If your domain is registered with GoDaddy, Namecheap, Bluehost, or another domain provider, you can move its registration to Hostinger and manage your domain from one account. The process involves unlocking your domain, obtaining an authorization code, submitting a transfer request, and confirming the transfer.
Updated: November 2026 · Beginner-friendly domain transfer guide
This guide explains how to transfer a domain to Hostinger, what you need before starting, how to get the EPP code, which DNS option to select, and how to troubleshoot common transfer problems.
1. What Does Transferring a Domain to Hostinger Mean?
A domain transfer means moving your domain name's registration from your current registrar to a new registrar. In this case, you are moving it to Hostinger.
For example, imagine that you purchased example.com from Namecheap but use Hostinger for website hosting. You can transfer the domain registration to Hostinger so that both services can be managed through your Hostinger account.
A domain transfer is different from changing nameservers or migrating a website:
- Domain transfer: Moves domain registration management to Hostinger.
- Nameserver change: Changes where your domain's DNS records are managed without changing the registrar.
- Website migration: Moves website files, databases, and related website content to another hosting provider.
2. Requirements Before Transferring Your Domain
Before starting the transfer, check that your domain meets Hostinger's requirements. If any important requirement is missing, the transfer may be rejected or delayed.
| Requirement | What You Need to Check |
|---|---|
| Domain ownership | You must have control of the domain and access to its current registrar account. |
| 60-day rule | At least 60 days should have passed since registration or the previous transfer. |
| Domain status | The domain must be active and not suspended or in the redemption period. |
| Transfer lock | The registrar lock must be disabled at your current provider. |
| Authorization code | You need a valid EPP or authorization code for most domain extensions. |
| DNSSEC | Disable DNSSEC before starting if required by Hostinger's transfer process. |
| Domain extension | Confirm that Hostinger supports transfers for your particular TLD. |
Hostinger also recommends starting the transfer when your domain has at least seven days remaining before expiration. Its current guidance advises waiting at least 45 days after the last renewal to avoid potential renewal-reversal issues with certain transfers.
3. What Is an EPP Code?
An EPP code, also called an authorization code or Auth code, is a unique code provided by your current domain registrar. It helps verify that the person requesting the transfer has permission to move the domain.
Most common domain extensions, including .com, .net, and .org, require an EPP code during the transfer process. Some country-code extensions have different procedures or use another type of authorization.
You must request this code from the company where your domain is registered. Your website hosting provider may be different from your domain registrar.
How to get your EPP code
- Log in to the account of your current domain registrar.
- Open the domain management section.
- Select the domain you want to transfer.
- Look for an option such as Transfer Out, Authorization Code, or EPP Code.
- Request or reveal the authorization code.
- Copy the code and keep it private until you enter it in Hostinger.
If the code is not visible in your account, contact your registrar's support team and request the authorization code for your domain.
4. How to Transfer a Domain to Hostinger
Once your domain is eligible, unlocked, and you have the authorization code, you can start the transfer through Hostinger's domain transfer page.
Unlock Your Domain at the Current Registrar
Log in to your existing domain provider and open the domain management settings.
- Select the domain you want to move.
- Find the Domain Lock, Transfer Lock, or similar setting.
- Turn off the transfer lock.
- Save the changes if your registrar requires it.
Some registrars may take a little time to apply the change. Hostinger notes that an unlock can take up to a couple of hours to become effective.
Open Hostinger's Domain Transfer Page
Visit Hostinger's official Domain Transfer page.
Enter the complete domain name you want to transfer, such as example.com, and select the transfer option.
Hostinger will check whether the domain extension can be transferred and whether the domain is eligible.
Review the Transfer and Complete Payment
Review the domain extension, transfer eligibility, and displayed price before continuing.
Transfer charges depend on the domain extension and the available offer. Some generic domain extensions include an additional one-year registration period after a successful transfer, while many country-code extensions follow different renewal rules.
Check the checkout details carefully so you understand whether an additional renewal is included and when the next renewal will be due.
Enter Your EPP or Authorization Code
After payment, Hostinger will ask for the authorization code from your current registrar.
- Copy the EPP code from your current registrar.
- Paste it into the authorization code field in Hostinger.
- Check for extra spaces or missing characters.
- Continue to the next step.
If the code is incorrect, the transfer may fail. If you recently unlocked your domain, wait for the unlock change to take effect before trying again.
