Transfer your domain to uptopIQ: step by step

Before you start: the checklist

• You are the domain holder or have the holder’s consent.
• The transfer lock (“domain lock”) has been removed at your current provider.
• The domain holder’s e-mail address is up to date – some registries send a confirmation there.
• For .com, .net, .org and most other international extensions: at least 60 days have passed since registration or the last transfer.
• The domain does not expire in the next few days – otherwise renew it first.

Step 1: back up your DNS records

Write down all DNS records of your domain at your current provider – above all A and AAAA records (website), MX records (e-mail) and TXT records (for example SPF, DKIM or verifications for Google and Microsoft 365). A screenshot or export is enough. uptopIQ reads the publicly visible records automatically when you order and takes them over – your list is the check that nothing is missing (for example records under rarely used subdomains).

Step 2: request the auth code

You find the auth code – also called transfer code, EPP code or AuthInfo – in the customer area of your current provider, or you get it from their support on request. It is like a password for your domain: only give it to your new provider.

Step 3: order the transfer at uptopIQ

Search for your domain on the home page and choose “Check transfer”. You see the price right away (including one year of registration), add the transfer to your cart and enter the auth code when you order. We start the transfer automatically and let you know when it is complete. If the transfer fails, we refund the full amount. If you also want to use the domain with webspace and e-mail, choose the right plan at the same time.

Step 4: confirm and wait

Depending on the extension, the transfer is complete within a few minutes to a few days. For international extensions such as .com, the current provider can review the transfer for up to five days. Sometimes a confirmation e-mail is sent to the domain holder that you need to answer – check your spam folder during this time, too.

Step 5: cancel your old contract

Only once the transfer is complete and your website and e-mail are working, cancel webspace and mailboxes at your previous provider. Back up all files and e-mails that are still stored there first.

Common pitfalls

• The auth code has expired or was copied with a trailing space – simply request a new one or copy it carefully.
• The transfer lock is still active – remove it in your current provider’s customer area.
• After the transfer no e-mails arrive because the MX records are missing – that is why step 1 matters.
• The domain was registered or transferred only recently – wait for the 60-day period to pass.

Common questions