How to Transfer a Domain from IONOS to Porkbun
So, you want to learn how to transfer a domain from IONOS to Porkbun? Let’s do it!
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Disable domain privacy on IONOS. This page shows you how.
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- Unlock the domain and grab an authorization code (aka EPP key) from IONOS. This key is a one-use password that allows you to transfer a domain from IONOS to Porkbun. This guide shows you how to disable the lock and get the EPP code. IONOS will display the authorization/EPP code directly on their transfer settings page.
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Initiate your Porkbun domain transfer.
Type in your domain to be transferred under Domain Name, then copy the authorization code from your IONOS account and paste it into the Auth Code field. Hit "Submit."
The transfer or transfers will be added to your cart. From Your Cart, click "Continue to Billing" to pay for your domain transfers. Once you’ve paid, Porkbun will send you an email asking you to confirm the transfer from IONOS. Find the Porkbun email and click the provided link to confirm the transfer.
You can check on the status of pending transfers by logging into your Porkbun account and clicking "Transfer" at the top of the page.
Here's an article that tells you what the different statuses mean.
Warning: If your domain expired before the transfer was accepted, you no longer have the ability to expedite the transfer.
Possible Issues When Transferring a Domain
There are a few scenarios where you simply can't transfer a domain from IONOS to Porkbun… or anywhere else.
Was your domain first registered fewer than 60 days ago? If so, you’ll need to wait until the 60-day mark before transferring it to Porkbun. We feel your pain, but our hands are tied.
Was your domain transferred fewer than 60 days ago? Same deal as above. ICANN rules say a domain must stay at one registrar for 60 days before it can be transferred to another.
Additionally, if you renew an expired domain at IONOS, then transfer the domain to Porkbun within 45 days, your registration may not be extended for an additional year. For more information, check out our guide "If I transfer a domain to Porkbun, will I lose any existing months or years of registration?"
Does your domain already have more than nine years of registration? Since domains can only ever have ten years registration max, sometimes the registry won't allow transfers that already have nine years of registration.