How to transfer a domain name from IONOS to Hostinger

If you’re searching for better privacy features, customer support, user interface, or value for money for your domain name, Hostinger can be a good IONOS alternative.

Meanwhile, for users who already use our web hosting, transferring your domain to Hostinger can streamline all your services under one roof.

Fortunately, transferring a domain name from IONOS to Hostinger is easy. This guide will walk you through each step to transfer a domain from IONOS to Hostinger.

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Steps to transfer a domain from IONOS to Hostinger

Here are the steps to move your domain name to the new registration authority, Hostinger:

1. Purchase a domain transfer from Hostinger

To transfer the domain to Hostinger, first, purchase our domain transfer package.

Head to Hostinger’s official website and locate the Domains section. You’ll find the Hostinger domain transfer service, which can move your domain to our servers in four easy steps.

First, enter your domain name into the field, then click Transfer.

Proceed to the payment screen. If you’re new to Hostinger, you’ll be guided through the account creation process before making the purchase.

2. Unlock your domain at IONOS

Before initiating the domain transfer, verify its eligibility under ICANN rules and domain registration policies.

After you’ve verified your domain’s eligibility, the next step is to unlock it at your current registrar to initiate the migration request.

Warning! We highly recommend backing up your website before transferring your domain.

Here are the steps to unlock your domain:

1. Log in to your IONOS account.
2. In the dashboard, select Domains & SSL.

3. Locate the domain you intend to transfer to Hostinger and click on the gear icon.
4. Select Renewal & Transfer.

5. Ensure the Domain transfer lock option is disabled by clicking the toggle button.

If you do not see the toggle button, that means your WHOIS privacy is turned on. To turn it off, head to the Privacy & Contact Details tab and toggle the Private registration option off.

3. Obtain the transfer authorization code

The next step is to get the authorization code from the registrar responsible for the domain. This alphanumeric code is needed to initiate a successful domain transfer to Hostinger from IONOS.

Also known as the transfer code or EPP key, retrieving it is a critical step in the domain name transfer process. It helps the domain registration authority confirm that you are the legitimate owner, preventing unauthorized transfers.

Here’s how to locate your EPP key:

1. In the domain name’s management tools, switch to the Renewal & Transfer tab.

2. Click the Show Authorization Code option to view your EPP key.

3. Copy the auth code to a safe place.

4. Point your domain nameservers to Hostinger

The next step is directing your domain nameservers to Hostinger. Updating DNS settings ensures a seamless transition and a functional website after moving the domain to a new registration authority. Follow these steps to point your domain to Hostinger.

First, copy Hostinger’s nameservers:

ns1.dns-parking.com (162.159.24.201)
ns2.dns-parking.com (162.159.25.42) 

Hostinger uses two nameservers for improved stability and connectivity. In most cases, you only need the names, but certain registrars may also require the IP address.

Next, replace IONOS’ nameservers with Hostinger’s with these steps:

1. Go to your IONOS account and access the Name Server tab.

2. Here, you must replace the IONOS nameservers with Hostinger’s. Click the Use custom name servers button.

3. Enter the two Hostinger nameservers in the text boxes and click Save.

Warning! If you don't update the nameservers first, you can only modify your DNS settings after the domain transfer is complete. This could lead to downtime or limited functionality on your website.

5. Initiate the domain transfer to Hostinger

After your domain is unlocked and pointed to Hostinger, it’s time to initiate the transfer.

1. Log in to your Hostinger account and navigate to Domains → Transfers, then click the Transfer to Hostinger button.

2. Enter the domain name you wish to transfer, then click the Transfer button.

3. Enter the authorization code from IONOS.

6. Verify contact information

Hostinger will email the administrative contact associated with the domain for verification purposes. Failure to verify may cause delays or even cancellation of the transfer.

The email will contain instructions to confirm your domain transfer. To proceed with the transfer, follow the steps in the email. This allows Hostinger to assume responsibility and complete the domain transfer process.

7. Complete the transfer

After completing the steps, Hostinger will coordinate with IONOS to ensure a seamless domain transfer.

Once the domain transfer is approved, it will be moved to Hostinger. Remember, domain transfers can take several days to complete, depending on the extension and the current registrar’s responsiveness. You’ll receive a confirmation email once the domain transfer is complete.

Once your domain is moved to Hostinger, you’ll have full control over its settings via hPanel. This includes DNS adjustments, custom email setup, and subdomain creation.

Conclusion

A domain name is an essential element of building an online presence. However, you may want to consider migrating your domain to another registrar for pricing, privacy, or security reasons.

Transferring domains between hosting companies or domain registrars is not as difficult as it may seem. This detailed guide outlines the steps to transfer a domain from IONOS to Hostinger. Here’s a quick recap:

1. Check your domain transfer eligibility to make sure your domain adheres to the requirements.
2. Unlock your domain at IONOS by disabling the WHOIS privacy protection and domain transfer lock option.
3. Obtain the authorization code or EPP key from IONOS.
4. Update the domain nameservers at IONOS and point them to Hostinger.
5. Initiate the domain transfer to Hostinger from hPanel.
6. Verify your contact information using the steps provided by Hostinger via email.

By following these steps, you can transfer your domain seamlessly to your Hostinger account. Leave a comment below if you have questions about switching from IONOS to Hostinger or the domain transfer process.

Transferring a domain name from IONOS to Hostinger FAQ

Let’s address some commonly asked questions about transferring a domain from IONOS to Hostinger.