How to transfer a domain from GoDaddy to Hostinger in 4 simple steps

Transferring a domain to a new registrar is a common practice. You might want to do it to save on renewal costs, get better services and support, or simply move your domain to the same provider as your hosting.

Fortunately, transferring a domain from GoDaddy to Hostinger is simple. In this article, we will cover the steps in detail.

Domain transfer checklist

Before transferring a domain name from GoDaddy to Hostinger, make sure you meet the following criteria:

• The domain must be at least 60 days old. Domains can only be transferred to another registrar at least 60 days after registration or last transfer. This rule, enacted by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), helps protect against unauthorized transfers.
• Up-to-date contact information. Keep your contact information updated on GoDaddy to ensure the domain transfer confirmation email goes to the correct address.
• Access to authorization code. You will have to input an authorization code (also called an EPP code) from GoDaddy to Hostinger to verify your domain ownership.

How to transfer a domain to Hostinger from GoDaddy

After you’ve made sure your domain is eligible for transfer, follow these steps to move your domain from GoDaddy to Hostinger.

1. Unlock the domain at GoDaddy

Domain lock prevents unauthorized changes, so you must unlock your domain at GoDaddy first to be able to initiate a transfer:

1. Sign in to your GoDaddy account and go to the Domain Portfolio page.
2. Click on the three-dot icon next to the domain name you want to transfer and select Turn Lock Off.

3. Read the disclaimer and click Continue & Verify. 
4. If Domain Protection is on, verify your identity by entering the code sent via SMS or an authenticator app.
5. If the process is successful, the domain lock status should change to Off.

2. Point the domain to Hostinger’s nameservers

To minimize downtime on your website and email services, point your domain to Hostinger’s nameservers before starting the transfer process. Here’s how to do it:

1. Open the Domain Portfolio page on GoDaddy.
2. Click on the three-dot icon next to the domain name you want to transfer and select Edit DNS.

3. Open the Nameservers tab and select Change Nameservers.

4. Choose I’ll use my own nameservers and enter Hostinger’s nameservers ‒ ns1.dns-parking.com and ns2.dns-parking.com.

5. Click Save once you’re done. The DNS will take up to 24 hours to fully propagate worldwide.

3. Get the authorization code

Follow these steps to receive your authorization code from GoDaddy:

1. Open the Domain Portfolio page and click on the domain you want to transfer.
2. Scroll down to the Transfer section and click Transfer to Another Registrar.

3. Review the transfer checklist and select Continue.

4. Read the final disclaimer and click Continue. This step deactivates domain privacy to ensure the contact details are transferred to the new registrar.
5. Select Click here to see Authorization Code to reveal the code. GoDaddy will also send it to your domain’s administrative email address.

4. Initiate the domain transfer to Hostinger

If you don’t have a Hostinger account yet, go to our Domain transfer page. Simply enter the domain you wish to transfer and follow the instructions.

If you already have a hosting account with us, you can initiate the transfer via hPanel:

1. Log in to hPanel and go to Domains → Transfers.
2. Select Transfer domain to Hostinger.

2. Enter the domain you want to move from GoDaddy to Hostinger and hit Transfer.

3. You’ll see the domain transfer price, which includes renewal. Click Purchase to proceed.

4. After making the payment, enter the authorization code you copied from GoDaddy and select Use Hostinger nameservers.
5. Confirm the transfer via the email sent to you.

The domain transfer process usually takes between five to seven days to complete, depending on your domain extension and GoDaddy’s transfer policy.

Conclusion

Moving your domain name from GoDaddy to Hostinger is not as complicated as it may seem. After making sure your domain name is eligible for transfer, follow these four simple steps:

1. Unlock the domain name
2. Point the domain name to Hostinger’s nameservers.
3. Get the authorization code
4. Initiate the domain transfer to Hostinger

Simple, right? If you still have questions about the process, check out the FAQ section or leave a comment below.

How to transfer a domain from GoDaddy to Hostinger FAQ