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How to Transfer a Domain to SW Hosting: What You Need to Know Before You Start

by SW Team

Transferring a domain may seem complicated, but it's actually a straightforward process if you follow the right steps. In this guide, we'll explain how to move your domain to SW Hosting without affecting your website or email service, what requirements you need to meet, and what checks you should perform to ensure a successful migration.

Key points

  • Check that your domain is eligible for transfer.
  • Request the EPP or AuthCode from your current provider.
  • Prepare your email service and DNS configuration before making the change.
  • Verify that both your website and email are working correctly after the migration.

Preparing your domain for transfer

Before starting the transfer, it's recommended to check a few things to avoid potential issues.

Make sure that:

  • Your domain is not locked for transfers.
  • You have access to the domain owner's email address.
  • You have obtained the EPP or AuthCode.
  • Your domain has not expired.

It's also advisable to start the transfer several days before your domain's renewal date.

The EPP code

The EPP code (or AuthCode) is a security key that authorizes the transfer of your domain. You can usually request it through your current provider's control panel or by contacting their support team.

Once you have it, simply enter it during the transfer process at SW Hosting.

How to migrate your email without losing messages

Transferring a domain does not automatically move your email accounts or stored messages.

If you're also moving your email service, we recommend that you:

  1. Create your email accounts in SW Hosting first.
  2. Migrate your messages using IMAP.
  3. Update your MX records once everything is ready.
  4. Verify that you can send and receive emails correctly.

As an additional precaution, it's a good idea to back up your mailboxes before starting the migration.

Review your DNS settings

After the migration, review your DNS records, especially your MX, SPF, DKIM and DMARC records, to ensure your email continues to work correctly and to prevent delivery issues or messages being marked as spam.

Final checks

Once the transfer is complete, carry out these basic checks:

  • Make sure your website loads correctly.
  • Verify that your SSL certificate is active.
  • Confirm that you can send and receive emails.
  • Check that your DNS records point to the new server.

DNS propagation can take anywhere from a few hours up to 24 hours, so during that period it's normal for some users to reach the old server while others are directed to the new one.

Why transfer your domain to SW Hosting?

At SW Hosting, we operate our own infrastructure in Spain, offer expert technical support, and provide tools like SWPanel to manage domains, DNS, email accounts and SSL certificates from a single control panel.

Our team can also assist you throughout the migration process to ensure it's fast, secure and hassle-free.

Conclusion

Transferring a domain is a simple process when you properly prepare your EPP code, email service and DNS settings. By following these steps, you can complete the migration without affecting your website or email accounts.

If you'd rather leave the process to professionals, the SW Hosting team can help you transfer your domain quickly and securely.


Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a domain transfer take?

For most domains (.com, .net, etc.), the process usually takes between 5 and 7 days. Some country-code domains, such as .es, may be transferred much faster.

Will I lose my email during the migration?

No. As long as you create your email accounts beforehand and update your MX records at the appropriate time, your email service should continue to work normally.

What is an EPP code?

An EPP code (also known as an AuthCode) is an authorization code that proves ownership of a domain and allows it to be transferred to another registrar.

Can I transfer an expired domain?

No. The domain must be active before a transfer can begin. If it has expired, you'll need to renew it first.

Will I lose my website when transferring my domain?

No. Transferring a domain only changes the registrar. If you're also changing hosting providers, you'll need to migrate your website files and databases so your site continues to work correctly.

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