Primary keyword: transfer domain to new host without downtime  |  Secondary: domain transfer steps, EPP/Auth code, move domain registrar

Good news: when you transfer an eligible TLD to GaugeHosting, the domain’s expiration typically extends by +1 year at completion (excludes some TLDs and recently renewed domains).* See the transfer flow below, then follow the checklist to avoid downtime.

1) Prep at your current registrar (unlock & get the EPP/Auth code)

• Unlock the domain and disable WHOIS privacy if required.
• Confirm the registrant/admin email on file is accessible (approval email will arrive there).
• Request the EPP/Auth code (sometimes called transfer key). Save it securely.

2) Lower your DNS TTL (24–48 hours ahead)

Shorten critical record TTLs (e.g., A, AAAA, CNAME, MX, TXT) to 300–600 seconds so the switch happens quickly. You can raise TTLs again after the move.

3) Add DNS records at GaugeHosting before the cutover

• Create the zone at your destination and replicate all records (A/AAAA, CNAME, MX, SPF, DKIM, DMARC, TXT, subdomains).
• Validate email deliverability (SPF/DKIM/DMARC) and any third-party verifications (Google Search Console, mail senders).
• Keep nameservers pointing to your current DNS until you’re ready to flip.

4) Start the transfer at GaugeHosting

1. Go to Transfer Domain.
2. Enter your domain and EPP/Auth code.
3. Pay and submit. You’ll receive an email to approve the move.

5) Approve via WHOIS/contact email

Click the approval link in the confirmation email (check spam). If your contact email is outdated, update it at the current registrar first.

6) Switch nameservers (or keep existing DNS)

Once the zone is ready at GaugeHosting, change nameservers to the provided set—or keep your existing DNS host and update only the A/AAAA/CNAME records to point at new hosting. Because TTLs are low, propagation is fast.

7) Post‑transfer checks

• Confirm the new expiration date (+1 year on eligible transfers) and turn on auto‑renew.
• Re‑enable WHOIS privacy if desired.
• Raise TTLs back to normal (e.g., 3600–14400) after traffic stabilizes.
• Check website, email routing, SSL/HTTPS, and third‑party verifications.

Common errors & how to fix them

• Incorrect or expired EPP code: request a fresh code and retry.
• Domain still locked: unlock and wait a few minutes.
• Contact email unreachable: update registrant/admin email before starting.
• 60‑day transfer lock (ICANN) after recent registration/owner change: wait until the lock clears.
• TLD exceptions: some country‑code or special TLDs don’t add a year on transfer.

* Many TLDs extend by one year when transferred. Excludes certain TLDs and recently renewed domains; see cart details when you start a transfer.