Wondering How to Transfer Domain from GoDaddy to Hostinger ? You’re not alone – I’ve helped over a hundred clients make this exact move, and there’s a good reason so many people are switching. Whether you’re chasing better prices, simpler management, or just fed up with GoDaddy’s constant upsells (we’ve all been there!), the transfer process is easier than you might think.
Let me walk you through the stress-free way to move your domain – I’ll explain each step like I’m sitting right beside you, without any confusing tech jargon. By the time we’re done, you’ll wonder why you didn’t make the switch sooner!
Why Transfer Your Domain from GoDaddy to Hostinger?
So why are so many people moving their domains from GoDaddy to Hostinger? I’ve asked this same question to dozens of clients who’ve made the switch. While GoDaddy’s been the big name in domains forever, Hostinger’s been winning folks over with noticeably cheaper renewals (we’re talking saving $10-15 per year per domain), support that actually responds in minutes, and a control panel that doesn’t feel like a maze.
The real game-changer? Having your domain and hosting under one roof. No more juggling between accounts when something goes wrong at 2 AM. Just last week, a client told me she shaved 3 hours off her monthly workflow after consolidating everything with Hostinger.
Top reasons my clients switch:
💰 Renewal savings that add up year after year
⚡ 24/7 live chat that doesn’t make you wait
👶 Beginner-friendly interface that just makes sense
📦 Everything in one dashboard – no more login hopping
💸 30-day money-back guarantee and Refund on hosting, giving peace of mind if you change your mind
It’s not about GoDaddy being ‘bad’ We are Also Write About wordpress With GoDaddy Full Setup – it’s about Hostinger offering better value for most website owners. And hey, if you’re paying for domains, shouldn’t you get the most bang for your buck?
Step 1: Unlock Your Domain & Get the Transfer Code (GoDaddy Prep Work)
Alright, let’s roll up our sleeves – this first step is the most important part of the whole transfer. I’ve seen transfers fail because folks skipped these prep steps, so let’s do it right:
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Log into GoDaddy (you’ll need your login handy)
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Go to Domains → My Products
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Find your domain in the list (it’s probably buried under all those upsell offers!)
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Look for Domain Lock – switch this to “Off”
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Now grab your EPP Code (sometimes called an authorization code) – this is like your domain’s passport for the transfer
Heads up:
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GoDaddy might email you this code instead of showing it immediately (classic GoDaddy move)
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Your domain must be older than 60 days (ICANN rule)
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Don’t try this if your domain expires in <15 days – renew it first!
“I learned the hard way…”
Last month, a client missed the domain lock step and wasted 3 days troubleshooting. Save yourself the headache – double check everything here before moving to Step 2!
👉 Need visual help? GoDaddy’s official guide has screenshots, but honestly their interface changes every 6 months!
Step 2: Initiate the Transfer on Hostinger’s Side
Now that you’ve got your domain unlocked and that precious authorization code (remember how we called it your domain’s passport?), it’s time to make the move to Hostinger. Here’s exactly what to expect:
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Head to Hostinger’s Domain Transfer page (protip: just Google “Hostinger domain transfer” if you can’t find it)
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Type in your domain name carefully – no typos allowed!
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Paste that EPP code you worked hard to get from GoDaddy
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Complete checkout – yes, you’ll need to pay for at least 1 year renewal (standard procedure)
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Watch your email for ICANN’s verification request – this is CRUCIAL and expires in 5 days!
What Actually Happens Next?
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Hostinger reaches out to GoDaddy saying “Hey, we’ve got permission to take this domain”
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GoDaddy has 5 days to object (they usually don’t)
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You’ll get progress emails at each stage
Step 2: Initiate the Transfer on Hostinger’s Side
Now that you’ve got your domain unlocked and that precious authorization code (remember how we called it your domain’s passport?), it’s time to make the move to Hostinger. Here’s exactly what to expect:
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Head to Hostinger’s Domain Transfer page (protip: just Google “Hostinger domain transfer” if you can’t find it)
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Type in your domain name carefully – no typos allowed!
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Paste that EPP code you worked hard to get from GoDaddy
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Complete checkout – yes, you’ll need to pay for at least 1 year renewal (standard procedure)
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Watch your email for ICANN’s verification request – this is CRUCIAL and expires in 5 days!
