Domain Transfer to Zoho

    Transferring a domain to Zoho Domains allows you to centralize registration, DNS configuration, ownership management, and renewal operations within Zoho’s secure domain management ecosystem. This is especially useful for users or businesses utilizing Zoho applications, as it simplifies integration and ensures complete control over DNS routing, domain protection, and domain-related services.

    What is Domain Transfer?

    A domain transfer is the process of moving the registration of a domain name from one registrar to another, or from one account to another within the same registrar. Users often choose to transfer domains for improved pricing, DNS control, renewed security features, unified billing, or simplified domain management. 

    Transfer Requirements

    Before initiating a transfer to Zoho Domains, your domain must meet the following critical eligibility requirements to ensure a smooth transfer process:

    • Domain Age: For most domains, the domain must be at least 60 days old from the date of initial registration or the date of the last transfer.
    • Unlocking the Domain: The domain must be unlocked at the current registrar. Most registrars have a locking feature to prevent unauthorized transfers.
    • Authorization Code: The domain owner must obtain an authorization code (EPP code) from the current registrar, which is required by Zoho Domains to initiate the transfer.
    • No Pending Disputes: The domain should not be involved in any legal disputes or pending litigation that could affect the transfer.
    • Active Status: The domain must be in an active status. Domains that have expired or are in their grace or redemption periods cannot be transferred.
    • Privacy Protection: If privacy protection is enabled, the domain owner may need to disable it to reveal the necessary contact information for the transfer.
    • Valid contact information: The registered contact information must be accurate and up to date, as important alerts and notifications are sent to it.

    Domain Transfer - DNS Preparation (Strongly Recommended):

    Domain transfers can impact DNS availability depending on how your DNS is currently managed. Preparing your DNS in advance helps prevent service interruptions such as website downtime or email delivery failures.

    This preparation involves two distinct actions, each serving a different use case:

    1. Export DNS Zone file:

    A DNS zone file contains all your DNS records, A, MX, CNAME, TXT, SPF, DKIM, SRV, etc., in a standard, easily transferable format. Once a domain is transferred away, many registrars restrict access to the old DNS dashboard or delete existing records. If DNS records are removed or inaccessible, critical services such as website hosting, email delivery, SPF/DKIM authentication, and subdomain routing may break. Without a backup, you may need to manually recreate every DNS record, increasing the risk of misconfiguration.

    Exporting the DNS zone file before initiating the transfer ensures you have a reliable, exact copy of all existing DNS settings. This allows you to import the records into Zoho Domains quickly and accurately, ensuring services continue to function as expected after the transfer. 

    Steps to follow: 

    1. Log in to your current registrar.
    2. Navigate to the domain management or DNS management section.
    3. Find the domain you want to transfer.
    4. Look for an Export DNS or Download Zone File button/link.
    5. Choose a file format compatible with Zoho Domains. Supported formats include: .JSON, .CSV, .ZONE, or .TXT.
    6. Download and save the file securely on your computer.

    The exported Zone file can then be easily imported into Zoho Domains during the transfer, allowing you to accurately restore DNS records and maintain service continuity. Learn more.

    Note

    If you are unsure or cannot find the export option, reach out to your current registrar or refer to their help documentation for instructions on exporting the DNS zone file.

    2. Update NS records

    Name Servers (NS) play a critical role in determining how your domain’s DNS is managed. NS records specify the DNS provider responsible for resolving all DNS queries for your domain, including website routing, email delivery, and verification records.

    Many registrars stop providing DNS services immediately after a transfer completes, or within a short grace period (usually 24–48 hours). If your domain is still pointing to the losing registrar’s name servers, DNS resolution may fail once their DNS service is withdrawn.

    What you should do based on your current DNS setup:

    • If using your losing registrar’s NS records: Update your DNS configuration to use Zoho Domains’ name servers or another reliable DNS provider immediately after the transfer. This ensures continuous functionality for your website, email, and other services. Learn more.
    • If already using third-party NS records: No changes are needed, as your DNS remains independent of the registrar, and services continue to function normally during and after the transfer, provided the same nameservers are configured under Custom Nameservers in Zoho Domains.

    For step-by-step instructions on updating your NS records to Zoho Domains’ name servers, click here.

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