To move a domain from IONOS (formerly 1&1) to Host Dada, turn off the IONOS transfer lock and click Show Authorisation Code on the Renewal & Transfer page. For a .co.uk or .uk domain, use Change IPS tag instead and enter HOSTDADA.
Before you start
- 60-day rule: IONOS can only release a .com, .net, .org, .info or .biz domain that has been registered in your name for at least 60 days. ICANN rules also block a move within 60 days of a previous transfer.
- Your IONOS login: you'll need access to the IONOS account that holds the domain.
- Expiry date: transfer well before the domain expires. If it's due within a couple of weeks, renew it first.
.com, .net, .org and other domains: unlock and get the code
- Log in to IONOS at ionos.co.uk and open the Domains section.
- Open Renewal & Transfer and select the domain you're moving.
- Turn off the Domain transfer lock. This allows another registrar to take the domain.
- Click Show Authorisation Code. IONOS requests the code from the registry, which can take a few minutes. Copy it somewhere safe.
IONOS's own guide: Transferring a domain from IONOS to another provider.
.uk domains: change the IPS tag to HOSTDADA
.uk domains (.co.uk, .uk, .org.uk, .me.uk and others) don't use authorisation codes. Instead, IONOS changes the domain's IPS tag to Host Dada's tag, HOSTDADA, and the domain moves across. Order the transfer at Host Dada first (see below) so we can match it to your account.
- Log in to IONOS and open Domains → Renewal & Transfer.
- Select the .uk domain and click Change IPS tag.
- Enter
HOSTDADAand click Save.
IONOS asks that you've already started the transfer with your new provider, so place the Host Dada transfer order first. IONOS's guide: Transferring a .uk domain from IONOS (changing the IPS tag).
Complete the transfer to Host Dada
-
Order the transfer. Go to Transfer in a Domain (or Domains → Transfer in a Domain in the Client Area), enter your domain under Domain Name and click Order Now.
Start the transfer in the Host Dada Client Area.
- Paste the authorisation code into the Authorization Code box when asked. Codes are case-sensitive, so copy and paste rather than typing. (.uk domains don't ask for a code.)
- Check the nameservers and check out. If checkout shows nameserver boxes, they're filled in with the Host Dada nameservers. Keep them if your website and email are with us, or enter your current nameservers if they're staying elsewhere for now. For most .com-type domains, the transfer adds a year to the registration.
- Approve and wait. IONOS may email the domain owner about the transfer. Approving it speeds things up. Otherwise .com-type transfers usually complete within 5 to 7 days. For a .uk domain, change the IPS tag as described above and it usually arrives within a few hours.
- Check everything once it arrives. The domain appears under Domains → My Domains. Check auto-renew is on and the Contact Information is correct.
Settings at a glance
| What | Value |
|---|---|
| Host Dada IPS tag (.uk domains) | HOSTDADA |
| Host Dada nameservers | ns1.kandekore.net, ns2.kandekore.net, ns3.kandekore.net, ns4.kandekore.net |
| Start a transfer | my.hostdada.co.uk → Transfer in a Domain |
Troubleshooting
The Show Authorisation Code button isn't there
The domain may still be locked, or it may not have been registered in your name for 60 days yet. Check the Domain transfer lock is off and contact IONOS if the option still doesn't appear.
The code appears but Host Dada says it's invalid
Copy and paste it again with no spaces. If you clicked Show Authorisation Code more than once, use the latest code.
My IONOS website or email stopped working
Moving the domain doesn't cancel IONOS hosting, but IONOS DNS may stop answering for the domain once it leaves. Point the domain to the Host Dada nameservers and recreate your records in Manage DNS.
Last reviewed: October 2026
