It’s easy to transfer your domain name

Moving your domain from one provider to another can feel like a big deal. What if something breaks? What if your site goes offline, or emails suddenly stop working? If you’re not 100% sure how domains work, it can seem like one of those things that’s probably best left alone, even if your current hosting provider isn’t doing you any favours.

Well, we’re here to tell you it’s simpler than it sounds.

Transferring your domain is a safe, common process and something thousands of people like you do every day to make their online setup a little bit easier. In fact, it’s often the first step towards taking back full control of your online presence.

Here’s everything you need to know.

First: what exactly is a domain name?

Your domain name is your website’s online address. It’s what people type into their browser to reach you, something like jakesplumbing.uk or cakesbydellas.com.

Behind the scenes, that name points to an IP address, which is basically a digital signpost telling the internet where to find the server (and the folder) your site is hosted in.

Because your domain and your hosting are technically separate, you don’t have to keep them in the same place. You can host your website with one provider and register your domain name with another. This also means you can move your domain to any provider you like without touching your website at all.

To be fair, that’s the part many people worry about. But it’s also why a domain transfer is usually seamless.

Understanding TLDs (top-level domains)

Every domain ends in what’s called a TLD, or a top-level domain. This is the .com, .co.uk, .org, .eco or any other ending that comes after your brand or site name.

TLDs basically fall into two broad categories:

• UK-specific TLDs: These include .uk, .co.uk, .org.uk, .ltd.uk and similar regional extensions
• Generic TLDs (gTLDs): Common endings like .com, .org, .net, .info, plus newer and more niche ones like .eco and .me

Each group has a slightly different process for transferring, but fret not, we’re here to help.

Here's what you need to know.

How to transfer a UK TLD

Transferring a .uk domain, including .co.uk, .org.uk, or .me.uk, is one of the simplest moves you can make. It’s free, fast and usually just takes a couple of steps.

Here’s how it works:

1. Start the transfer with your new provider

   Let your new hosting provider know you’d like to move the domain. At Krystal, you can do this straight from your client area.

2. Change the IPS Tag

   Every UK domain registrar has a unique IPS Tag - a label that tells Nominet (the UK domain registry) who manages the domain. You’ll need to log in to your current provider’s control panel, find your domain settings and update the IPS Tag to match your new host.

   For Krystal, the tag is: KRYSTAL (all uppercase).

Once that’s done, your domain should transfer across within a few hours. No downtime, no interruption.

(Curious what an IPS tag actually means? You’re not alone! Even Nominet admits its origin has been lost to history. But it still does the job.)

How to transfer a generic TLD

If your domain ends in something like .com, .org, .net or .info, the process is slightly different. That’s because these are gTLDs (generic Top-Level Domains) and they’re managed globally under rules set by ICANN (the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers).

All good though, it’s still straightforward. You’ll just need to follow a few extra steps.

1. Unlock your domain

   Log into your current domain provider’s dashboard and unlock the domain. Most registrars lock domains by default to stop unauthorised transfers.

2. Get your transfer code (EPP/Auth code)

   This is a unique code, think of it like a secure key, that confirms you own the domain and want to move it. Make sure you copy it carefully (watch out for stray punctuation!).

3. Initiate the transfer at your new provider

   At Krystal, you can start the process by selecting “Transfer a domain” in your client area and pasting in the code.

4. Approve the transfer via email

   You’ll get a confirmation email sent to the admin contact listed on your domain. Make sure that address is still valid before you start the process as it’s needed to complete the move.

5. Wait a few days

   gTLD transfers typically take 3–5 days. Your website and email will remain live unless you change DNS settings during the move.

Things to keep an eye on

While most domain transfers go smoothly, there are a few common hiccups worth avoiding:

• Forgetting to unlock your domain

  It’s easy to miss this step, but transfers won’t start until the domain is unlocked.

• Pesky typos in your transfer code

  Some transfer codes include punctuation, like a full stop or dash, which can be easy to miss, so double-check every character carefully.

• Moving too close to your domain’s renewal date

  If your domain is about to expire, it’s best not to try to initiate a transfer, to avoid any potential delays or disruption. Think about renewing it first.

• Entering the wrong IPS Tag

  For .uk domains, the IPS tag needs to be exact. All caps, no extra spaces, zero room for error!

If anything goes wrong, remember, you’re not on your own. Our domain experts are here for you to help get everything back on track. And they really know their stuff.

Why transfer at all?

So why bother moving your domain, if it’s already working? Well, here are a few reasons:

• Simplified management: If your domain and hosting are in different places, it’s one more login and dashboard to manage.

• Better support: A reliable host gives you access to quality help if something goes wrong, without bouncing between providers.

• More control: You’ll have one place to handle renewals, DNS settings, and any other future changes you might want to make.

And if you’re transferring to Krystal, you’ll also get award-winning UK support, a clean interface, and access to ethical, renewable-powered hosting for your site too! Win/win!

Ready to make the move?

If we can leave you with one thought after reading this, it’s that transferring your domain is easier than you think and we’re here to make it easier still. (OK, that’s two.)

Ready to get the ball rolling? Initiate your transfer to Krystal today. Or, if you’ve got questions or want to chat it through first, get in touch with our friendly, UK-based support team. We’re always happy to help.