What is a domain transfer and why should it be moved to ServerNet?
A domain transfer is a process in which the management of a domain is moved from the current registrar to a new one. This is usually done for reasons such as better pricing, stronger technical support, or easier access to DNS settings. If you intend to transfer your domain to ServerNet, you should know that contrary to popular belief, this process is not complicated; however, it requires following a few key steps.
In this article, you will learn in a completely practical and step-by-step manner how to successfully transfer your domain to ServerNet. From obtaining the EPP code to unlocking the domain, email verification, and the time required to complete the transfer. We will also review the most common mistakes that cause transfer failures so you can avoid them.
Prerequisites for transferring a domain to ServerNet
Before starting the transfer process, you must ensure that the following conditions are met. Otherwise, your transfer will encounter errors.
- Valid email address: The email address registered for the domain must be active and accessible. The transfer confirmation email will be sent to this address.
- EPP Code (Authorization Code): This code, also called Auth Code or Transfer Code, is obtained from the current registrar and is essential for verifying domain ownership.
- Domain must not be locked: The domain must not be in the
clientTransferProhibitedorserverTransferProhibitedstatus. This status must be disabled by the current registrar. - At least 60 days must have passed since registration or last transfer: According to ICANN rules, a domain that has been registered or transferred less than 60 days ago cannot be transferred.
- No legal disputes: If the domain is involved in a legal case or ownership dispute, the transfer will be halted until the issue is resolved.
Obtaining the EPP code from the current registrar
The EPP code is a unique string of characters that acts as a password for your domain. To obtain it, log in to your current registrar's user panel and go to the Domain Management or Domain Settings section. Usually, there is an option called Get Auth Code or Transfer Code. Click on it and copy the code.
If your registrar does not offer this option, you must contact their support and request the EPP code. Note that some registrars may require additional identity verification to issue the code.
Common mistake: Many users confuse the EPP code with the domain management panel password. These are completely different. The EPP code usually consists of a combination of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, and numbers, and is only used for transfers.
Main steps for transferring a domain to ServerNet
After ensuring the prerequisites, perform the following steps in order:
- Unlock the domain: Go to your current registrar's panel and check the domain status. If the
Registrar LockorTransfer Lockoption is enabled, disable it. This is usually done with a single click. - Submit the transfer request at ServerNet: Visit the ServerNet website and go to the "Domain Transfer" section. Enter your domain name and click on the transfer option.
- Enter the EPP code: In the transfer form, enter the EPP code you have obtained. Make sure to enter the code without extra spaces and with exact characters.
- Pay the transfer fee: The domain transfer fee is usually equivalent to one year of domain renewal. Pay this amount to start the process.
- Verify the email: After submitting the request, you will receive an email from the current registrar (or the new registrar). This email contains a verification link. Click on the link to confirm the transfer.
- Wait for completion: After confirmation, the transfer process begins and usually takes between 5 to 7 business days to fully complete.
Unlocking the domain; technical details
Domain lock is a security mechanism that prevents unauthorized transfers. At the DNS level, this lock is indicated by status codes. The two main statuses you need to check are:
clientTransferProhibited: This status is set by the current registrar and must be removed by them.serverTransferProhibited: This status is applied by the registry and is usually due to legal or security issues.
To check your domain's status, you can use the following command in the terminal:
whois example.com | grep -i statusThe output of this command shows the current statuses of the domain. If you see the clientTransferProhibited status, you must contact the current registrar and request its removal.
How long does a domain transfer take?
The duration of a domain transfer depends on various factors, but under normal circumstances, it takes between 5 to 7 business days. This period includes the following steps:
- Days 1-2: Submitting the request and sending the confirmation email. If you verify the email quickly, this step becomes shorter.
- Days 3-5: Processing the request by the registry and registrars. No action is required from you during this stage.
- Days 5-7: Completion of the transfer and activation of the domain in the ServerNet panel.
If the transfer is not completed after 7 business days, first check the status of the confirmation email. Sometimes the email ends up in the Spam folder. You can also contact ServerNet support and follow up on the status of your request.
Important note: During the transfer process, your domain's DNS does not change. In other words, your website and email continue to work without interruption. The transfer only moves the domain management, not the DNS settings.
Most common mistakes in domain transfer
Many users encounter problems during the domain transfer process. Below, we review the most common mistakes and their solutions:
Mistake one: Entering the wrong EPP code
The EPP code is case-sensitive. If you enter the code with incorrect characters, the transfer will fail. The best approach is to copy the code directly from the registrar's panel and paste it into the transfer form.
Mistake two: Not verifying the email
The transfer confirmation email is usually sent 1 to 2 hours after submitting the request. If you do not verify this email, the transfer process will be automatically cancelled after 5 days. Be sure to check your inbox and Spam folder.
Mistake three: Forgetting to unlock the domain
If the domain is locked, your transfer request will be rejected by the registry. Before submitting the request, be sure to check the domain status using the whois command.
Mistake four: Transferring a domain that is less than 60 days old
This rule is established by ICANN and no registrar can bypass it. If your domain is less than 60 days old, you must wait and then perform the transfer.
What happens after the transfer?
After the transfer is completed, your domain will be visible in the ServerNet user panel. You can manage DNS settings, add new records, and take advantage of advanced management features. If you use ServerNet hosting services, you can quickly connect the domain to your hosting.
To connect the domain to your hosting, simply change the DNS records to the values provided by ServerNet. This usually involves setting two records: A and CNAME. For example:
example.com. 3600 IN A 185.10.10.10
www.example.com. 3600 IN CNAME example.com.After applying the changes, it may take between 1 to 24 hours for the DNS to update worldwide. This process is called Propagation and is completely normal.
Final words
Transferring a domain to ServerNet is a simple process but requires attention to detail. By following the steps mentioned in this article, you can transfer your domain without any issues and benefit from integrated management and reliable support. If you encounter any problems at any stage, the ServerNet support team is ready to answer your questions.
Remember that the key to a successful domain transfer is prior preparation. Obtain the EPP code, unlock the domain, and check your email regularly. By doing so, your transfer will be completed in the shortest possible time.