---
title: How to transfer away a Web2 domain
description: To transfer your domain, unlock it, get the Auth/EPP code, and verify your email. Start the transfer following these simple steps and move to Freename
---

[Help ](https://26983278.hs-sites-eu1.com/help)

# [How to transfer away a Web2 domain](https://26983278.hs-sites-eu1.com/help/how-to-transfer-away-a-web2-domain)

 Written by [Admin](https://26983278.hs-sites-eu1.com/help/author/admin) | Jan 29, 2026 10:29:38 AM

# How to Transfer Away a Domain Overview

You can move your Web2 domain to another registrar at any time, subject to **ICANN** and **registry rules**. A transfer out requires that the domain is **unlocked**, that you obtain the **Auth/EPP code**, and that your **contact email** can receive approval messages. Most generic TLDs (e.g., **.com, .net, .org**) follow a similar process. Some **country-code TLDs (ccTLDs)** use different methods, such as provider tags or special forms, so always check the gaining registrar’s instructions for your extension.

Before You Start: A Checklist

- **Check timing** – Avoid starting a transfer in the final days before expiration. Transfers usually complete in **5–7 days**. Expired names in **Redemption** or **Pending Delete** cannot transfer.
- **Unlock the domain** – Turn off the transfer lock in our dashboard; the status **clientTransferProhibited** must be off.
- **Get the Auth/EPP code** – Request or reveal the code in our dashboard. Copy it exactly, without extra spaces. Some codes expire after a short time.
- **Verify WHOIS contacts** – Make sure your registrant email is accurate and reachable. Approval emails are sent to these contacts.
- **Handle WHOIS privacy** – Either disable privacy temporarily, or confirm that the privacy service forwards approval emails correctly.
- **Check policy locks** – New registrations or registrant changes often trigger a **60-day no-transfer window**. Some TLDs allow an opt out at the time of change.
- **Review DNS and nameservers** – Decide whether to keep nameservers unchanged or switch later. If changing, prepare the new DNS zone first.
- **DNSSEC considerations** – If DNSSEC is enabled and you plan to change nameservers, disable DNSSEC first, then re-enable with the correct DS record at the new provider.

**Tip:** If the domain is mission critical, **renew it first**, then transfer to reduce risks near expiry.

Start the Transfer

- **Unlock** the domain in our dashboard.
- **Request the Auth/EPP code** and copy it exactly.
- **Start the transfer** at the gaining registrar and submit the code.
- **Approve confirmation emails.** Some registrars require explicit approval; others auto-approve if no objection.
- **Monitor status** in both dashboards. Most transfers finish in **5–7 days**. The registry will show **pendingTransfer** during this window.

### Nameserver Handling and Service Continuity

- **Keep nameservers unchanged** – Safest option. Your website and email continue using the current DNS zone. You can migrate DNS later.
- **Change nameservers as part of migration** – Pre-create all required records (**A, AAAA, CNAME, MX, TXT for SPF/DKIM/DMARC, SRV**). Lower TTL **24–48 hours** before the switch. Change NS after transfer completes, then restore normal TTL.
- **DNSSEC sequence** – If active and changing NS, disable DNSSEC, switch NS, then re-enable with the correct DS at the new provider. Incorrect DS data can cause immediate failures.

### Expiry, Fees, and Timing

- **Expiry state** – Domains in **Grace** can often transfer. **Redemption** or **Pending Delete** cannot transfer.
- **Transfer duration** – Typically **5–7 days**. Some losing registrars allow faster manual approval. Some ccTLDs complete in hours.
- **Renewal handling** – For most gTLDs, the gaining registrar adds **one year** (subject to the **10-year maximum**). If we auto-renewed shortly before, the registry may reverse that charge after completion.
- **Charges** – You pay the gaining registrar’s fee. We do not charge an outbound fee. **Redemption restores must be completed first.
  
  **

### Special Cases by TLD

- **Country-code TLDs (ccTLDs)** – Some require IPS tags (**.uk**), provider codes (**.de**), or registry forms and ID checks.
- **Eligibility-restricted TLDs** – Some enforce residency or corporate presence rules. Documentation may be required.
- **Registry Lock** – High-security domains may have a **Registry Lock**. Submit a support request to remove it before transfer.

