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13 Nov 2026

How to Transfer a Domain From GoDaddy or BigRock Without Downtime

To transfer a domain from GoDaddy, you unlock the domain, get the authorization (EPP) code, start the transfer at your new registrar and approve it. Most .com transfers finish within 5 days. Your website and email keep working if you leave DNS untouched until the move is done.

This guide walks through each step for GoDaddy and BigRock, explains the rules that block transfers and shows how to avoid downtime.

How to transfer a domain from GoDaddy step by step
Before You Start

Domain Transfer Checklist

  • The domain is older than 60 days
  • It was not transferred in the last 60 days
  • It is not expiring in the next 15 days (renew first if needed)
  • You can access the admin email on the domain
  • You have a copy of all DNS records
  • No recent contact change that triggered a transfer lock
Step by Step

How to Transfer a Domain From GoDaddy

  1. Back up DNS: in GoDaddy, open the domain’s DNS page and copy every record
  2. Turn off Domain Lock: in Domain Settings, switch the lock off
  3. Get the authorization code: request it from the domain settings page; GoDaddy shows or emails it
  4. Start the transfer: enter the domain and code at your new registrar and pay for the transfer
  5. Approve the transfer: confirm the approval email that arrives at the admin address
  6. Wait for release: GoDaddy may email an option to approve early; otherwise it completes within about 5 days
  7. Check and lock: confirm DNS, turn domain lock back on and set auto-renew

Menu names change from time to time, but the steps stay the same.

For BigRock Users

How to Transfer a Domain From BigRock

  1. Log in to the BigRock control panel and open the domain
  2. Back up DNS records if BigRock hosts your DNS
  3. Turn off Theft Protection (their transfer lock)
  4. Copy the Domain Secret (auth code)
  5. Start the transfer at your new registrar and approve the email
  6. Re-check DNS and lock the domain after it arrives
How Long It Takes

Domain Transfer Timeline

Stage Typical time
Unlock and get code Minutes
Transfer request and approval Same day
Release by old registrar (.com, .net) Up to 5 days
.in transfers Usually 1 to 7 days
DNS checks and lock Same day
Zero Downtime

How to Avoid Downtime During a Transfer

Downtime almost never comes from the transfer itself. It comes from DNS. Follow these rules:

  • Keep nameservers the same until the transfer finishes
  • If the old registrar hosts your DNS, copy all records to the new DNS provider first
  • Do not change MX records during the move, or email may bounce
  • Lower TTLs a day before any planned DNS change after the transfer

Want faster, more resilient DNS after the move? See premium cloud DNS.

Troubleshooting

Common Domain Transfer Errors and Fixes

Error Likely cause Fix
Domain is locked Transfer lock still on Turn off lock and retry
Invalid auth code Old or mistyped code Generate a new code
Transfer not allowed Less than 60 days since registration or transfer Wait until the 60-day period ends
Approval email not received Old admin email Update contact email, then restart
Transfer rejected Old registrar denied it Ask them for the reason; contact support
Real-World Examples

Transfers We Handled

Logistics Firm Moves 63 Domains From Three Registrars

Client: Logistics company, Hyderabad

Challenge: Domains on GoDaddy, BigRock and an old reseller, with renewal emails going to ex-staff.

What we did: DNS backed up for each domain, transfers in three batches, email domain moved last, locks and auto-renew after each batch.

Results:

  • 63 domains moved with zero email or website downtime
  • One renewal cycle a year
  • Lower yearly renewal cost

Startup Fixes a Blocked Transfer

Client: Edtech startup, Bengaluru

Challenge: Transfer kept failing because the admin email was a former co-founder’s personal address.

What we did: Contact updated through registrar support, waited out the post-change lock, restarted transfer with the new email.

Results:

  • Transfer completed on the second attempt
  • Admin contact now a shared company email
  • Domain locked with MFA on the new account
Summary

Transfers Are Easy When DNS Is Safe

Moving a domain from GoDaddy or BigRock takes about 15 minutes of your time and a few days of waiting. Back up DNS, keep nameservers unchanged and lock the domain when it arrives.

If you would rather not do it yourself, our domain transfer services handle every step.

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