, how to complete the transfer, and what it costs. If you’re new to domain names, learn about the difference between a domain and a URL.
Things to Know Before Transferring Your Domain
Before starting a domain transfer, check the following details to avoid delays or service interruptions.
- Review your nameserver and DNS settings. Nameservers connect your domain to the provider that manages its Domain Name System (DNS) records. These records direct visitors to your website and help route your email. Your nameservers usually stay the same during a transfer, but check whether your current DNS service will remain active afterwards.Your domain registrar is the company that manages your domain registration. Your DNS provider manages the records connecting your domain to your website and email. These may be different companies.
- Unlock your domain before initiating the transfer. Most registrars use a registrar lock to protect domains from unauthorised transfers. You’ll need to unlock your domain through your current registrar before moving it.
- Obtain your authorization code. Also called an EPP code or transfer code, this helps confirm that you’re authorised to move the domain. Each domain generally needs its own code.
- Confirm transfer eligibility. Most generic domains cannot be transferred within 60 days of registration or a previous transfer. Certain changes to the registered owner’s details may also trigger a 60-day lock.
- Review the transfer costs. Fees depend on your registrar and domain extension. Check the total cost and whether it includes an additional year of registration.
For more information about transfer timelines, read our guide on how long a domain transfer takes.
How to Transfer a Domain Name to BigRock?
The exact domain transfer process varies by registrar. The steps below explain how to transfer a domain from another registrar to BigRock. If you’re ready to transfer your domain to a new registrar, follow these seven steps to prepare your domain, submit your request, and complete the transfer process.
Step 1. Confirm that your domain is eligible for transfer
Before starting, check whether your domain meets the transfer requirements. Most generic domains, such as .com and .net, cannot be transferred within 60 days of initial registration or a previous transfer.
Your domain must also be free from transfer restrictions or disputes. Make sure you can access its registered contact email, and avoid changing ownership details immediately before transferring, as this may trigger another 60-day lock.
Step 2. Disable the Registrar Lock
Many registrars lock domains by default to prevent unauthorised transfers.
To unlock your domain, log in to your current registrar’s dashboard and open your domain management settings. Look for the Domain Lock, Registrar Lock, or Transfer Lock option and disable it before proceeding.
If you can’t find the setting, contact your registrar’s support team.
Step 3. Obtain Your EPP or Authorization Code
An EPP code, also called an authorization code or auth code, is a security code used to approve a domain transfer.
You can usually find it in your current registrar’s domain settings or request it through customer support.
Keep the code secure and accessible. You’ll need to submit it to BigRock to authorise the transfer.
Step 4. Backup Website and Email Data
A domain transfer normally doesn’t affect your website files, databases, or emails because these are managed separately from your domain registration.
However, it’s good practice to create backups, especially if you’re also moving your website to another hosting provider.
Save copies of your website files, databases, important emails, and DNS settings in case you need them later.
Step 5. Start the Domain Transfer to BigRock
Visit BigRock’s domain transfer page and enter the domain name you want to transfer.
Follow the instructions to submit your transfer request and complete the payment. Then, log in to your BigRock account, open Orders, select your domain, and enter your EPP code.
Many transfers include an additional year of registration, depending on the extension and transfer conditions.
Step 6. Approve the Transfer Request
After submitting your authorization code, the registrant (the person or organisation that owns the domain) should check their registered email address for a transfer approval request from BigRock.
Follow the instructions to approve the transfer. Your current registrar may also send a notification allowing you to confirm or cancel the request.
Review these messages and complete any required steps promptly to avoid delays.
Step 7. Wait for the Transfer to Complete and Verify Your Services
The domain transfer process usually takes five to seven days, although some transfers finish sooner or take longer. You can check the status through your BigRock account and review updates from both your new and old registrar.
Once the transfer is complete, open your website to make sure it loads correctly. Test your email services and check your DNS records and nameserver settings.
You don’t always need to change your DNS settings, but you should confirm that all your connected services still work.
Before you finish: A successful domain transfer moves your registration to BigRock, but it’s still important to check your website, email, and DNS settings afterwards. For more detailed instructions, read our step-by-step guide to transferring your domain to BigRock.
How Much Does It Cost to Transfer a Domain Name?
Domain transfer costs vary depending on the registrar and domain extension.
In India, transferring common extensions such as .in, .com, and .net often costs around ₹700 to ₹1,500. Other extensions may cost more, and the final price depends on your chosen provider and available offers.
Many transfers include an additional year of domain registration in the transfer fee. For example, if your .com domain has six months remaining, an eligible transfer may extend its registration period to 18 months.
However, not every domain extension or transfer qualifies for an additional year.
Before proceeding, check the transfer fee, taxes, future renewal costs, and whether your registration period will be extended. You can review the available prices on BigRock’s domain pricelist.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. You can transfer your domain to another registrar if it meets the requirements. Most generic domains must be at least 60 days old, unlocked, and free from transfer restrictions.
Most transfers take five to seven days, although some may take longer. The exact time depends on your domain extension, registrar, and any additional verification needed.
Not always. Most registrars charge a transfer fee, although some offer free or discounted transfers for certain extensions. The fee may include an additional year of registration.
A domain transfer doesn’t normally cause downtime because your hosting and DNS settings can stay the same. However, your website or email may stop working if your DNS service ends or its settings aren’t maintained.
Most generic domains require an EPP or authorization code to complete a transfer. Some country-specific domain extensions follow different procedures.
Yes, in some cases. You may still be able to transfer an expired domain if it hasn’t entered redemption or pending deletion. Check its status with your current registrar before starting.
No. Transferring your domain doesn’t change its name or registered owner. It only changes the company managing your domain registration.
Transfer Your Domain with Confidence
Transferring your domain to another registrar is usually straightforward when you meet the requirements and prepare the necessary details.
Check your domain’s eligibility, unlock it, and get your authorization code before starting. Once the transfer is complete, make sure your website, email, and DNS settings are working as expected.
If you’re considering BigRock, explore its domain transfer options to compare pricing and available features. You can also review BigRock’s web hosting services if you’re planning to move your website hosting.
With the right preparation, you can transfer your domain while keeping your website and email services running with minimal disruption.