Choose Your Nameserver and DNS Settings
Hostinger will ask whether you want to keep your existing nameservers or switch to Hostinger's nameservers. This is an important decision because it affects where your DNS records are managed.
Choose the option that matches your current website and email setup. The available choices are explained in the next section.
Submit the Transfer Request
Review your domain name, authorization code, and DNS selection. Submit the transfer request when everything is correct.
Hostinger will begin processing the transfer. Check your registered email address for any transfer confirmation message and follow the instructions promptly.
Track the Transfer Status
Open your Hostinger account and check the domain transfer status in the Domains section. The status will update as the transfer progresses.
If Hostinger or your current registrar requests confirmation, complete the required action. Once the transfer is finished, your domain registration will be managed through Hostinger.
Ready to transfer your domain?
Check your domain's eligibility and review the transfer process directly on Hostinger's official website before placing an order.
Transfer Domain to Hostinger5. Which Nameserver Option Should You Choose?
During the transfer, Hostinger asks how you want to handle your nameservers and DNS records. Choose carefully because your website, email, and other connected services depend on these settings.
Option 1: Use Hostinger Nameservers
Choose Hostinger nameservers if your website and email services are already hosted at Hostinger, or if you plan to move those services there.
This option moves DNS management to Hostinger. You can manage the domain's DNS records through your Hostinger account after the transfer.
However, if you have services hosted elsewhere, you must make sure their required DNS records are configured correctly. Otherwise, those services may stop working.
Option 2: Keep Existing Nameservers
Choose this option if your website or email is still hosted with another provider and you want to keep those services connected while transferring the domain registration.
Your existing nameservers remain in use, so DNS management continues through the current DNS provider. Check whether that provider allows you to manage DNS records after the domain registration moves to Hostinger.
Option 3: Custom DNS Settings
If you need Hostinger to manage your DNS zone but use an external email provider or another service, the custom settings option may be more suitable.
It allows you to configure the DNS records needed by your external services. Review every record before confirming the transfer.
| DNS Option | Best For | What to Consider |
|---|---|---|
| Hostinger nameservers | Website and email already hosted at Hostinger | Check that all required DNS records are available at Hostinger. |
| Existing nameservers | Services still hosted with another provider | Confirm that the existing DNS provider will continue managing your records. |
| Custom settings | Hostinger DNS with external email or other services | Enter and verify the correct custom DNS records. |
6. How Long Does a Domain Transfer Take and How Much Does It Cost?
How long does a domain transfer take?
Most domain transfers to Hostinger take approximately 5–7 days. The actual time depends on the domain extension, the current registrar, and whether any additional confirmation is required.
Some country-code domains have special transfer procedures and may take longer. The transfer can also be delayed if the domain is locked, the authorization code is incorrect, or a confirmation email is not completed.
How much does transferring a domain cost?
Domain transfer prices depend on the domain extension and the applicable checkout offer. There is no single price that applies to every domain.
For many generic domain extensions, the transfer includes a one-year renewal that extends the registration period after the transfer is completed. However, country-code domains such as .uk, .es, and .com.br may not receive an additional year as part of the transfer.
Before paying, check the final checkout amount, whether a renewal is included, and the next renewal date. Do not assume every domain extension follows the same pricing or renewal policy.
7. What to Do After Transferring Your Domain
Once the transfer is complete, check your domain and connected services. A successful registration transfer does not automatically confirm that your website, email, and DNS records are configured correctly.
- Open the Domains section in your Hostinger account and confirm that the domain appears there.
- Check the domain's registration and expiration information.
- Verify that the selected nameservers are correct.
- Check the DNS records required by your website and email services.
- Open your website in a browser and test important pages.
- Send and receive a test email if you use a custom domain email address.
- Confirm that SSL is active and your website loads over HTTPS.
- Enable domain protection or transfer lock again when appropriate and available.
- Keep your domain contact information accurate and up to date.
Does transferring a domain move your website?
No. A domain transfer only changes the registrar responsible for the domain registration. Your website files, databases, WordPress installation, and email accounts remain with their existing providers unless you migrate them separately.
If you also want to move your website to Hostinger, follow our guide on how to migrate a website to Hostinger. If you use WordPress, you can read our guide on migrating WordPress to Hostinger.
8. Common Domain Transfer Problems and How to Fix Them
Sometimes a domain transfer does not proceed as expected. Here are common issues and the steps you can take to resolve them.
