Are you planning to move your domain name from GoDaddy to Hostinger? Whether you want to simplify your hosting setup, save renewal costs, or manage all your digital assets under one platform, transferring your domain is an easy process if you follow the right steps.
In this detailed guide, you’ll learn everything about how to transfer a domain from GoDaddy to Hostinger, step by step. We’ll also cover what to expect, potential challenges, and whether Hostinger truly offers a better deal for domain and hosting management.
Key Takeaways
- You can transfer a domain from GoDaddy to Hostinger in a few simple steps.
- Make sure your domain is older than 60 days and unlocked before initiating the transfer.
- You’ll need your EPP/Auth code from GoDaddy to start the transfer process.
- Hostinger provides affordable pricing and free domain transfers with certain plans.
- The entire process usually takes five to seven days for completion.
Why Transfer Your Domain to Hostinger?
Many website owners start with GoDaddy because of its global reputation and user-friendly domain registration. However, once you begin growing your business, you might find Hostinger offers better value.
Here are some reasons users switch from GoDaddy to Hostinger:
- Lower renewal costs: Hostinger often provides more affordable renewal rates than GoDaddy.
- Unified dashboard: Hostinger allows you to manage your hosting, domains, and email in one clean interface.
- Free domain privacy: Some Hostinger plans include free domain privacy protection, unlike GoDaddy.
- Better performance: If you also use Hostinger’s hosting, the speed and uptime are highly optimized.
- 24/7 support: Hostinger’s support team is accessible via chat around the clock.
Step 1: Unlock Your Domain on GoDaddy
Before transferring your domain, you must unlock it on GoDaddy. Locked domains can’t be transferred to another registrar.
Here’s how to unlock your domain:
- Log in to your GoDaddy account.
- Go to your Domain Settings page.
- Scroll down to the Additional Settings section.
- Find the Domain Lock option and toggle it off.
Once your domain is unlocked, you’re ready to request the EPP code (also called the Authorization Code).
Step 2: Get the Authorization (EPP) Code from GoDaddy
The EPP code is a unique authorization key provided by your current registrar (GoDaddy). You’ll need this code to verify and initiate the transfer on Hostinger.
To get it:
- Stay on your domain’s settings page.
- Scroll down and click on Transfer domain away from GoDaddy.
- Follow the instructions, and GoDaddy will send the EPP code to your registered email address.
Keep this code safe — you’ll need to paste it into Hostinger later.
Step 3: Start the Domain Transfer on Hostinger
Now that you have your EPP code, it’s time to start the transfer from your Hostinger account.
- Visit the Hostinger Domain Transfer page.
- Enter your domain name (for example, yourwebsite.com).
- Click Transfer to check your domain’s eligibility.
- Enter the EPP/Auth code when prompted.
- Review the transfer details and proceed to payment.
Hostinger will automatically handle the rest after payment confirmation.
Step 4: Confirm the Transfer via Email
Once the transfer process starts, you’ll receive an email from both GoDaddy and Hostinger.
Open the email from GoDaddy and confirm that you agree to the transfer.
Then, open the email from Hostinger to verify your new registrar information.
This step ensures your domain moves securely from GoDaddy’s system to Hostinger’s management panel.
The process typically takes five to seven days, depending on GoDaddy’s response time. You can track progress directly from your Hostinger dashboard.
Step 5: Verify Domain Transfer Completion
After a few days, your domain will appear under the Domains section in your Hostinger account.
You’ll get a confirmation email saying your domain transfer is complete. Once it’s listed, you can:
Update your DNS records for website and email setup.
Add domain privacy protection (if included).
Renew or manage the domain from your Hostinger control panel.
Factors to Keep in Mind Before Transferring
Here are a few essential things to remember before starting your domain transfer:
- Domain age: You can’t transfer a domain that’s less than 60 days old.
- Recent updates: If you’ve recently changed contact or ownership details, the transfer may be temporarily restricted.
- Active hosting: If your website is hosted on GoDaddy, the hosting remains there — only the domain moves to Hostinger.
- Email accounts: Any existing GoDaddy email connected to the domain will stop working once transferred.
- Renewal timing: The best time to transfer is a few weeks before your current domain renewal date to avoid losing time or money.
Can You Transfer a Domain from GoDaddy to Hostinger for Free?
Yes, sometimes.
Hostinger occasionally runs promotions that include free domain transfers when you purchase a hosting plan. Otherwise, the domain transfer fee is generally equivalent to one year of renewal for your domain extension (.com, .in, .net, etc.).
Even if you pay for the transfer, it’s often still cheaper in the long run, considering Hostinger’s affordable renewal rates and bundled benefits.
Hostinger Domain Transfer Price
While pricing can vary slightly based on your domain extension, here’s a general idea of what to expect:
| Domain Extension | Estimated Transfer Cost | Renewal Period Included |
|---|---|---|
| .com | ₹749 – ₹899 | 1 year free renewal |
| .in | ₹599 – ₹699 | 1 year free renewal |
| .net | ₹999 – ₹1,199 | 1 year free renewal |
| .org | ₹999 – ₹1,299 | 1 year free renewal |
| .info | ₹899 – ₹1,099 | 1 year free renewal |
Note: Prices are approximate and may vary depending on offers or region.
Is Hostinger Better Than GoDaddy?
When it comes to value for money, ease of use, and features, many users find Hostinger to be a better choice, especially for small businesses, bloggers, and new website owners.
Let’s compare both briefly:
| Feature | Hostinger | GoDaddy |
|---|---|---|
| Interface | Simple and clean | Slightly cluttered |
| Renewal Rates | Affordable | Higher |
| Domain Privacy | Often free | Paid |
| Support | 24/7 live chat | Chat + call support |
| Bundled Hosting Offers | Yes | Yes |
| Speed | Fast (LiteSpeed servers) | Good (depends on plan) |
Verdict: Hostinger provides a smoother and more cost-effective experience for domain and hosting management.
Pros and Cons of Transferring to Hostinger
Pros
- Easy, beginner-friendly transfer process
- Affordable renewal prices
- Free domain privacy on many plans
- One dashboard for hosting and domains
- Reliable uptime and website performance
Cons
- Transfers can take up to seven days
- Some advanced domain extensions may not be supported
- Email services need separate setup post-transfer
Tips for a Smooth Domain Transfer
Always back up your DNS and website settings before initiating the transfer.
Double-check that your domain email address is correct — transfer confirmations will go there.
Disable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) temporarily if you face issues receiving emails from GoDaddy.
Don’t make major DNS or ownership changes during the transfer period.
After the transfer, renew your domain early to ensure continuous website uptime.
Final Thoughts
Transferring your domain from GoDaddy to Hostinger isn’t as complicated as it might seem. By following the above steps — unlocking your domain, obtaining the EPP code, starting the transfer, confirming via email, and verifying completion — you can seamlessly move your online identity to Hostinger.
The switch offers several long-term advantages such as lower renewal costs, free privacy protection, and a simplified management interface.
If you’re seeking better value, reliable support, and a unified system for both hosting and domains, then Hostinger is a strong alternative to GoDaddy for managing your online presence.
