Your domain name is your online identity. It’s how people find you on the internet, and it’s essential for building a successful website or online business.
If your domain is currently registered with Wix and you’re thinking about switching to Web.com, we’re here to help make the switch easy and hassle-free.
This guide will take you through the steps on how to transfer your domain name from Wix to Web.com. It covers the benefits and potential challenges you need to know about when transferring your domain.
What is a domain transfer?
A domain transfer is the process of moving a domain name from one domain registrar (the company who manages a domain) to another. When you transfer a domain, you’re essentially changing the company that’s responsible for managing your domain name.
There are several reasons why you might consider transferring your domain:
- Better services. It could be a good reason to switch if you find another domain provider that offers better customer support, more features, or improved domain management tools.
- Cost-effectiveness. Moving to a new provider may save you money on domain registration fees or offer you more competitive pricing.
- Business expansion. If your business is expanding, you may transfer your domain to a domain provider that matches your new plans or accommodate your growing online presence.
- Rebranding. When your business rebrands or changes its name, you might consider transferring your domain to match the new brand identity.
- Consolidation. You could transfer your domain to have all your domains managed by a single registrar.
Domain transfer vs Domain change of ownership
One common misconception that people often encounter is confusing a domain transfer with a change of ownership.
A domain transfer involves moving a domain from one domain registrar to another while keeping the ownership details the same. The purpose is usually to switch to a different domain provider for various reasons, such as better services, pricing, or management tools. But the domain stays under the same person or business.
On the other hand, a change of ownership refers to transferring the legal ownership of a domain from one person or business to another. This typically occurs when the current owner sells or transfers their domain to a new owner, often involving a change in contact and administrative information.
High level overview of the domain transfer process
Towards the end of this article, you will find a step-by-step process for transferring your domain from Wix to Web.com.
Here’s a quick overview of what you need to do to get your domain ready for transfer:
- Ensure your domain is eligible for transfer. Not all domains are eligible for transfer, so it’s essential to check if your domain meets the requirements for a transfer. Generally, the domain must be at least 60 days old and not locked or under any dispute.
- Unlock your domain and disable privacy settings
- Back up website data and files
Transferring your domain from Wix to Web.com
Part 1: Initiate the domain transfer from Wix to Web.com
To transfer your domain away from Wix, follow the steps below:
- Login to your Wix account and go to the domains page.
- Look for the More Actions icon next to the domain you’ll transfer. Then, click Transfer Away from Wix.
- Click Transfer Domain.
- Click I Still Want to Transfer.
- The EPP code, or domain password, will be sent to your registrant email address.
- Follow the next steps in the email to transfer the domain name.
Part 2: Begin the Transfer with Web.com
1. Go to the Web.com Domain Transfer page.
2. In the blank field, type in your domain name, and then click CONTINUE.
3: In the checkout page, you have the option to add additional years of registration. Once done, click CONTINUE TO CHECKOUT.
4. Confirm your account information, then click SUBMIT PAYMENT.
5. Check for the authorization emails from Wix.
6. Log in to your Web.com Account Manager, and then enter your authorization code. This will initiate the transfer process between your Wix and Web.com.
How to manage the transition period
Initiating a domain transfer might limit some actions related to your domain name during the transfer period. Before initiating a domain transfer, it’s important to be aware of the following:
Ensuring uninterrupted website and email functionality during the transfer
Maintaining uninterrupted website and email functionality during the domain transfer is vital for a seamless transition. Although domain transfers generally don’t affect website and email functions, you might want to check first if initiating a domain transfer would result in website and email downtime. Communicate with both your current and new registrar about the transfer timeline, ensuring minimal downtime.
Updating DNS settings and name servers, if necessary
Once the domain transfer is complete, it will propagate the records associated to the domain name based on where the name servers are pointing to in the registry’s database. Let’s say you have a domain name that uses Wix’s name servers, initiating a domain transfer without changing the Wix name servers to Web.com’s would result in website and email downtime.
It’s best to update the name servers and DNS settings first prior to initiating a domain transfer for a seamless transition.
Head over to our help section if you want to learn more about updating your DNS settings with Web.com.
Testing website functionality after the transfer
Post-transfer, thoroughly test your website’s functionality, including all webpages, forms, and interactive elements. It’s crucial to test the contact forms, eCommerce functionality, and any third-party integrations on your website after transfer. Testing ensures that everything properly working, and your website is fully operational. Address any issues as quickly as possible to shorten website down time and guarantee a positive user experience.
Bring your domain name to Web.com today
Transferring your domain to Web.com brings a world of benefits – better pricing, stellar support, and exciting features. Take the leap and gain control over your digital assets within one platform.
With Web.com, you get access to a portfolio of services and expert support to help propel your business to success. What better way to take the right step forward?
