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Understanding Domain Transfer Restrictions: A Customer's Guide to Smooth Domain Moves

Last updated on Jul 24, 2025

Understanding Domain Transfer Restrictions: A Customer's Guide to Smooth Domain Moves

Description:
Transferring a domain to a new provider can be confusing, especially with rules like registrar locks and ICANN’s 60-day transfer restriction. This guide explains common domain transfer challenges and provides practical steps for Brixly shared hosting customers to prepare for a smooth domain move.

What Is a Domain Transfer?

A domain transfer is the process of moving your domain registration from one registrar (domain company) to another. This is separate from moving your website’s files or databases, but often both happen together when changing hosting providers.

Common Domain Transfer Restrictions

1. Registrar Locks

What is it?
A registrar lock is a security feature used by most registrars to prevent unauthorized domain transfers. While the lock is active, your domain cannot be transferred.

How do I check and remove it?

  • Log in to your current domain registrar’s control panel.
  • Look for a setting called Domain Lock, Registrar Lock, or Transfer Lock.
  • Unlock the domain if you wish to transfer it.

Example:
If your domain is locked, you’ll often see options like:

[✓] Domain Lock Enabled
[ ] Domain Lock Disabled

Change the setting to “Disabled” before starting your transfer.

2. ICANN 60-Day Transfer Lock

What is it?
ICANN (the organization that oversees domain names) requires that most domains (like .com, .net, .org) cannot be transferred within 60 days of:

  • Initial registration, or
  • A recent transfer to a new registrar, or
  • Changes to key registrant contact details (name, email, organization).

Important:
This rule is mandatory and cannot be overridden by any registrar or hosting provider.

How to Avoid Delays:

  • Do not update your domain’s registrant contact details right before you plan to transfer.
  • If you’ve just registered or transferred your domain, you must wait 60 days before transferring again.

3. Other Registrar-Specific Restrictions

Some registrars may have their own policies, such as:

  • Outstanding payment or unpaid invoices.
  • Domain expired or in redemption status.

Solution:

  • Make sure your domain is active and your account is in good standing with your current registrar.

Step-by-Step: Preparing for a Domain Transfer

  1. Check Transfer Eligibility

    • Ensure your domain is at least 60 days old and not recently transferred.
    • Make sure the domain is unlocked.

  2. Update Domain Contact Details (if needed)

    • If your email address is outdated, update it before unlocking the domain and expecting to wait 60 days if you change key details.

  3. Obtain the Authorization Code (EPP/Auth Code)

    • This code is required for most domain transfers (except .uk and some country TLDs).
    • Find this in your current registrar’s dashboard or request it via support.

    Example:

    Auth Code: 1a2b-3c4d-5e6f-7g8h

  4. Disable WHOIS Privacy (if enabled)

    • Sometimes, WHOIS privacy can interfere with transfer emails. Temporarily disable it if possible.

  5. Submit the Transfer Request with Brixly

    • Enter the domain and auth code in our transfer form.
    • Approve the confirmation email sent to your registrant email address.

  6. Wait for Completion

    • Most transfers complete within 5–7 days after approval.

Special Case: Transferring UK Domains (.uk, .co.uk, etc.)

  • Instead of an auth code, you’ll need to update your domain’s IPS Tag to CLOUDNS.
  • This is done through your current registrar’s control panel.

Troubleshooting Domain Transfers

Didn’t Receive a Confirmation Email?

  • Check your spam/junk folder.
  • Confirm that your registrant email is up to date in the WHOIS record.

Transfer Fails Due to Lock

  • Go back to your registrar, unlock the domain, and try again.
  • Wait up to 24 hours for changes to propagate.

Authorization Code Not Accepted

  • Double-check for typos or extra spaces.
  • Request a new code if needed.

Useful Tools for Domain Transfers

  • WHOIS Lookup: Check your domain’s status and registrant email.
  • cPanel File Manager: Use this to back up your website files before changing hosts.
  • Email Accounts: Back up your emails via cPanel if you’re moving email hosting.

Best Practices for a Smooth Move

  • Plan Ahead: Allow time for DNS changes and keep both old and new hosting active during transition.
  • Backup Everything: Use cPanel’s Backup tool or File Manager to download site files and databases.
  • Communicate: If you manage client sites, inform them about possible brief downtime.
  • Monitor DNS Propagation: Use whatsmydns.net to check how quickly your new DNS settings are spreading.

Summary

  • Unlock your domain and obtain the authorization code.
  • Avoid changes to key contact details within 60 days of transfer.
  • Initiate transfer early and allow extra time for DNS propagation.
  • Contact support via ticket if you encounter issues outside your control.

By following these steps, you’ll minimize downtime and ensure a smooth domain transfer to Brixly!

Still have questions?
Submit a support ticket with your specific issue, and our team will guide you through the process.