What Actually Happens Next?
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Hostinger reaches out to GoDaddy saying “Hey, we’ve got permission to take this domain”
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GoDaddy has 5 days to object (they usually don’t)
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You’ll get progress emails at each stage
Step 3: The Final Approval Dance
Almost there! Now comes the waiting game where both registrars need to confirm the handoff. Here’s what’s happening behind the scenes and what you need to do:
Keep Your Inbox Open
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GoDaddy’s Confirmation Email will arrive (usually within an hour) with a big “APPROVE TRANSFER” button – don’t let this sit! I’ve seen transfers stall because people missed this time-sensitive email.
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ICANN’s Verification comes separately (check spam folder!) – this is your last security checkpoint before the transfer completes.
“Why is this taking so long?!”
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The actual transfer typically completes within 24-48 hours after approval
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DNS propagation can take up to 72 hours globally
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Weekends and holidays sometimes add delays
When It’s All Done:
You’ll get a victory email from Hostinger and see your domain proudly displayed in their dashboard. That’s when you can:
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Pop champagne 🍾
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Set up your new hosting
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Finally delete those GoDaddy bookmarks
Watch Out! These Transfer Trip-Ups Can Cost You Time (And Sanity)
After helping hundreds of clients migrate domains, I’ve seen the same avoidable mistakes pop up again and again. Steer clear of these common pitfalls:
🚫 The “Eager Beaver” Error
Trying to transfer a domain purchased within the last 60 days (ICANN’s mandatory cooling-off period). The system will block you cold.
🚫 The Locked-Out Fiasco
That innocent-looking “domain lock” toggle in GoDaddy? Forgetting to disable it is the #1 reason transfers fail. Double-check this!
🚫 The DNS Black Hole
Assuming your website and emails will magically work post-transfer. They won’t. Your DNS records need manual love in Hostinger’s dashboard.
Post-Transfer Must-Do’s:
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Reconnect Your Website
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Update nameservers if you’re using Hostinger’s
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Reconfigure any A records or CNAMEs
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Resurrect Your Email
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MX records don’t transfer automatically
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Test sending/receiving immediately
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Clean Up Old Settings
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Remove domain from GoDaddy’s DNS zone
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Cancel auto-renewal (unless you want surprise charges)
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“Save Yourself 2 AM Panic”
Last month, a client’s emails went dark for 3 days because they didn’t check MX records. Set a calendar reminder to verify everything 24 hours post-transfer!
Thinking About Moving Your Hosting Too? Here’s the Smart Play…
Since you’re already moving your domain, this is actually the perfect time to consider bringing your hosting over to Hostinger as well. Here’s why:
🚀 Free Migration Magic
Hostinger will actually move your entire website for you at no cost – databases, files, everything. I’ve watched them transfer 50GB sites in under an hour!
💸 Double the Savings
Combining domain + hosting at Hostinger often slashes your costs by 30-40% compared to keeping them separate at GoDaddy.
🔌 One Less Headache
No more:
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Cross-provider DNS conflicts
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Blaming game between support teams
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Separate billing dates to track
“But What If I Need Help?”
If the thought of migrating makes you nervous (totally normal!), our team at Wix Infotech specializes in:
✅ Zero-dowtime migrations
✅ Email configuration
✅ DNS optimization
👉 Need help with migration? Check out our Website Services at Wix Infotech for expert support.
Wrapping Up: Your Smarter Domain Strategy Starts Here
Making the switch from GoDaddy to Hostinger isn’t just about saving a few bucks—it’s about taking control of your online presence. Whether you’re running a boutique shop, freelance portfolio, or growing blog, this move puts you in the driver’s seat with:
💰 More money in your pocket (those renewal fees add up!)
⏱️ Hours saved on support wait times
🎛️ One streamlined dashboard for everything
“But What If I Mess Something Up?”
Hey, I get it—domain transfers can feel like defusing a bomb. If you’d rather have experts handle it:
Our team at Wix Infotech lives for this stuff. We’ll:
✔️ Transfer your domain with zero downtime
✔️ Migrate your entire site seamlessly
✔️ Set up emails so you don’t miss a single message
✔️ Handle all the tech details while you focus on your business
Let’s chat about your move – first coffee’s on us ☕
Remember: Every big-name website started with smart foundational choices. Yours starts today.