Table of Contents
Introduction
Transferring and pointing domains to a new host is a common task for webmasters and online business owners. GoDaddy is one of the largest domain name registrars, so many users will need to know how to transfer domains to and from GoDaddy or point domains registered with GoDaddy to a new host.
Fortunately, GoDaddy provides straightforward processes for both transferring domains away from GoDaddy and pointing GoDaddy-registered domains to use new hosting services. This guide will walk through both processes step-by-step.
Transferring Domains Away from GoDaddy
If you want to transfer a domain away from GoDaddy to a new registrar, follow these steps:
1. Login to your GoDaddy account
Navigate to GoDaddy.com and login to access your account and domain manager.
2. Select the domain to transfer
In your domain manager, check the box next to the specific domain you want to transfer away to another registrar.
3. Initiate transfer away
Select the option to “Transfer to Another Registrar”. Review and agree to the transfer checklist and details.
4. Complete the transfer
GoDaddy will turn off Domain Privacy, then you must select “Continue with transfer”. If the domain has Domain Protection enabled, you will need to verify your identity.
Once these steps are complete, GoDaddy will unlock the domain and provide you with the authorization code needed to transfer the domain to the new registrar.
The new registrar will then initiate the transfer using the authorization code, and typically the transfer takes 5-7 days to fully complete switching registrars.
Pointing a GoDaddy Domain to New Host
If your domain is registered with GoDaddy but you want to use a new web hosting provider, follow these steps to point your domain:
1. Login to your GoDaddy account
Navigate to GoDaddy.com and login to access your account and domain manager.
2. Access domain DNS settings
In your domain manager, select the specific domain and access the DNS settings or DNS zone file.
3. Change nameservers
Change the nameservers to use the new hosting provider’s nameservers. This allows DNS for the domain to be managed by the new host.
4. Update DNS records
Create or update the DNS records, such as A records, that point your domain to resolve to your new hosting server’s IP address.
Once these steps are complete, DNS propagation will begin across global DNS servers – this takes 24-48 hours typically. Afterwards your GoDaddy domain will now be hosted on the new hosting provider’s servers.
Conclusion
I hope this guide was helpful in outlining the necessary steps for transferring domains away from GoDaddy to a new registrar, or pointing GoDaddy-registered domains to use a new web hosting provider.
The processes involve a few short steps of logging into your GoDaddy account, accessing domain settings, updating nameservers or initiating transfers, and allowing for DNS propagation.
Let me know if you have any other questions! With some simple actions in your GoDaddy account, you can seamlessly transfer or point your valuable domains.