1. Domain Is Locked and Cannot Be Transferred
This message usually means the transfer lock is still enabled at your current registrar.
- Log in to your current registrar.
- Open the domain's management settings.
- Disable the domain or transfer lock.
- Wait for the change to apply.
- Return to Hostinger and check the domain again.
2. Invalid EPP or Authorization Code
An incorrect or outdated authorization code can prevent the transfer from being completed.
- Request a fresh EPP code from your current registrar.
- Copy the entire code carefully.
- Remove accidental spaces before or after the code.
- Contact your current registrar if the code is not available.
3. Domain Is Not Eligible for Transfer
A domain may be ineligible if it was registered or transferred recently, is suspended, or is in a restricted expiration or redemption state.
Check the domain's registration date, previous transfer date, and current status. Also confirm that Hostinger supports your domain extension.
4. Transfer Is Taking Longer Than Expected
Most transfers take around 5–7 days, but some extensions require additional steps. Check the transfer status in Hostinger and review your email for pending confirmation requests.
If the transfer remains pending beyond the expected period, contact Hostinger support and your current registrar with the domain name and transfer status.
5. Website or Email Stops Working After the Transfer
This problem is often related to nameserver or DNS configuration rather than the domain registration itself.
- Confirm which nameservers are currently active.
- Check that your website's DNS records point to the correct hosting provider.
- Verify MX records for your email provider.
- Restore missing SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records where necessary.
- Allow time for DNS changes to propagate.
6. Hostinger Does Not Support the Domain Extension
Not every domain extension can be transferred to every registrar. If Hostinger does not currently support transferring your TLD, you may still be able to use the domain with Hostinger hosting by pointing it to Hostinger's servers while keeping registration at your existing provider.
9. Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I transfer my domain to Hostinger from GoDaddy?
Yes, if your domain extension is supported and it meets the transfer requirements. Unlock the domain at GoDaddy, obtain its EPP code, and submit the transfer request through Hostinger.
2. Can I transfer my domain from Namecheap to Hostinger?
Yes. Unlock the domain in your Namecheap account, request the authorization code, and enter it during the Hostinger transfer process. Check that the domain is eligible before starting.
3. Will my website go offline during a domain transfer?
A domain transfer does not automatically cause website downtime. Keeping your existing nameservers is generally the appropriate choice when your website is still hosted elsewhere. Check your DNS settings before starting the transfer.
4. Will my email accounts transfer to Hostinger?
No. A domain transfer does not migrate email accounts or messages. Your email service remains with its current provider unless you migrate it separately. Preserve the required MX and other email DNS records.
5. Do I need an EPP code to transfer a domain?
Most common domain extensions require an EPP or authorization code. Some country-code extensions use different procedures, so check the requirements for your specific TLD.
6. How many days does it take to transfer a domain to Hostinger?
Most domain transfers take approximately 5–7 days. The time can vary depending on the domain extension, current registrar, and any required confirmation steps.
7. Can I transfer an expired domain to Hostinger?
It depends on the domain's current status and extension. A domain that is suspended, expired, or in the redemption period may not be eligible for a standard transfer. Check with your current registrar before proceeding.
8. Does transferring a domain to Hostinger include a free year?
Many generic domain extensions receive a one-year renewal after a successful transfer. Country-code extensions can follow different rules. Review the renewal details displayed during checkout for your particular domain.
9. Can I transfer my domain without changing nameservers?
Yes. Hostinger provides an option to keep existing nameservers during the transfer. This can help keep your current website and email services connected while the registration moves to Hostinger.
10. Can I use my domain with Hostinger without transferring it?
Yes. You can keep the domain registered with your current provider and point it to Hostinger by updating the required nameserver or DNS records. A registrar transfer is not mandatory for using Hostinger hosting.
Final Thoughts
Transferring a domain to Hostinger is a straightforward process when you prepare everything in advance. Check the domain's eligibility, unlock it at your current registrar, obtain the EPP code, and complete the transfer through Hostinger's official domain transfer page.
Pay particular attention to the nameserver and DNS options. Choosing the correct settings helps keep your existing website, email, and other connected services working while the domain registration moves.
If you only want to use Hostinger for website hosting, remember that you can also connect your domain without transferring its registration. Choose the approach that best matches how you want to manage your domain and website.
Editorial note: Domain transfer eligibility, supported extensions, checkout prices, renewal rules, and dashboard options can change. Always verify the requirements and final transfer details on Hostinger's official website before placing an order.
