How to Transfer a Domain from Wix to GoDaddy

Stuck with a domain at Wix but want GoDaddy’s pricing or management tools? You are not alone.

Learning how to transfer a domain from Wix to GoDaddy takes about 15 minutes of actual work. The rest is waiting.

The process involves unlocking your domain, grabbing an authorization code, and completing checkout at your new domain registrar.

Sounds simple because it is. But miss one step and the transfer fails.

This guide walks you through every click, from checking ICANN eligibility to verifying the completed transfer. You will also find troubleshooting fixes for common problems like rejected EPP codes and missing confirmation emails.

How to Transfer a Domain from Wix to GoDaddy

Transferring a domain from Wix to GoDaddy moves your domain registration and DNS management from one registrar to another.

Users need this when consolidating domains under one provider, seeking lower renewal rates, or switching website platforms entirely.

This guide covers 7 steps requiring 15-30 minutes of active work plus a 5-7 day waiting period for transfer completion.

Prerequisites

Before you initiate the domain transfer process, confirm you have everything ready.

Missing even one requirement will cause the transfer to fail.

Account Access

You need admin access to your Wix domain manager. Create a free GoDaddy account if you do not have one.

Domain Eligibility

Your domain must be registered with Wix for at least 60 days per ICANN rules.

The domain cannot be expired or within 1 day of expiration. No pending contact information changes allowed.

Transfer Cost

GoDaddy charges approximately $11.99 for the transfer fee. This includes a 1-year domain renewal added to your current registration period.

Email Access

You must have access to your domain’s registrant contact email. Wix sends the authorization code to this address.

Check your WHOIS lookup data to verify which email is on file.

Step One: How Do You Check if Your Domain is Eligible for Transfer?

ICANN enforces a 60-day lock period after purchase or any previous transfer. Your domain must clear this waiting period before GoDaddy can accept it.

Action

• Log into your Wix account and go to Domains
• Select your domain and view the registration date
• Calculate if 60+ days have passed since purchase or last transfer
• Check the domain status for any pending changes or holds

Purpose

Skipping this check wastes time. GoDaddy rejects transfers that violate the 60-day rule automatically.

You will lose the transfer fee if the domain gets rejected.

Step Two: How Do You Unlock Your Domain in Wix?

Every domain registrar applies a transfer lock by default. This security feature prevents unauthorized domain transfers. You must disable it manually in your Wix dashboard before GoDaddy can pull the domain.

Action

• Go to Wix Dashboard > Domains
• Click the Domain Actions icon (three dots) next to your domain name
• Select “Transfer away from Wix”
• Click “Transfer Domain”
• Click “I Still Want to Transfer” to confirm

Wix adds multiple confirmation screens here. They prefer you keep the domain with them, obviously.

Purpose

A locked domain cannot move between registrars. The domain unlock step authorizes the transfer on Wix’s end.

If you want to learn more about managing domains on Wix, check out our guide on connecting a domain to Wix.

Step Three: Where Do You Find the Authorization Code in Wix?

The EPP code (also called authorization code or transfer key) proves you own the domain. GoDaddy requires this code to initiate the transfer on their end.

Action

• After completing Step 2, Wix automatically sends the code
• Check your registrant contact email inbox
• Look in spam and junk folders if not visible
• Code typically arrives within 5-10 minutes
• Copy and store the transfer authorization code securely

Purpose

The EPP code acts as a password for your domain. Without it, no registrar can accept the transfer.

Codes expire after a set period, so do not request one until you are ready to complete the transfer on GoDaddy.

Step Four: How Do You Start the Domain Transfer in GoDaddy?

With your domain unlocked and EPP code ready, switch to GoDaddy’s domain transfer tool to begin the registrar change.

Action

• Log into your GoDaddy account
• Navigate to godaddy.com/domains/domain-transfer
• Enter your domain name in the search field
• Click “Search” or “Get Started”

GoDaddy checks if the domain is unlocked and eligible. A green status bar confirms everything looks good.

Purpose

GoDaddy verifies domain availability and transfer eligibility before accepting your request. Failed checks here usually mean the domain is still locked at Wix.

Step Five: Where Do You Enter the Authorization Code on GoDaddy?

GoDaddy needs your transfer authorization code to prove domain ownership and pull the registration from Wix.

Action

• Paste the EPP code from Wix into the authorization code field
• Wait for the green status bar indicating valid code
• If red status appears, double-check the code for typos
• Click “Refresh Status” if needed after corrections

Purpose

The authorization code validates your transfer request between registrars. Wrong codes get rejected instantly; you will need to request a fresh one from Wix.

Step Six: How Do You Complete the Transfer Payment on GoDaddy?

GoDaddy charges a transfer fee that includes one year of domain renewal added to your existing registration.

Action

• Review the transfer details and domain information
• Choose or decline the Domain Protection add-on
• Select your payment method
• Complete checkout (approximately $11.99 USD)

Purpose

Payment officially initiates the domain transfer process. GoDaddy contacts Wix to begin moving your domain registration.

