How to Transfer a Domain from GoDaddy to Wix

Managing a domain in one place and a website in another gets messy fast. Separate logins, different billing cycles, scattered DNS settings.

Learning how to transfer a domain from GoDaddy to Wix fixes that problem.

This guide walks you through the complete domain transfer process in 7 steps. You’ll get your authorization code from GoDaddy, initiate the transfer in your Wix account, and handle the registrar switch without downtime.

The whole process takes 15-30 minutes of active work. Full completion requires up to 7 days due to ICANN transfer policy requirements.

No technical background needed. Just follow the steps.

Introduction

Transferring a domain from GoDaddy to Wix is the process of moving your domain registration so that Wix becomes your domain host.

Your DNS settings, contact information, and billing all move to Wix after completion.

Users need this when they want to manage their website and domain from one platform. Makes renewal tracking simpler. Keeps everything in one dashboard.

This guide covers 7 steps requiring 15-30 minutes of active work. The full domain transfer process takes up to 7 days due to ICANN regulations and registrar verification.

If you just need your GoDaddy domain pointing to a Wix site without moving registration, you can connect a GoDaddy domain to Wix instead. That method takes 48 hours versus 7 days.

Prerequisites

Gather these before starting the transfer initiation:

Account Requirements

• Active Wix Premium account (Light plan or higher)
• GoDaddy account login credentials
• Access to the email address registered with your domain’s WHOIS information

Domain Eligibility

• Domain registered for at least 60 days (ICANN transfer policy)
• No transfer completed within the last 60 days
• Domain lock status set to unlocked
• Domain not expired or within 30 days of expiration date

Time and Skill Level

15-30 minutes for initial setup. Up to 7 days for full completion.

Beginner-friendly. No technical knowledge required beyond basic account navigation.

Step One: How Do You Unlock Your Domain in GoDaddy?

Your domain is locked by default. This domain lock prevents unauthorized transfers, but you need to disable it before moving to a new registrar.

Action

1. GoDaddy Account > My Products: Sign into your GoDaddy account and click the profile icon at the top right, then select My Products
2. Domain Portfolio > Select Domain: Find the domain you want to transfer and click on it to open domain settings
3. Domain Settings > Domain Lock: Scroll to the Additional Settings section and locate Domain Lock
4. Toggle Lock Off: Click Edit next to Domain Lock and switch the toggle from On to Off
5. Confirm Change: GoDaddy may send a verification email to confirm you authorized this change

Purpose

The registrar lock exists as a security feature. Turning it off signals to GoDaddy that you authorize the domain ownership change.

Without unlocking, Wix cannot pull your domain during the transfer request.

Step Two: Where Do You Find the Authorization Code in GoDaddy?

The authorization code (also called EPP code) acts as a password for your domain transfer. GoDaddy generates this unique string that proves you own the domain.

Action

1. Domain Settings > Additional Settings: Stay on the same domain management page from Step One
2. Get Authorization Code: Click “Get Authorization Code” or “Transfer domain away from GoDaddy”
3. Email Delivery: GoDaddy sends the EPP code to your registered contact email within minutes
4. Copy Code: Open the email and copy the authorization code exactly as shown, including any special characters

Purpose

This code validates that the actual domain owner is requesting the transfer. Wix requires it to initiate the registrar switch.

Codes expire after a few days. Request a new one if yours stops working.

Step Three: How Do You Start the Transfer Process in Wix?

Now you move to your Wix account to begin the transfer initiation on the receiving end.

Action

1. Wix Dashboard > Domains: Log into Wix and navigate to the Domains page in your account settings
2. Add an Existing Domain: Click this button to see your connection options
3. Transfer Your Domain to Wix: Select this option instead of the connect option
4. Read Instructions: Wix displays transfer requirements and propagation time estimates
5. Click Start Transfer: This launches the domain transfer wizard

Purpose

Starting from the Wix domains page ensures proper routing through their domain management system.

Wix guides you through remaining steps once you initiate here. The transfer pending status appears in your dashboard immediately.

Step Four: Where Do You Enter Your Domain Name and Registrar?

Wix needs to know exactly which domain you’re moving and where it currently lives.

Action

1. Enter Domain Name: Type your full domain (example: mystunningwebsite.com) without www or https
2. Select Current Registrar: Click the dropdown menu and choose GoDaddy from the list
3. Click Continue: Wix verifies the domain exists and checks basic eligibility

Purpose

Accurate domain entry prevents failed transfers. The registrar selection tells Wix which domain host protocols to use.

Step Five: How Do You Submit the Authorization Code?

Time to use that EPP code from GoDaddy.

Action

1. Log Into GoDaddy: Open a new tab and sign into your GoDaddy account, then check the “I logged in” box in Wix
2. Paste Authorization Code: Enter the code exactly as received in your email
3. Click Continue: Wix validates the code against GoDaddy’s records

Purpose

The authorization code confirms domain ownership. Invalid or expired codes trigger immediate rejection.

Step Six: How Do You Select the Domain Extension Period and Payment?

Transferring adds registration time to your domain. ICANN requires at least one year.

Action

1. Select Extension Period: Choose 1, 2, or more years to add to your current domain expiration date
2. Review Transfer Fee: Wix displays the cost based on your domain extension (.com, .net, .org pricing varies)
3. Enter Payment Information: Add credit card or PayPal details
4. Confirm Purchase: Double-check the domain name spelling before completing payment

Purpose

The transfer fee covers both the registrar switch and the renewal period. Your domain expiration date extends by the selected term.

Step Seven: How Do You Confirm the Transfer Request?

Final step before the waiting period begins.

