How Long Does a Domain Transfer Take? (Timelines)

Introduction

The time a domain transfer takes can vary. It is not always possible to indicate an exact time, because several factors are involved: the current registrar, the domain extension, administrator approval and the status of the domain itself.

As a reference, for common extensions such as .com, .org or .net, the transfer is usually completed in between 1 and 7 calendar days. Once accepted by the administrator, some transfers are completed in less than an hour, while others can take several days.

Typical deadlines for a transfer

For the transfer to be completed, it must first be accepted by the domain’s administrator or authorized contact.

The administrator has a maximum period of 5 days to accept the transfer. Once accepted, some transfers complete very quickly, while others may take several more days.

Therefore, we recommend starting the transfer with enough time and having a minimum margin of 7 days so that the process can be completed without rushing. You can see more details about when to request it in how far in advance should I request the transfer.

What do you need for the transfer to progress?

For a domain transfer to be successful, you typically need two main things:

1. The transfer code, also called EPP code or Auth Code.
2. The approval of the domain administrator, carried out from the corresponding authorization email.

Additionally, the domain must be unlocked for transfers and must not be in a state that prevents transfer. You have the complete details of all the requirements in what you need to transfer a domain to miHosting.

Your website continues to work during the transfer

While the domain transfer is being executed, it will continue to function normally:

• If you maintain the current DNS, the transfer process will be transparent for your website and your email.
• If, however, you assign other DNS or contract new hosting, once the transfer is complete you must create the email accounts and upload the website again to the corresponding server.

If you are going to transfer the domain and also the hosting to miHosting, it is a good idea to change the DNS to those of miHosting before starting the transfer process: once started, it will not be possible to make DNS changes until the transfer is complete.

Recommended steps

1. Request the EPP code from the current domain provider.
2. Check that the domain is unlocked.
3. Verify that the administrator email is active.
4. Start the transfer in miHosting.
5. Check the authorization email.
6. Accept the transfer by following the instructions in the message.
7. Wait for the process to complete.

Useful tips

Don’t wait until the last day before the domain expires. Although some transfers complete quickly, others may take several days.

If the domain is associated with a website, online store or professional email, also check the DNS configuration before making changes. The domain transfer itself should not modify your website files, but an incorrect DNS configuration can affect the service.

Common problems

The transfer has been pending for several days

It may be normal if it is still within the usual time frame. Check if the administrator accepted the transfer and if the domain is unlocked.

I do not receive the email to accept the transfer

Check the domain’s administrative email and check for spam or junk mail. If the account no longer exists, you will have to update it on the current provider.

The EPP code is incorrect

Request a new code from the current provider and verify that there are no extra spaces when copying it.

The domain is blocked

You must ask the current provider to unlock the domain for transfer before continuing.

Frequently asked questions

How long does a domain transfer typically take?

It can take from less than an hour, once accepted, to up to 7 days. The deadline depends on the registrar, the extension and the administrator’s approval.

Can I speed up the transfer?

In some cases, quickly accepting the authorization email helps the process move faster. Even so, the final deadline also depends on the outgoing registrar.

What happens if I don’t accept the transfer?

The transfer may remain pending and not be completed. The administrator has a limited period to approve it.

Does the transfer affect hosting or email?

The domain transfer does not automatically change the hosting or email. However, it is important to review DNS to avoid interruptions if you are also moving those services.

Conclusion

Transferring a domain can take from a few hours to several days. To avoid problems, start the process early, have the EPP code ready and make sure that the domain administrator can approve the request.

If the transfer does not progress or you have questions about the status of the domain, contact miHosting support to review it.