If you move your domain from one provider to another you're transferring your domain.

Why do people transfer their domain? Domain providers offer different features and services for any given domain name. Usually, it's about value. Customers transfer their domain to providers like IONOS to add value to their domain name.

While all ICANN domains are transferrable, other domains have restrictions or other special conditions. Country code TLDs or (ccTLDs), like Colombia's .co or Canada's .ca domain extensions, may have different transfer policies. The .xyz extension also has special rule regarding transfers. Blockchain domains, like .crypto, .bitcoin, and .wallet, are currently not eligible for transfer at IONOS.

If you have any questions, our transfer experts would be happy to help!

To transfer your domain you'll need the authorisation code from your current provider and the current email address associated with your account. Double check you have access to this email account, because you'll receive your code in this mailbox. We recommend that you back up all the content on your existing domain, as this will not be transferred to your new host.

Since your website must be hosted on a domain, it's important to ensure that your domain provider is the best choice for both you and your business. Your provider should meet all your company needs and provide 24/7 service.

If not, it's worth considering transferring your domain name. The features offered, the quality of those features, the level of service, reliability, and price can vary greatly. So, before you transfer, it's a good idea to explore different providers.

IONOS offers domain transfers completely free of charge. No matter the reason for transferring your domain, we do not charge any transfer fees, and there are no extra costs involved in moving your domain at any stage. You only need to pay for the first year of renewal. In addition, any remaining time on your current registration will be added to the new renewal period you select with IONOS during the transfer process. This ensures that your domain's validity is extended without losing any time. 

For example, if you have 3 years remaining on your domain registration with another provider and decide to transfer it to IONOS for an extra year, your domain will be registered for a total of 4 years. This offer is available for all eligible domain extensions being transferred to IONOS.

The registration process with IONOS takes just a few minutes, but it's important that you enter your authorisation code and other information correctly. If you do that, the entire process usually takes between 24 and 48 hours.

If we have to verify or correct information for you, it may take up to 7 days for your transfer to go through.

As long as your actual domain name doesn't change and you follow the steps above, your SEO ranking shouldn't be affected by your domain transfer.

We recommend waiting to cancel your previous account until your domain transfer to IONOS is complete. This way, your site remains online throughout the transition period.

You'll find answers to all your authorisation code questions and step-by-step guides in the IONOS Visit Help Centrel

No, you do not need to provide the authorisation code to begin the transfer process. However, you will need to enter the code to complete the transfer. You can input or modify the authorisation code in your control panel.

The transfer process typically takes anywhere from 30 minutes to 7 days. For more details, you can refer to the article ‘Duration of a Domain Transfer to IONOS’.

You can monitor the transfer status of your domain directly in the control panel of your profile. Additionally, we will keep you updated by sending you emails at each stage of the process.