How to Transfer a Domain to Hostinger in 2026
Unlocking domains • EPP Codes • Registrar Guides
Consolidating your web hosting and domain registration makes site administration simple. This comprehensive guide covers requirements, step-by-step workflows, registrar-specific instructions, and troubleshooting.
What Is a Domain Transfer?
A domain transfer moves the administrative management of your domain name from your current registrar (like Namecheap or GoDaddy) to Hostinger. According to our Hostinger Review, this transaction automatically extends your domain registration by 1 full year under ICANN rules, meaning you do not lose any remaining time. You can also use a Hostinger Coupon to save on hosting plans when migrating.
Domain Transfer Requirements
60-Day Lock Check
Under ICANN rules, a domain cannot be transferred if registered or transferred within the last 60 days.
Unlock Registrar Lock
Ensure the Registrar Lock or Domain Lock status is set to Unlocked in your current panel.
WHOIS Privacy Off
Disable WHOIS privacy protection temporarily so Hostinger can confirm registration credentials.
EPP Auth Code
Obtain the EPP Code or Auth Key from your current registrar to authorize the transfer transaction.
Domain Transfer Timeline
Once you submit the EPP code and purchase the transfer, the transaction typically takes 5 to 7 days to complete. Your website and custom emails remain online during the transition. If you want to check other options, read about Hostinger Alternatives or see how it compares in our Hostinger vs Bluehost head-to-head comparison.
Domain Transfer Pricing
| Domain TLD | Transfer Price (Includes 1-Yr Extension) | Standard Renewal Price / Yr |
|---|---|---|
| .com | $9.99 | $13.99 |
| .net | $12.99 | $14.99 |
| .org | $12.99 | $14.99 |
Ready to transfer your domain to Hostinger?
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Transfer Guides by Registrar
Transfer From Namecheap
- Log in to your Namecheap account, go to the Domain List, and click Manage next to the domain.
- Select the Sharing & Transfer tab, scroll down to the status section, and click Unlock.
- Click Auth Code, select a reason for transfer, and click send. The code will be sent to your registrant email address.
Transfer From GoDaddy
- Log in to GoDaddy, navigate to Domain Portfolio, and click on the domain you want to transfer.
- Under Domain Settings, locate the Lock section and toggle off the Domain Lock.
- Click Transfer to another registrar under the transfer options, review the checklist, and copy your Auth Code.
Transfer From Google Domains (Now Squarespace)
- Log in to your Squarespace Domains account, select your domain, and click Domain Settings.
- Toggle off the Domain Lock.
- Click Get Authorization Code to retrieve your transfer key.
Transfer Troubleshooting
If your domain transfer status shows as "Pending" or "Rejected," check these common issues:
- EPP Code Typo: Authorization keys are case-sensitive. Ensure you copied the exact code from your registrar dashboard.
- 60-day Lock: Ensure the domain was not registered or transferred within the past 60 days.
- Registrar Lock: Verify that the Domain Lock is turned off at your current registrar.
Domain Transfer FAQs
Transferring a standard .com domain name to Hostinger costs $9.99. This fee covers the transfer fee itself and automatically adds 1 full year to your domain's registration period. Privacy protection is included for free forever.
No. Your website and custom email configurations will remain online and fully functional throughout the transfer process, provided you do not change your nameservers while the transfer transaction is pending.
Domain transfers typically take between 5 to 7 days to complete. The exact duration depends on how quickly your current registrar releases the domain once you submit the EPP authorization code.
An EPP code (also known as an Authorization Code or Auth Key) is a secure, unique alphanumeric password generated by your current registrar. It acts as a security lock, proving you own the domain and authorize its transfer.
No. Under ICANN rules, you cannot transfer a domain name to a different registrar within 60 days of its initial registration or a previous transfer. If your domain is brand new, you must wait until the 60-day lock period expires.
Yes, some registrars require you to temporarily disable WHOIS privacy protection so the new registrar can verify the registrant email address. Once the transfer completes at Hostinger, you can enable their free WHOIS privacy forever.
Yes. Hostinger includes free WHOIS domain privacy protection forever on all eligible domain names. This hides your personal details (name, email, phone number) from public lookup databases.
Transferring a .net domain to Hostinger costs $12.99, and a .org domain costs $12.99. Both include a 1-year registration extension.
Log in to Namecheap, navigate to Domain List, click Manage next to your domain, select the Sharing & Transfer tab, and toggle the Domain Lock to Unlocked.
Log in to GoDaddy, go to Domain Portfolio, select the domain you want to transfer, navigate to Domain Settings, scroll to the lock section, and turn off Domain Lock.
Yes, you can transfer an expired domain provided it is still within its grace period (usually up to 30 days after expiration) and you have access to the EPP code. However, we recommend transferring before expiration to avoid service interruption.
ICANN levies a flat $0.18 annual fee on every domain registration, renewal, or transfer. Hostinger includes this fee in its listed transfer prices.
Yes, if you keep your current nameservers during the transfer, your DNS records will continue to resolve. Once the domain is fully transferred to Hostinger, you can manage DNS zones inside hPanel.
If a transfer fails (due to incorrect EPP code or registry lock), Hostinger will refund the transfer fee to your hPanel balance or original payment method. You can resolve the lock and re-initiate the transfer.
No. The free domain promotion offered with Hostinger's Premium or Business hosting plans is only valid for new domain registrations. If you are transferring an existing domain, you must pay the standard transfer fee.