#### Troubleshooting: Quick Fixes

- **Auth/EPP code rejected** – Request a fresh code, copy carefully.
- **Transfer stuck in pending** – Ask if manual approval is possible.
- **No approval email** – Check WHOIS contacts, spam folder, or privacy forwarding. Disable privacy if needed.
- **60-day lock** – Wait until the lock ends. Opt out must be set at the time of change.
- **Service disruption** – If nameservers changed, verify DNS records. If unchanged, confirm the old DNS host did not disable the zone.
- **Transfer rejected** – Common reasons: unpaid balance, admin hold, UDRP/legal lock, or explicit reject flag. Resolve and retry.

## FAQ

1. **Will my website or email go offline during the transfer?****  
   **Usually **no**, as long as your **nameservers stay unchanged**. If you plan to change nameservers, **prepare the new DNS zone first** to avoid downtime.
2. **Can I transfer a domain close to its expiration date?****  
   **It’s best to **start early** or **renew first**. Domains in **Redemption** or **Pending Delete** **cannot** be transferred.
3. **Do I lose remaining time on my domain when I transfer out?****  
   **Typically **no**. For most gTLDs, the gaining registrar adds **one year**, subject to the **10-year maximum**. If an auto-renew happened shortly before transfer completion, an **auto-renew reversal** may apply at the registry level.
4. **Can I cancel a transfer after I start it?****  
   **Sometimes. Some registrars allow cancellation within the first days, but **policies vary** by registrar and TLD.
5. **Do I need to disable WHOIS privacy to transfer?****  
   **Not necessarily. If your privacy service **forwards approval emails correctly**, you can keep it on. If approval emails don’t arrive, **disable privacy temporarily**.
6. **Why is my transfer failing even though I have the Auth/EPP code?****  
   **Common reasons include: the domain is still **locked (clientTransferProhibited)**, a **60-day lock** is active, **WHOIS email** isn’t reachable, the domain is on **admin/legal hold**, there’s a **Registry Lock**, or the transfer was explicitly rejected. Fix the blocker and retry.

##### Glossary

- **Auth/EPP code** – The authorization code required to transfer a domain.
- **Gaining registrar** – The provider you are transferring to.
- **Losing registrar** – The provider you are transferring away from.
- **clientTransferProhibited** – Lock status that prevents transfers; must be off to transfer.
- **DNSSEC** – Security extension that signs DNS and requires a DS record at the registry.
- **Grace / Redemption / Pending Delete** – Post-expiry stages that affect renewal and transfer eligibility.

#### ** **Summary

To transfer your domain, **unlock it**, obtain the **Auth/EPP code**, and verify your **registrant email** can receive approval messages. Start the transfer at the gaining registrar and approve any confirmation emails if required. For continuity, keep **nameservers unchanged** and plan DNS or DNSSEC changes **after** completion. Transfers usually take **5–7 days** and often add **one year** to expiry. Renew or restore first if the domain is near expiry or in a restricted state.

 

[View full post](https://26983278.hs-sites-eu1.com/help/how-to-transfer-away-a-web2-domain)

```json
{
  "@context" : "http://schema.org",
  "@type" : "BlogPosting",
  "author" : {
    "@type" : "Person",
    "name" : "Admin"
  },
  "dateModified" : "2026-02-15T08:02:44.885Z",
  "datePublished" : "2026-01-29T10:29:38Z",
  "headline" : "How to transfer away a Web2 domain",
  "image" : {
    "@type" : "ImageObject",
    "height" : 484,
    "url" : "https://26983278.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hubfs/26983278/How%20to%20Transfer%20Away%20a%20Domain.webp",
    "width" : 1281
  },
  "mainEntityOfPage" : "https://26983278.hs-sites-eu1.com/help/how-to-transfer-away-a-web2-domain",
  "publisher" : {
    "@type" : "Organization",
    "logo" : {
      "@type" : "ImageObject",
      "height" : 60,
      "url" : "/hs/hsstatic/content_shared_assets/static-1.4092/img/default-amp-logo.png",
      "width" : 60
    },
    "name" : "Help"
  }
}
```