10 Mistakes to Avoid When Migrating a Domain to GoDaddy
So, you're thinking about moving your online home – your domain name – over to GoDaddy? That's a big decision, and like any big move, it's easy to trip up along the way. Don't worry, though! We're here to help you make the switch smooth and stress-free. Moving your domain doesn't have to be a headache. In fact, if you avoid a few common pitfalls, you'll be settling into your new GoDaddy neighborhood in no time.
GoDaddy is a popular choice for managing domain names, and for good reason. They offer a wide range of services, from simple domain registration to powerful godaddy vps hosting for those with bigger websites. You might even be thinking about selling domain names on godaddy down the road! Whatever your reason for choosing GoDaddy, making sure your domain transfer goes well is super important.
This guide will walk you through ten common mistakes people make when they transfer domain name to godaddy, and more importantly, how you can avoid them. We want to make sure your godaddy migrate domain process is as easy as pie. Plus, keep an eye out for a special godaddy discount code that might just save you some money!
Mistake #1: Not Unlocking Your Domain at Your Current Registrar
Think of your domain name like a valuable treasure chest. Before you can move it, you need to unlock it at its current location. Most domain registrars (the company where your domain is currently registered) have a security feature called "domain locking." This prevents unauthorized transfers.
How to Avoid It: Log in to your current domain registrar's website. Look for the settings related to your domain name. You should find an option to "unlock" or "remove transfer lock." Make sure you do this before you start the transfer process on GoDaddy's website.
Mistake #2: Forgetting to Get Your Authorization Code (EPP Code)
Once your domain is unlocked, you'll need a special key to move it – this is called an Authorization Code, or sometimes an EPP code. It's like a secret password that proves you own the domain and have the right to transfer it.
How to Avoid It: After unlocking your domain, stay logged into your current registrar's website. Look for an option to "get EPP code," "authorization code," or "transfer key." The registrar will usually email this code to the administrative contact email address associated with your domain. Keep this code safe – you'll need to enter it on GoDaddy's website when you transfer domain name to godaddy.
Mistake #3: Having Incorrect Contact Information
When you registered your domain name, you had to provide contact information (your name, email, phone number, and address). It's crucial that this information is up-to-date and accurate. If the administrative contact email address is old or incorrect, you might miss important emails related to the transfer, including the authorization code.
How to Avoid It: Before initiating the transfer, log in to your current registrar's account and double-check all your contact details. Make sure the administrative email address is one you actively use. Update any outdated information.
Mistake #4: Initiating the Transfer Too Close to Expiration
Your domain name needs to be renewed regularly to stay active. If you try to godaddy migrate domain too close to its expiration date, the transfer might fail, or worse, your domain could expire during the process. It's always best to have plenty of time before your domain's renewal date when you start the transfer.
How to Avoid It: Check your domain's expiration date at your current registrar. Ideally, you should initiate the transfer at least two weeks before the expiration date to give ample time for the process to complete smoothly. When you transfer domain name to godaddy, they often add an extra year to your registration period, which is a nice bonus!
Mistake #5: Not Backing Up Your Website Files and Databases
Moving your domain name doesn't automatically move your website content. Your website files, databases, and emails are usually stored on a separate hosting account. Whether you're planning to move your hosting to godaddy vps hosting or keep it elsewhere for now, it's essential to back up everything before you make any changes.
How to Avoid It: If you have a website, contact your current hosting provider for instructions on how to back up your website files and databases. Download these backups to your computer. If you're also moving your hosting to GoDaddy, you'll need to upload these backups to your new GoDaddy hosting account after the domain transfer is complete. Even if you're just using the godaddy website builder, understanding where your content lives is important.
Mistake #6: Assuming Email Service Will Automatically Transfer
Just like your website files, your email service associated with your domain name won't automatically move when you transfer domain name to godaddy. You'll need to make separate arrangements for your email.
How to Avoid It: Decide how you want to handle your email. If you're moving your hosting to GoDaddy, they offer email hosting options. You'll need to set up your email accounts on GoDaddy's servers after the domain transfer. If you're keeping your email with your current provider or using a third-party email service, you might need to update your domain's DNS records (more on that later) to ensure your emails continue to work correctly.
