Do you want to learn how to do a GoDaddy to Namecheap domain transfer?
You’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll share:
- Why you may want to transfer a domain from GoDaddy to Namecheap
- How to do a GoDaddy to Namecheap domain transfer
- Frequently asked questions about the process
Let’s get started!
Why transfer a domain from GoDaddy to Namecheap?
Before you transfer your domain name from GoDaddy to Namecheap, it’s impostant to understand why you’re doing this – and if it’s worth it. After all, GoDaddy is one of the most well-known and well-respected domain registrars and web hosts in the industry. So what’s the point in switching away from it?
The main reason to switch to Namecheap is the long-term cost savings.
You see, GoDaddy domains may start at as little as $0.01 for the first year, but the cost of a .com domain rises to $21.99 in the second year. The rise in cost is significant for other TLDs, too. For example, a .net domain goes from $14.99 to $22.99 after the first year.
On Namecheap, however, most domains stay under $20 even after the first year. For example, a .com goes from $5.98 per year (with coupon listed on the homepage) to $13.98 per year. A .net domain starts at $11.98 – cheaper than the first year of a .net domain with GoDaddy – and rises to $13.98, well below GoDaddy’s $22.99.
These price differences may not seem like much, but when you’re paying every year for a decade or more the cost adds up. This means switching to Namecheap is a great idea if you want to keep your domain for several years at minimal cost.
In our Namecheap vs GoDaddy comparison we also discovered that Namecheap is easier to use and offers a better variety of add-ons. The difference is minor, but if you really want to maximize these aspects of your domain hosting experience, Namecheap is the place to go.
How to do a GoDaddy to Namecheap domain transfer
Now that we’ve covered why you might want to move your domain, it’s time to explain how to do a GoDaddy to Namecheap domain transfer.
⚠️ Important note: ICANN requires you to have a domain registered for 60 days before you transfer it to a new registrar. This 60 day waiting period is also applied after you transfer a domain. You may also have to go through additional steps if you’re using a ccTLD like .ca, .eu, or .au.
- Select the domain you want to transfer
- Head to the Domain Settings area
- Choose to transfer your domain
- Remove domain protection if necessary
- Verify your identity
- Copy your authorization code
- Type your domain into the Namecheap domain transfer area
- Choose to buy a domain transfer
1. Select the domain you want to transfer ✅
Log into your GoDaddy account, head to My Products and click on the domain you want to transfer.
This will take you to a page where you can view your domain and steps to build your business. You’ll want to ignore those in favor of completing step two:
2. Head to the Domain Settings area ⚙️
You won’t see this option on the first domain page. Instead, you’ll have to click on the Domain link in the sidebar.
On the next page, click on the Domain Settings button.
3. Choose to transfer your domain ☑️
Scroll down the Domain Settings page until you see the Domain Transfer options. Click Transfer to Another Registrar.
GoDaddy will then prompt you to confirm that you want to transfer your domain. Click Continue with transfer.
4. Remove domain protection if necessary 🔓
If you’ve purchased domain protection for your domain, GoDaddy will prompt you to remove it. Check off the box that says you consent to removing domain protection, then click Continue.
5. Verify your identity 🧑🏻🦲
GoDaddy will also verify your identity by sending a code to either your email address or your phone number. You can copy + paste this code into the appropriate box, then choose to continue.
6. Copy your authorization code
Next, GoDaddy will give you an authorization code for transferring your domain. Copy this code onto your clipboard.
Note that it may take a few minutes for your domain to be fully unlocked.
7. Type your domain into the Namecheap domain transfer area ⌨️
Go to the Namecheap domain transfer area and enter your domain using the format domain.tld. For example, I typed in authordiannagunn.com, making sure to leave out the “www” and “https://” parts of the domain.
Click Transfer and Namecheap will check if your domain name is eligible.
8. Choose to buy a domain transfer 🛒
You’ll see some basic information about your domain and the cost of the domain transfer on the next page. In the case of a .com transfer, the price is $10.66.
To complete the transfer, paste your authorization code into the appropriate box, click add to cart, and then click View Cart. Note that you may also need to check a box saying you’ll unlock your domain if the unlocking hasn’t been processed by GoDaddy yet.
To purchase the domain transfer, you’ll need to enter your payment information and create a Namecheap account (or sign in if you already have one).
Once you’ve completed your purchase, GoDaddy and Namecheap will work together to make the transfer happen. You’ll receive an email within the hour saying that the transfer process is complete, but this is just the approval. It typically takes 5-7 days for all of the data to transfer to Namecheap. This will happen behind the scenes, so your site will stay up during the transfer process.
How to do a GoDaddy to Namecheap domain transfer FAQ
How much does a GoDaddy to Namecheap domain transfer cost?
The price to transfer a domain from GoDaddy to Namecheap varies depending on your domain extension. For a .com domain, you’ll pay $10.66.
Your domain will renew at the regular rate one year after you’ve completed the transfer. For a .com domain registered with Namecheap, this will be $13.98.
How long does it take to do a GoDaddy to Namecheap domain transfer?
You can set up a domain transfer in just a few minutes. The data will take longer to transfer, typically 5-7 days.
When can I transfer my domain?
You can transfer your domain if it’s been more than 60 days since you registered your domain. Once you’ve transferred your domain, you’ll need to wait another 60 days before you can transfer it again.
Will my site go down when I transfer my domain?
Your website content is hosted on a separate server, so your site will stay up through the entire process.
Will transferring my domain from GoDaddy to Namecheap impact my SEO?
Assuming everything goes smoothly, a domain transfer will have no impact on your SEO.
When should I transfer my domain from GoDaddy to Namecheap?
The best time to transfer your domain is 10-30 days before your domain renews. This allows you to maximize the value of your original registration fee. Plus, instead of paying your renewal fee and a transfer fee, you can just pay your transfer fee.
Can I do a domain transfer if my domain has expired?
If your domain has recently expired and you’re still in the grace period, you can transfer it. You will need to pay to renew your domain first, then pay for the transfer process.
If you’ve passed the redemption period your domain will be available to the public. In this instance, you’ll need to register the domain using the same process you would use to purchase a domain for the first time.
What if my domain transfer is refused?
Domain transfers are most often refused because the information of the person attempting the transfer doesn’t match the information of the owner. If you are the owner, make sure your contact information is up to date. If you’re not the owner, reach out to the owner to confirm their contact details.
The other common reason for domain transfers to be refused is because the domain is locked. Make sure you unlock your domain before attempting a transfer.
Can I cancel my domain transfer?
You may be able to cancel your domain transfer through GoDaddy support if the transfer is still pending. The transfer process is considered final, so you won’t be able to reverse it after the transfer is complete.
Will my custom email be transferred with my domain name?
If your email address is hosted through a third-party such as Google, Outlook, or a separate web host, it will continue to function normally. If you’ve purchased email hosting through GoDaddy, however, you’ll need to transfer your MX records to the new host; this is best done by contacting GoDaddy’s support team.
Final thoughts on how to do a GoDaddy to Namecheap domain transfer 🏁
Transferring a domain from GoDaddy to Namecheap can help you save money on your domain ownership. This is especially powerful if you plan to own your domain for many years or you own several domains that you plan to transfer.
The transfer process isn’t difficult, either. If you own the domain you want to transfer and all of the ownership data is up to date, you’ll be able to complete the steps listed above in just a few minutes. GoDaddy and Namecheap will handle the rest for you, including making sure that your site stays up throughout the entire process.
💡 Want to save money on website hosting too? Check out our guide to the best WordPress hosting.
