How to Transfer Your Domain to Host Dada

How to Transfer Your Domain to Host Dada

Transferring your domain to Host Dada consolidates your hosting and domain management in one place. This guide covers the full transfer process for .com, .co.uk, .net, and most other domain extensions.

Before You Start — Important Checks

• Domain age: Most registrars require a domain to be at least 60 days old before it can be transferred.
• Renewal date: Transfers typically add one year to the domain's expiry. Don't transfer a domain that expired recently — it may be in a redemption period.
• Email access: You'll need to respond to a transfer authorisation email sent to the domain's registered owner address.

Step 1 — Unlock Your Domain at Your Current Registrar

Most domains have a transfer lock enabled by default to prevent unauthorised moves. You must disable this before initiating a transfer.

1. Log in to your current domain registrar.
2. Find the domain management settings.
3. Disable the Transfer Lock (sometimes called "Domain Lock" or "Registrar Lock").

For step-by-step instructions for specific registrars, see our guides for GoDaddy, 123-Reg, and IONOS.

Step 2 — Get the EPP / Auth Code

The EPP code (also called Auth Code, Transfer Code, or authorisation code) is a password unique to your domain that authorises the transfer.

1. In your current registrar's domain settings, find the option to Get EPP Code or Request Auth Code.
2. The code will be emailed to the domain registrant's email address, or displayed on screen.
3. Copy the code — you'll need it in Step 4.

For .co.uk and other .uk domains: These use the IPS Tag system rather than EPP codes. See our guide on Changing IPS Tags for .uk Domains.

Step 3 — Initiate the Transfer at Host Dada

1. Log in to your Host Dada control panel.
2. Click Domains in the top menu, then Transfer Domains to Us.
3. Enter your domain name and click Check.
4. If eligible for transfer, add it to your cart and proceed to checkout.
5. During checkout, enter the EPP/Auth Code you retrieved in Step 2.
6. Complete payment. The transfer process will begin immediately.

Step 4 — Approve the Transfer

1. Check the email inbox for the domain's registered contact (the WHOIS admin email).
2. You will receive an authorisation email from either Host Dada or the central registry.
3. Click the approval link in the email to confirm the transfer.

If you do not approve within 5 days, the transfer may be cancelled and you'll need to start again. If you don't receive the email, check your spam folder or contact your current registrar to verify the registrant email address.

Transfer Timeline

• .com / .net / .org and most generic TLDs: 5–7 days after approval
• .co.uk / .uk domains: Usually 24–48 hours once the IPS tag is updated
• .eu domains: 5–7 days

What Happens to My Website During the Transfer?

The transfer only moves domain registration — it does not move your website or email. Your site will continue to load normally throughout the transfer, provided your nameservers remain unchanged. You can update nameservers after the transfer completes.

Common Issues and Fixes

Transfer rejected — "Domain is locked"

Go back to your current registrar and confirm the transfer lock has been disabled. Some registrars take up to 24 hours to process the unlock.

No authorisation email received

The email goes to the WHOIS registrant email address. Check your WHOIS record at whois.domaintools.com to see which address is registered. If it's an old address, update it at your current registrar first.

EPP code rejected during checkout

EPP codes are case-sensitive and may expire after 24–72 hours. Request a new code from your registrar and try again immediately.

Related Articles

• Changing IPS Tags for .uk Domains
• Changing Domain Nameservers on Host Dada
• Accessing Your Nominet Account