Key takeaways:
- Move your GoDaddy domain name to Network Solutions easily with our step-by-step guide.
- Get your domain name ready for transfer with this domain transfer checklist.
- Understand the clear differences between transferring your domain name and changing who owns it.
If your domain is registered with GoDaddy and you’re considering switching to Network Solutions, we’re here to help make the move easy and hassle-free.
But first, let’s understand what transferring a domain name means.
What is a domain transfer?
A domain transfer is the process of moving a domain name from one domain registrar (like GoDaddy) to another (like Network Solutions). When transferring a domain, you change the company responsible for managing your domain name.
Transferring a domain doesn’t change the domain name itself; it simply changes where you manage it.
There are a few reasons why you might consider transferring your domain, including:
- Consolidation. If multiple domains are registered with different companies, transferring them to a single registrar can simplify management and reduce administrative overhead.
- Price. Different companies offer varying pricing structures, and you might find a registrar that offers more competitive pricing, especially for domain renewals.
- Support. Customer support can vary significantly. If you’re experiencing issues or need better customer service, you might consider transferring to a company with better support.
- Products & services. Some companies offer additional services, like eCommerce solutions, website builders, or hosting, which can be beneficial if you want to expand your online presence.
- Performance. The speed and reliability of the DNS (Domain Name System) services provided can affect your website’s performance. Transferring to a company with a better DNS infrastructure might improve your site’s loading times and uptime.
Domain transfer vs. domain change of ownership
A domain transfer shifts the domain from one company to another (e.g., from GoDaddy to Network Solutions) without changing its owner (you still own the domain). In contrast, a domain change of ownership updates the domain’s owner, transferring management responsibilities to the new owner.
Prepare your domain name for transfer
Transferring your domain name to a new registrar requires a few preparatory steps. This will ensure a smooth and successful domain transfer.
Before you begin the process, make sure your domain meets a few basic requirements:
- Unlock the domain at your current registrar.
- Request and obtain the EPP code.
- Disable any privacy protection services.
- Verify and update your domain’s contact information.
- Ensure at least 60 days have passed since the last registration or transfer
How to transfer your domain
Part 1: Initiate the domain transfer from GoDaddy to Network Solutions
To transfer your domain from GoDaddy to Network Solutions, follow these steps:
- Sign in to your GoDaddy account.
- Check the administrative email account to confirm your access to the domain owner’s email account. This will make sure you can receive the important transfer-related emails that will be sent to that account.
- Navigate to Domain Portfolio.
- Select the domain you want to transfer.
- Unlock your domain name.
- Turn off any domain privacy setting.
Note: This should occur automatically when you request the authorization code, but it’s best to double-check. - Under Transfer, select Transfer to Another Registrar.
- Review the transfer checklist for additional information.
- Click Continue with Transfer.
- Click to see the Authorization Code, and then select Copy to Clipboard to copy the authorization code. You’ll also receive an email with the code at the administrative email address linked to your domain name.
Part 2: Begin the transfer with Network Solutions
- Go to the Network Solutions Domain Transfer page.
- Type in your domain name in the blank field, then click GET STARTED.
- On the checkout page, you can add additional years of registration. Once done, click CONTINUE TO CHECKOUT.
- Fill out the contact information or log in to your Network Solutions account, then click SUBMIT PAYMENT.
- Check for the authorization emails from GoDaddy. Typically, they email the admin email address linked to your domain name.
- Enter the domain authorization code in your Network Solutions Account Manager. This will initiate the transfer process between your GoDaddy and Network Solutions.
Note: Domain transfers can take 5 – 7 days to complete. If the transfer is not completed within the stated timeframe, contact your new registrar for more details.
How to manage the transition period
Update DNS settings and name servers, if necessary
Changing the DNS and name server records when transferring a domain from GoDaddy to Network Solutions largely depends on your specific circumstances. Here are some scenarios where you may need to make changes before/after the transfer is complete:
- Hosting is still with GoDaddy. If your website hosting or email services are bundled with GoDaddy, transferring the domain necessitates updating your DNS settings to maintain functionality.
- Network Solutions offers new services. If you plan to use these services—like website hosting or email—you’ll need to update your DNS settings accordingly.
- New additional services. If the move to Network Solutions also coincides with adding new services (such as Google Workspace), you may need to update your DNS settings or name servers.
If you want to learn more about updating your DNS settings with Network Solutions, visit our help section.
Given your unique situation, please get in touch with customer support if you have any questions about whether you need to update your DNS or name servers.
Test website functionality after the transfer
Once the transfer is complete, it is important to check your website and ensure everything works properly. This includes checking your website’s loading speed, links, images, and so on. You should also test all domain email addresses to see if they can send and receive emails.
Make the switch to Network Solutions
Your domain is your identity online, and we treat transfers with the care it deserves. While moving your domain might seem daunting, our dedicated support team is available 24/7 to ensure a seamless transition.
For a smooth and worry-free switch from GoDaddy to Network Solutions, check out our help pages and blogs.
Frequently asked questions
A domain lock is a security feature offered by domain registrars to prevent unauthorized changes to your domain name. This usually includes preventing it from being transferred to another registrar without your permission. It acts as a safeguard against domain theft or accidental transfers.
To unlock your domain name, you typically need to:
1. Log in to your account at your current domain registrar’s website (e.g., GoDaddy, Namecheap, etc.).
2. Navigate to the domain management section or similar.
3. Find the settings for your specific domain name.
4. Look for an option related to “Domain Lock,” “Registrar Lock,” or “Transfer Lock.”
5. Disable or turn off the lock.
The exact steps can vary slightly depending on your registrar. If you can’t find the option, the registrar’s customer support team can help unlock your domain.
The process depends on the situation:
If you’ve changed your mind before the transfer is complete:
– Ensure your domain remains locked at your current registrar. This will usually prevent the transfer from going through.
– You may also receive an approval email from your current registrar. If you didn’t intend to transfer, simply ignore or decline this email.
If you initiated the transfer to us and want to cancel:
– Please contact our customer support team immediately. Provide them with your User ID, domain name, and the reason for cancellation.
If you suspect the transfer was unauthorized or fraudulent:
– Contact our customer support team immediately.
If you are transferring your domain away from us:
– Your new registrar needs to initiate the cancellation. Please get in touch with their customer support team for assistance.
Important Note: If not completed, transfer requests are often automatically canceled after a certain period (e.g., 90 days).
First, identify the reason for the failure, take the necessary steps to resolve it with your current registrar, and then contact our support team for further assistance if you’re still having trouble.
Transferring your GoDaddy domain might fail if your domain has one of the following:
– a recent 60-day registration or transfer
– a domain lock
– privacy settings active
– inaccurate contact information
– an unresolved dispute
Always make sure to prepare your domain prior initiating the transfer.
The cost to transfer a domain to GoDaddy is typically a flat fee that often includes a free year of registration. For a .com domain, this fee is generally around US$9.99, like with Network Solutions, to US$11.99, but prices can vary.
Other domain extensions may have different transfer costs. It’s best to check the new registrar’s domain transfer page for the most accurate pricing for your specific domain.
Transferring your domain typically doesn’t take your website offline since your files and hosting stay the same. The transfer only changes the domain registrar. However, if you’re also switching hosting or updating DNS settings, temporary downtime may occur. To avoid interruptions, make sure your DNS records stay intact.
