Fix Domain Transfer Problems: FAQs and Solutions
Understand the most common problems website owners encounter with domain transfers. Learn how to fix common domain transfer problems, such as authorization code issues, transfer locks, etc.
Below are frequently asked questions on common domain transfer problems and their solutions:
- What Does It Mean When My Domain is Unable to be Transferred Due to a Lock?
- What is the Meaning of the Rejected Status for a Domain Transfer?
- My Domain Transfer Failed Due to an Invalid Authorization Code. What Can I Do?
- How Can I Cancel My Domain Transfer?
Q: What Does It Mean When My Domain is Unable to be Transferred Due to a Lock?
A: To transfer a domain name into Network Solutions, it must be unlocked. For various reasons, a domain name can be locked at its current registrar.
Unfortunately, because we do not host your domain name, we are unable to tell you why your domain is locked. You may be able to remove the lock simply by logging into your current registrar’s control panel. If not, please call their customer support team for assistance.
Please see the following descriptions for resolving various types of domain locks that you may encounter with your domain. If you are unsure which type of lock applies to your domain or need help removing it, then please contact your current registrar.
Transfer In
Most registrars lock your domain name to prevent fraudulent transfers. This feature is often made available to the domain owners to prevent unauthorized changes to domain settings. With a few exceptions, most providers will allow you to switch this feature on or off online in your current control panel.
If you request for your domain to be unlocked and your registrar fails to provide you with a reasonable method to unlock it within five days, please submit a Transfer Complaint to ICANN, the governmental body that regulates the domain name industry.
Domain Age Lock
If you registered or transferred your domain name less than 60 days ago, your current registrar has locked your domain name for security reasons. This lock cannot be removed, but don't worry. You have 90 days to complete the transfer.
Change of Registrant
Domain name registrars are required to lock a domain name for 60 days any time a material change is made to the registrant's (domain owner) contact information. Material changes include:
- Email Address
- First and last name
- Organization name
This lock cannot be removed. Don't worry; you have 90 days to complete the transfer.
Legal Lock
In certain situations, your current registrar is legally obligated to lock your domain name. For example, if the ownership of the domain name is under dispute in a court of law. In some cases, it is still possible to move your domain name to another registrar. Please contact your current registrar for assistance. You may also learn more about transferring domain names during a legal dispute on the ICANN website.
Registry Lock
Some web service providers offer a Registry Lock feature, which is intended to protect your security by blocking any changes to your domain name. Other providers may apply this feature as a general rule. You can remove the registry lock by contacting your current registrar.
Q: What is the Meaning of the Rejected Status for a Domain Transfer?
A: After we submit your domain transfer request for processing, it can fail for various reasons. Here are a few common reasons why your domain transfer may fail and how to troubleshoot a domain transfer issue.
Rejected by the Current Registrar
Your current registrar name provider may reject the transfer for various reasons, including evidence of fraud, a court order, or non-payment for a previous term.
Not Authorized by Admin Contact
The person with access to the admin email address for your domain name received an approval email from your current registrar. They either did not respond or chose to cancel the transfer. Please contact your current registrar for more details and options on how to resolve this issue.
Domain is Locked
You can use the domain management tools at your current registrar to remove any security locks or contact your current registrar for assistance. If you would like to proceed with the transfer, resolve any issues at your current registrar provider.
Q: My Domain Transfer Failed Due to an Invalid Authorization Code. What Can I Do?
A: An Authorization Code (Auth code or EPP Key) is like a password; it helps prevent unauthorized transfers of your domain. There may be instances where your domain transfer authorization code is not working.
Learn how to fix the domain transfer error message "invalid EPP code" by following the steps below:
- Request a new authorization code from your current registrar. The authorization code will be emailed to the Primary Contact in three days.
- Log in to your account via https://www.networksolutions.com/my-account/login.
- Click on Domains and go to the Transfer In page. Click the + plus sign next to a domain that is in status or has an invalid Auth Code.
- In the field, enter the new Auth code.
Note: Authorization codes are case-sensitive. Make sure to remove any spaces before or after the code if you choose to copy & paste it.
- Click the Submit button.
That's it! We'll restart the domain transfer for you.
Q: How Can I Cancel My Domain Transfer?
A: If you’ve changed your mind about transferring a domain name, simply ensure that your domain name is locked, and if the transfer request is unauthorized, you can use the Decline option in the approval email from your current registrar.
However, if you did not request the transfer or suspect fraud, please contact our customer support team immediately. The domain transfer will be stuck on pending until you request for it to be canceled.
If you wish to cancel a transfer, then please contact our customer support team. Please have the following information ready:
- User ID
- Domain name
- Reason for canceling the transfer
If you are transferring your domain out of our company, then the transfer needs to be canceled by your new registrar. Please contact their customer support team for further assistance.