Step Seven: How Do You Confirm the Transfer Has Started?

After payment, monitor your transfer status through GoDaddy’s dashboard and email notifications.

Action

• Check email for GoDaddy transfer confirmation
• Go to GoDaddy > My Products > Domains > Pending Transfers
• Use WHOIS lookup to see “pending transfer” status
• Wait 5-7 business days for completion

Purpose

Tracking the transfer catches problems early. If something fails, you will know within 24-48 hours instead of waiting the full week.

Verification

Confirm your domain transfer completed successfully with these checks:

• GoDaddy sends a “transfer complete” email notification
• Domain appears in GoDaddy > My Products > Domains
• WHOIS lookup shows GoDaddy as the new registrar
• Wix domain manager no longer displays the domain

The entire transfer takes 5-7 business days. Some TLDs complete faster.

Troubleshooting

Authorization Code Not Arriving

Check spam and junk folders first. Verify the registrant email in Wix matches your current email address.

Request a new code if nothing arrives within 30 minutes.

Transfer Rejected or Failed

Confirm domain is unlocked in Wix. Verify the 60-day waiting period has passed.

Check for pending contact changes. Request a fresh EPP code and try again.

Domain Still Shows Wix After 7 Days

Contact GoDaddy support with your transfer order number. Check the pending transfer status for specific error messages.

If moving domains in the opposite direction interests you, see our guide on how to transfer a domain from GoDaddy to Wix.

Next Steps and Related Processes

After your domain arrives at GoDaddy, configure these settings:

• Update DNS records and nameserver settings for your website
• Set up email forwarding or MX records if needed
• Enable domain privacy protection to hide WHOIS data
• Configure auto-renewal to prevent accidental expiration

Considering other platform moves? Learn how to transfer a domain from Wix to Squarespace or explore how to connect a GoDaddy domain to Wix if you change your mind later.

Managing multiple Wix properties? Check out how to transfer a Wix site to another account for account consolidation.

FAQ on How To Transfer A Domain From Wix To GoDaddy

How long does it take to transfer a domain from Wix to GoDaddy?

The domain transfer process takes 5-7 business days to complete. Active work requires only 15-30 minutes. The waiting period exists because ICANN regulations require registrars to verify ownership before finalizing any transfer between providers.

How much does it cost to transfer a domain to GoDaddy?

GoDaddy charges approximately $11.99 for the transfer fee. This price includes one year of domain renewal added to your existing registration period. Some TLDs may have different pricing based on the domain extension.

What is an EPP code and where do I find it?

An EPP code (also called authorization code or transfer key) proves domain ownership. Find it in Wix by selecting “Transfer away from Wix” in your domain settings. Wix emails the code to your registrant contact email address.

Why was my domain transfer rejected?

Common reasons include: domain still locked at Wix, incorrect authorization code, 60-day lock period not cleared, or pending contact information changes. Check your transfer status in GoDaddy for specific error messages and request a fresh EPP code.

Can I transfer a domain that expires soon?

Domains cannot transfer if expired or within 1 day of expiration. The domain registrar rejects these automatically. Renew at Wix first, wait for processing, then initiate the transfer to GoDaddy with your new registration period intact.

Will my website go down during the transfer?

Your website stays live if DNS records remain unchanged. The transfer only moves registration between registrars. Update nameserver settings after the transfer completes if you want GoDaddy to manage your DNS instead of Wix.

How do I unlock my domain in Wix?

Go to Wix Dashboard, select Domains, click the three-dot icon next to your domain. Choose “Transfer away from Wix,” then “Transfer Domain,” then “I Still Want to Transfer.” This disables the transfer lock and triggers the EPP code email.

Can I cancel a domain transfer after starting it?

Yes, during the 5-7 day waiting period. Contact GoDaddy support with your order number to cancel the pending transfer. Once completed, you cannot reverse it. You would need to initiate a new transfer back to Wix instead.

What happens to my email after transferring the domain?

Email service depends on your MX records configuration, not the registrar. If using Wix email, reconfigure MX records at GoDaddy after transfer. Third-party email providers like Google Workspace continue working without changes to your setup.

Do I need to wait 60 days before transferring my domain?

Yes. ICANN rules enforce a 60-day lock after initial purchase or any previous transfer. Changing registrant contact information also triggers this lock. Check your domain registration date in Wix before attempting the transfer to GoDaddy.

Conclusion

Moving your domain from Wix to GoDaddy is straightforward once you understand the process. Unlock, grab the code, pay the fee, wait.

The 5-7 day transfer timeline exists for security reasons. WHOIS verification and registrar communication take time.

Keep your registrant contact email accessible throughout. Missing the confirmation emails delays everything.

After transfer completion, configure your nameserver settings and DNS records at GoDaddy. Enable domain privacy if you want WHOIS protection.

Set up auto-renewal immediately. Expired domains create headaches nobody wants.

The registrar switch saves money on renewal fees and consolidates your domain management. One dashboard beats juggling multiple accounts.

Bookmark this guide for your next domain transfer.