How to Transfer Domains for Google Domains to Other Registrar

Google Domains is being acquired and about 10 million registered domains will be transferred to new owner Squarespace.

If you want to transfer your domain out of Google Domains to a new registrar, here’s a quick guide for you.

Transferring domain from Google Domains requires following steps:

1. Unlocking your domain

2. Getting EPP code

3. Registering EPP code with new registrar

I. Preparing your Domain for Transfer in Google Domains

1.1 Logging in to your Account

First, you'll need to log in to your Google Domains account. This is where all the domains you've registered through Google are listed. To do this:

- Go to the Google Domains website by entering domains.google.com into your browser's address bar.

- Click on 'Sign in' and enter your Google account credentials.

1.2 Unlocking your Domain

The next step is to unlock the domain you want to transfer. This essentially gives you the ability to initiate the transfer process.

- In your account dashboard, find the 'My domains' section. Here, select the domain that you want to transfer.

- After clicking on your chosen domain, navigate to the 'Domain settings' section.

- Scroll down to the 'Domain Lock' section and then click 'Unlock'. This action removes the lock that prevents unauthorised transfers of your domain.

1.3 Getting your Authorisation (EPP) Code

After unlocking your domain, you need to get the authorisation or EPP code. This is a security measure to ensure that only authorisation users can transfer the domain.

- Still in the 'Domain settings' section, scroll down until you reach the 'Transfer settings' section.

- Here, click on the Get authorisation code button. Google Domains will then send an email with the authorisation code to your registered email address.

II. Initiating the Transfer to GoDaddy or NameCheap

2.1 Transferring to GoDaddy

- Navigate to the GoDaddy website. In the search bar at the top of the page, type 'domain transfer' and then hit Enter.

- In the search results, click on the 'Transfer Domains to Us' option.

- You will be prompted to enter the name of the domain you wish to transfer. Do so, then click 'Continue'.

- The next step will ask you for the EPP authorisation code that you received from Google Domains. Enter the code in the field provided.

- Follow the subsequent steps provided by GoDaddy to complete the domain transfer. This will include purchasing the transfer (which typically comes with a one-year extension on the domain registration), and approving the transfer.

2.2 Transferring to NameCheap

- Visit the NameCheap website. At the top of the page, hover over 'Domains' to display a drop-down menu.

- In the drop-down menu, click on the 'Transfer' option.

- You'll be prompted to enter your domain name in the field provided. Enter the name of the domain you're transferring, then click 'Transfer'.

- When asked, enter the EPP authorisation code you got from Google Domains in the appropriate field.

- Follow the subsequent steps provided by NameCheap to complete the transfer. As with GoDaddy, this will include purchasing the transfer and approving it.

III. Post-transfer Steps

The transfer process can take up to seven days to complete, during which you'll need to wait for a confirmation email from either GoDaddy or NameCheap. It's crucial to check your email regularly during this period as you may receive a message to approve the transfer.

Once the transfer is complete, review the DNS settings and any related services such as email to ensure they're still working as they should.

Also, remember to keep your contact information up-to-date at all times. Both the gaining and losing registrars will use this information for validation purposes or to communicate details related to the transfer.

Please note that transfer costs can vary based on the service provider and the type of domain. Typically, when you transfer a domain, the new registrar will renew your domain registration for an additional year.

I hope this helps. Let me know if you have any questions.