Action

1. Review Transfer Summary: Verify domain name, extension period, and total cost
2. Accept Terms: Agree to Wix’s domain registration terms
3. Submit Transfer Request: Click the final confirmation button
4. Check Email: Both GoDaddy and Wix send transfer confirmation emails to your registered address

Purpose

Submission triggers the official transfer request between registrars. GoDaddy has 5 days to release the domain unless you approve faster.

Verification

How to confirm your domain transfer completed successfully:

• Wix Dashboard: Domain status changes from “Transfer Pending” to “Connected”
• Email Confirmation: Wix sends a transfer completion email
• WHOIS Lookup: Run a WHOIS check showing Wix as the new registrar
• GoDaddy Account: Domain no longer appears in your domain portfolio

DNS propagation takes up to 48 hours after transfer completes. Your site may load intermittently during this window.

Troubleshooting

Domain Transfer Fails to Start

Issue: Wix rejects the transfer immediately.

Solution: Check domain lock status in GoDaddy. Verify the 60-day registration period passed. Confirm no recent WHOIS contact information changes.

Authorization Code Not Working

Issue: Wix says the EPP code is invalid.

Solution: Request a fresh code from GoDaddy. Copy without extra spaces. Codes expire after several days.

Transfer Taking Longer Than 7 Days

Issue: Still pending after a week.

Solution: Check spam folder for approval emails from GoDaddy. Log into GoDaddy and manually approve the transfer request if pending. Contact Wix support with your transfer confirmation number.

Domain Still Shows Old Website

Issue: Transfer completed but old site appears.

Solution: Clear browser cache. Flush local DNS. Wait full 48 hours for DNS propagation worldwide.

Connecting vs Transferring: Which Method Should You Choose?

Two ways to use your GoDaddy domain with Wix. Different outcomes.

Transferring (This Guide)

• Time: Up to 7 days
• Result: Wix becomes your domain registrar
• Billing: Managed through Wix
• Best for: Users who want all services consolidated

Connecting (Alternative)

• Time: Up to 48 hours
• Result: GoDaddy remains your registrar
• Billing: Stays with GoDaddy
• Best for: Users with GoDaddy email services or faster setup needs

Choose transferring when you want one login for everything. Choose connecting when you need the domain working faster or have GoDaddy-hosted email.

Related Processes

Managing domains between platforms? These guides cover related tasks:

• How to transfer a domain from Wix to GoDaddy (reverse process)
• How to transfer domain from GoDaddy to Squarespace
• How to transfer a domain from Wix to Squarespace
• How to create a Wix website after your domain transfers
• How to transfer a Wix site to another account

FAQ on How To Transfer A Domain From GoDaddy To Wix

How Long Does It Take To Transfer a Domain From GoDaddy To Wix?

The domain transfer process takes up to 7 days. Active setup requires 15-30 minutes. GoDaddy has 5 days to release the domain per ICANN regulations. You can speed this up by approving the transfer manually in your GoDaddy account.

How Much Does It Cost To Transfer a Domain To Wix?

The transfer fee varies by domain extension. Most .com domains cost around $20-25 annually. This fee includes one year added to your domain expiration date. Wix does not charge a separate processing fee for the registrar switch.

What Is an Authorization Code (EPP Code)?

An EPP code is a unique password that proves domain ownership during transfers. GoDaddy generates this authorization code in your domain settings. The code expires after several days. Request a new one if your transfer attempt fails.

Can I Transfer a Domain I Just Registered With GoDaddy?

No. ICANN transfer policy requires domains to be registered for at least 60 days before transferring. The same rule applies if you recently transferred the domain or changed WHOIS contact information. Wait the full period before initiating.

Will My Website Go Down During the Transfer?

Minimal disruption if done correctly. DNS propagation may cause intermittent loading for up to 48 hours after completion. Connect your domain to Wix before transferring to reduce downtime. Your old site stays live until nameservers fully update.

What Happens To My GoDaddy Email After Transferring?

GoDaddy email services are separate from domain registration. Your email keeps working, but you’ll manage DNS records in Wix. Add the required MX records in your Wix domain settings to maintain email delivery after the transfer completes.

Can I Cancel a Domain Transfer Once It Starts?

Yes, but timing matters. Contact Wix support immediately if the transfer is still pending. Once GoDaddy releases the domain and Wix accepts it, cancellation becomes impossible. You would need to transfer the domain back to GoDaddy instead.

Why Was My Domain Transfer Rejected?

Common causes: domain lock still enabled, expired authorization code, domain registered less than 60 days ago, or recent WHOIS changes. Check your GoDaddy domain settings, unlock the domain, and request a fresh EPP code before retrying.

Do I Need a Wix Premium Plan To Transfer a Domain?

Yes. Wix requires an active Premium subscription (Light plan or higher) to transfer or connect external domains. Free Wix sites only use Wix subdomains. Upgrade your account before starting the domain transfer initiation process.

What Is the Difference Between Connecting and Transferring a Domain?

Connecting points your domain to Wix while GoDaddy remains the registrar. Takes 48 hours. Transferring moves registration to Wix completely. Takes 7 days. Choose connecting for speed; choose transferring for consolidated billing and domain management.

Conclusion

You now know how to transfer a domain from GoDaddy to Wix using the complete 7-step process.

Unlock your domain, grab the EPP code, and let Wix handle the rest.

The DNS propagation period means your site might load inconsistently for 48 hours after transfer completion. Normal behavior. Nothing to fix.

Keep your GoDaddy login details handy until the domain fully moves to your Wix domain management dashboard. Check both accounts if anything seems stuck.

Once complete, all billing, nameserver configuration, and WHOIS information live in one place.

No more juggling two platforms for one website.

Your domain, your Wix site, one account. That’s the goal, and now you have the steps to get there.