You may need to transfer your domain name from Alibaba Cloud to another registrar due to business changes. Transferring a domain out means it will no longer be managed by Alibaba Cloud, and all associated domain services will no longer be available.
If you want to transfer a domain name to another Alibaba Cloud international site account, see Transfer to a different Alibaba Cloud account.
Pre-transfer checklist
Use the following list to check if your domain name is eligible for transfer:
Checklist | Description |
Current registrar: Alibaba Cloud | Confirm this in the Registrar field on the domain's Basic Information page. In the Domain Names console, click the domain name that you want to transfer to view its basic information. |
Registered on or transferred to Alibaba Cloud more than 60 days ago | The domain name must have been registered or last transferred more than 60 days ago. You can view the transfer records on the Change log page. |
Domain name status: Normal |
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Valid registrant email address | The transfer key and other notifications are sent to the registrant's email address. Ensure this email address works normally. Go to the Domain Names page, click the domain name that you want to transfer, and view or modify the email address in the Basic Information section. For more information, see Modify registrant contact information. Important When submitting your changes, be sure to uncheck the option labeled Disable "Domain names cannot be transferred out of Alibaba Cloud within 60 days of successful modification". Otherwise, your domain name will be locked and cannot be transferred away from Alibaba Cloud for 60 days following the update. |
More than 15 days away from the expiration date | For domain names under the CNNIC registry, transfers are not allowed within 15 days of the expiration date. To prevent your domain name from expiring during the transfer process, start the transfer at least 30 days before the expiration date. |
Renewed or redeemed more than 45 days ago | Avoid transferring the domain name if it has been renewed or redeemed at its current registrar within the last 45 days. You can view the renewal or redemption records on the Change log page. |
Passed identity verification | If you use a .cn domain name, it has completed identity verification. |
Billing
Alibaba Cloud: No fees are charged for transferring a domain name out.
New registrar: ICANN requires a mandatory one-year domain renewal upon a standard transfer. Therefore, the fee is typically a one-year renewal fee for your domain. For details, contact your new registrar.
Procedure
Transferring a domain out involves three main steps: obtaining the transfer key from Alibaba Cloud, submitting a transfer-in request to your new registrar, and waiting for the transfer to complete.
To prevent service interruptions, migrate the domain name's DNS records to the server of the new registrar before the transfer.
Step 1: Obtain the transfer key
A transfer key (also known as a transfer code, authorization code, or EPP code) is a unique credential that authorizes a domain transfer. It is valid for 15 days. Use it before it expires.
Log on to the Domain Names console, find the domain name that you want to transfer out, and click Manage in the Actions column.
In the left-side navigation pane, choose Domain Transfer-Out.
Follow the on-screen instructions to confirm the registrant's email address and complete the email verification.
If the email address is incorrect, click Change Email Address to update it.
After the verification is successful, click Next. An email containing the transfer key will be sent to the registrant's email address.
Step 2: Submit a transfer-in request to the new registrar
Log on to the official website of your new registrar and find the domain transfer or similar feature.
Follow the new registrar's instructions to enter the domain name and transfer key you obtained in the previous step.
Complete the payment. This step typically involves paying for a one-year domain renewal.
Check your mailbox for a confirmation email from the new registrar.
Step 3: Wait for the domain transfer to complete
When Alibaba Cloud receives a domain name transfer request from the new registrar, Alibaba Cloud automatically sends a transfer-out confirmation email to the registrant's email address.
If you want to proceed with the transfer, no further action is required. The domain will be automatically transferred out in 5 to 7 days.
If you want to cancel the transfer, see Cancel the transfer-out.
Next steps
Confirm the transfer status
Check your domain name's status at any time by using a WHOIS lookuptool.
A status of pendingTransfer indicates the transfer is in progress. For more information about domain statuses, see Find details about a domain name with a WHOIS lookup tool.
The transfer is complete when the registrar in the WHOIS record is not Alibaba Cloud. You will then manage your domain name through your new registrar's platform.
Cancel the transfer-out
If you change your mind during the transfer process, you can cancel it before the transfer completes.
Log on to the Domain Names console, and click the domain name that is being transferred to view the Basic Information page.
In the left-side navigation pane, click Domain Transfer-Out > Cancel Transfer-Out.
If the button is not available on the Domain Transfer-Out page, the transfer is already complete. Once a transfer is complete, it cannot be reversed. You must wait 60 days before transferring it to Alibaba Cloud.
FAQ
How do I manage my domain after it is transferred out?
After the transfer is complete, you must manage your domain on your new registrar's platform. Make sure you have the login credentials for the new platform.
What should I do if I do not receive the email with the transfer key?
Check the following:
Confirm that the email address displayed in the console is correct.
Check the spam or junk folder of your email account.
If the email address is correct, click Re-obtain Transfer Key on the request page.
What if the transfer key I submitted is invalid?
Check the following:
Make sure the key has not expired. Transfer keys are valid for 15 days. If it has expired, request a new one.
When copying the key, ensure it does not include extra spaces or characters. Pay close attention to similar characters, such as 0 and O, or full-width and half-width symbols. Copy the key completely and accurately.
What should I do if the page repeatedly redirects or shows an error when I request a transfer key?
This issue typically occurs when the domain name registrant's email address has not been verified or their contact information is incomplete.
To resolve this, navigate to the domain name's Basic Information page and ensure that the registrant email address is correct, accessible, and has been successfully verified.