Mistake #7: Ignoring DNS Propagation
DNS (Domain Name System) is like the internet's phonebook. When you transfer domain name to godaddy, the DNS records need to be updated to point your domain to GoDaddy's servers (or your new hosting provider's servers if you're also moving hosting). This process, called DNS propagation, can take some time – usually a few hours, but sometimes up to 48 hours. During this time, your website and email might experience intermittent outages.
How to Avoid It: Be patient! Once the transfer is initiated on GoDaddy's end, there's not much you can do to speed up DNS propagation. Avoid making further changes to your DNS settings during this period, as it can prolong the process. Plan your transfer for a time when minimal disruption to your website and email will occur. GoDaddy often provides tools to manage your DNS records once the transfer is complete, especially if you're using their godaddy vps hosting or the godaddy website builder.
Mistake #8: Not Reviewing Your GoDaddy Account After the Transfer
Once GoDaddy confirms the domain transfer is complete, don't just assume everything is perfect. Take the time to log in to your GoDaddy account and review the settings for your newly transferred domain.
How to Avoid It: Check that your contact information is still correct in your GoDaddy account. Verify the domain's renewal date. If you opted for auto-renewal, make sure that setting is as you intended. If you're planning on selling domain names on godaddy in the future, familiarize yourself with their domain management tools.
Mistake #9: Forgetting to Update Your DNS Records
If you're keeping your website and email hosting with your current provider (or moving to a different provider than GoDaddy), you'll need to update your domain's DNS records at GoDaddy to point to the correct servers. This is a crucial step to ensure your website and email continue to function after the transfer.
How to Avoid It: Obtain the necessary DNS records (usually provided by your hosting or email provider). Once your domain is successfully transferred to GoDaddy, log in to your GoDaddy account, navigate to your domain management settings, and update the DNS records accordingly. This might involve changing A records, CNAME records, MX records, etc.
Mistake #10: Failing to Disable Privacy Protection at Your Old Registrar
Many domain registrars offer privacy protection services that mask your personal contact information in the public WHOIS database. While this is a great security feature, it can sometimes interfere with the domain transfer process. GoDaddy will typically offer its own privacy protection once the transfer is complete.
How to Avoid It: Before initiating the transfer, log in to your current registrar and disable any privacy protection services associated with your domain name. You can usually re-enable a similar service through GoDaddy after the transfer is successful. Failing to do this might cause delays or even rejection of your transfer request.
Frequently Asked Questions: Domain Name to Godaddy
- How long does it take to transfer a domain name to GoDaddy?
The typical domain transfer process to GoDaddy takes between 5 to 7 days. However, this timeframe can vary depending on your current registrar and whether you've completed all the necessary steps correctly, like unlocking your domain and providing the EPP code.
- Will my website go down during the domain transfer to GoDaddy?
Potentially, there might be a brief period of downtime during DNS propagation, which can last a few hours. To minimize disruption, plan your transfer carefully and avoid making DNS changes during this time. If you're also moving your hosting, your website will likely be down until you upload your files to the new hosting account.
- Do I need to renew my domain before transferring it to GoDaddy?
It's generally recommended to ensure your domain has a sufficient amount of registration time left (ideally more than 30 days) before initiating a transfer. When you transfer domain name to godaddy, they often add an extra year to your registration period.
- What if I don't receive the authorization code (EPP code) from my current registrar?
If you haven't received your EPP code after requesting it, check your spam or junk email folders. If it's still not there, contact your current domain registrar's support team directly. They should be able to provide you with the code.
- Can I use the GoDaddy website builder immediately after transferring my domain?
Yes, once your domain transfer to GoDaddy is complete and the DNS has propagated, you can start using the godaddy website builder if you've signed up for that service. You'll need to connect your transferred domain to your GoDaddy website builder account.
Final Thoughts
Migrating your domain to GoDaddy doesn't have to be a daunting task. By being aware of these ten common mistakes and taking the necessary precautions, you can ensure a smooth and successful transfer. Remember to unlock your domain, get your EPP code, update your contact information, and plan your transfer wisely. And don't forget to look for a godaddy discount code to save some money along the way! Whether you're looking to consolidate your online presence, explore selling domain names on godaddy, or take advantage of their robust godaddy vps hosting options, a well-executed domain transfer is the first step towards your online goals. Good luck with your move!