How to Transfer a Domain Away from GoDaddy (Web2 & Web3 Guide)

Transferring a domain from GoDaddy doesn’t have to be difficult. Many people make the switch to cut renewal costs, get better support, or gain more control over their domain settings. Domain transfers are less about saving a few dollars and more about deciding where and how you want to manage your online presence.

Traditional domain registrars still dominate, but more site owners are starting to explore Web3 domains, which don’t rely on yearly renewals or centralized control. And now, Web3 domains registrar Freename is bridging into the Web2 ecosystem, giving users the convenience of familiar tools of traditional domains without losing the freedom that comes with blockchain-based ownership.

This guide will walk you through the exact process of moving your domain from GoDaddy to Freename.

Why Transfer Your Domain Away from GoDaddy?

GoDaddy might be the biggest name in domains, but it’s not where people are finding the best value anymore. More people than ever are making the switch because of:

• High renewal costs: Nobody wants to pay $20+ for a .com domain every year.
• Constant upselling: every login feels like a sales pitch.
• Lack of Web3 compatibility: You can’t connect a .com domain to your wallet

Today, domain owners want real control, faster DNS, and the option to move toward decentralized platforms like IPFS or ENS; things GoDaddy simply doesn’t provide.
Freename solves this by offering both Web2 and Web3 domains in one place. And now, it even supports traditional domain transfers, making the switch easier than ever. 

Prerequisites Before You Start Domain Transfer

Before starting the transfer, ensure that:

• Your domain should be at least 60 days old (ICANN rule)
• The domain is unlocked in your GoDaddy dashboard
• WHOIS privacy is turned off (temporarily)
• Your admin email is your current email, as this is where confirmation emails will be sent.

If you're using a Web3 domain (like .eth), skip ahead, because the process is totally different.

How to Transfer a Web2 Domain from GoDaddy to Freename

Here’s the five-step migration guide to move your .com, .net, or other domain from GoDaddy to Freename.

Step 1: Unlock Your Domain

First, visit the GoDaddy platform and follow these quick steps:

• Log into GoDaddy
• Go to "My Products"
• Click Manage next to your domain
• Scroll down the menu
• Toggle Domain Lock off

Step 2: Get the Authorization Code (EPP Code)

Next, open the domain settings, then follow these steps:

• Scroll to “Additional Settings”
• Click Get Authorization Code
• GoDaddy will email the code to your admin contact (or show it in the dashboard)

Once you've the code, turn to the platform where you want to transfer your domain to. In our case, it’s Freename.com.

Step 3: Create a Freename Account

On the Freename Homepage, you can find the purple “Login” button in the top corner. 

Press the button, then follow the steps as mentioned below:

• Sign up and connect your wallet (MetaMask, WalletConnect, or email login for Web2 users)
• Navigate to the Domain Transfers section in your dashboard

Step 4: Start the Transfer

• Enter your domain name (e.g., mydomain.com)
• Paste the EPP code from GoDaddy
• Follow the prompts to verify the transfer
• Check your email for a final confirmation from GoDaddy

Step 5: Confirm + Wait

• Once confirmed, the transfer usually completes in 5–7 days
• In some cases, GoDaddy will let you approve the release manually for faster transfer
• Once done, you’ll see the domain in your Freename dashboard

Why Choose Freename to Transfer Your GoDaddy Domain

Freename isn’t just for NFT collectors or crypto developers anymore. It has grown into a domain platform that blends the familiar tools of Web2 with the freedom of Web3. Here’s how it stacks up against GoDaddy:

With Freename, you own your domain; a perk that no web2 domain registrar offers. And if you create your own TLD, you can even earn from it.

Freename is the first-ever platform that lets you create your own TLD, such as .gamerz, .defi, .aihub, and more. And when people register domains under your TLD? You earn royalties. 

Domain Transfer Tips & Best Practices

When transferring a domain or launching your own TLD, keep these tips in mind:

• Back up DNS settings before you transfer
• Plan for a short DNS propagation delay (anywhere from a few minutes to 48 hours)
• Turn off DNSSEC before transferring
• After transfer, re-enable WHOIS privacy and domain lock
• For Web3: Make sure the recipient wallet is active and secure

Common Mistakes to Avoid 

The domain transfer process requires you to pay attention to things that are often overlooked by users. For example,

• Trying to transfer a domain that's too new or expired
• A wrong or inaccessible admin email means the transfer will be blocked
• Not disabling WHOIS privacy means no auth emails
• Sending Web3 domains to non-compatible wallets
• Forgetting to update DNS will result in downtime for websites or email

Conclusion

Leaving GoDaddy can feel like breaking out of the old system, but it’s worth it. Some people switch to cut costs, others for the freedom of Web3, and many just to try creating their own TLDs. No matter the reason, one thing stays the same: domain control is power.

Next steps: transfer your domain from GoDaddy to Freename and take full ownership of your online identity.