How to Transfer a Domain from GoDaddy to Hostinger (2026)
To transfer from GoDaddy to Hostinger, unlock the domain in GoDaddy's Domain Settings, copy the authorization code, start the transfer in Hostinger hPanel, and approve the confirmation email. The process takes 5-7 days with no website downtime.
Why Transfer from GoDaddy to Hostinger?
GoDaddy charges $9.99/year for WHOIS privacy, has higher renewal rates ($22.99/year for .com), and pushes upsells aggressively during every interaction. Hostinger offers free WHOIS privacy, .com renewals at $15.99/year, and a cleaner management experience.
If you're already hosting with Hostinger, consolidating your domain there eliminates the hassle of managing DNS across two providers. One dashboard, one bill, one support team.
Step 1: Prepare Your Domain at GoDaddy
Log into GoDaddy → My Products → Domains → click your domain. Then:
- Turn off Domain Lock (under Security tab)
- Click Get authorization code — GoDaddy emails it to your account email
- Ensure your WHOIS contact email is current and accessible
- Turn off auto-renewal to avoid being charged while the transfer is pending
GoDaddy sometimes adds a 'cooling period' after unlocking. If you can't get the auth code immediately, wait a few hours and try again.
Step 2: Initiate Transfer at Hostinger
In Hostinger hPanel, go to Domains → Transfer Domain. Enter your domain name and the authorization code from GoDaddy. Pay the transfer fee ($15.99 for .com — this adds one year to your registration).
Hostinger will send a verification email. GoDaddy will also send a confirmation. Approve both. Once confirmed, the transfer enters the ICANN processing queue and completes in 5-7 days.
After the Transfer: What to Check
Once complete, verify in Hostinger hPanel:
- DNS records match your previous configuration
- Nameservers are set correctly (Hostinger's or your previous ones)
- WHOIS privacy is active (it should be automatic)
- Email forwarding or MX records are intact
If you're also moving hosting to Hostinger, now is the time to update nameservers to ns1.dns-parking.com and ns2.dns-parking.com (Hostinger's defaults).
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a GoDaddy to Hostinger transfer take?
Typically 5-7 days. GoDaddy allows you to speed up the process by manually approving the transfer from their end, which can reduce the timeline to 2-3 days.
Will I lose my website during the transfer?
No. Your website and email continue working throughout the transfer. DNS records carry over. The only risk is if you change nameservers at the same time — do that separately after the transfer completes.
Does GoDaddy charge a fee to transfer out?
No. GoDaddy does not charge an exit fee. You only pay the transfer/renewal fee at Hostinger, which extends your domain registration by one year.
Can I transfer a domain I just bought on GoDaddy?
You must wait 60 days after initial registration before transferring. This is an ICANN rule that applies to all registrars, not a GoDaddy restriction.
What if GoDaddy rejects the transfer?
Check that the domain is unlocked, the EPP code is correct, and the WHOIS email confirmation was approved. GoDaddy sometimes requires you to re-unlock the domain if you recently changed account settings.
Start Your Transfer — Save on Domains with Hostinger
Free WHOIS privacy and lower renewal rates. Transfer from GoDaddy in minutes.
Register Your DomainHenry Fontaine
Chief of Staff & COO, RocketLabs
AI-native operator building the future of search visibility. Part of the team behind 3 tech exits and 400+ programmatic SEO deployments.