In this guide, you will learn some general information about domain transfers.
What is a domain transfer?
If you already have a domain registered with another provider and want to use it for your project at Webnode, you can transfer it to our domain management system. Your website can then be available using an address without “Webnode” – for example, “www.my-pages.com” instead of “www.my-website.webnode.com”.
How to transfer a domain
To transfer your domain to our technical management, simply order the domain transfer in our editor and leave the rest to us. You don’t need to configure DNS or make any other settings – we will handle all the technical details for you. You can find information about ordering a domain transfer in our guide How to transfer a domain.
Domain transfer price
To transfer your domain to Webnode’s management and use it for your website, you need to have a Premium Plan purchased for your project.
The domain transfer itself is free of charge, but it requires a one-year domain renewal. This year will be added to your current domain registration period, so you don’t pay anything extra (for .DE and .NL domains, please contact us for more details).
Domain ownership
After the transfer is complete, you remain the domain owner. We will only be the technical administrator, so that we can properly configure and manage your domain. After you order the transfer, we will send you an informational email explaining what is needed to ensure a successful domain transfer.
What to do before transferring a domain
Each domain type is subject to different rules when being transferred to a new registrar. Below you will find a summary of the most important steps to take before initiating a domain transfer.
1. Disable domain privacy protection
Please check whether the registration details of your domain are publicly available. If not, make these details visible in your domain settings or contact your current domain registrar. You can verify the current status of your registration details using an online Whois lookup service such as Whois.com. Domain privacy protection hides your personal data from the public but can also prevent a successful transfer. After the transfer to Webnode is complete, you will be able to hide your registration details again.
2. Update your domain information
Make sure the registration email address associated with your domain is current and accessible. A verification email confirming your transfer request will be sent to this address. For this reason, we recommend not using an email address that belongs to the domain itself, as you could temporarily lose access to it during the transfer.
3. Unlock your domain
The domain status at your current registrar must be unlocked. Unlocking the domain is usually available directly in the registrar’s administration panel. If you cannot find this option, contact your domain registrar’s support and ask them to unlock it for you.
4. Obtain an authorization code for the transfer
The authorization code (also known as EPP or transfer code) acts as a password to transfer your domain to Webnode. The process of obtaining this code varies depending on the domain type. Our customer support team can provide detailed information on how to get the authorization code for your specific domain.
5. Backup MX records
If you are currently using email services with your existing registrar or hosting provider, you need to decide whether you want to move your email accounts to Webnode or keep them with your current provider.
If you wish to continue using your current email provider, please inform us during the transfer and provide the MX records of your domain. We will configure them immediately after the transfer so that your email services continue to function normally.
If you decide to use Webnode’s email services, remember to back up all emails stored with your current provider before the transfer.
TIP: If you’re not familiar with managing domains, the process may seem complicated, but there’s no need to worry – generally, all you need to do is complete your order, and we will contact you by email with further instructions.
