Transfer a domain name to Alibaba Cloud

Pre-transfer checklist

Use this checklist to ensure that your domain name is ready for transfer to Alibaba Cloud:

Transfer-in procedure

1. Migrate DNS resolution

   A domain name transfer-in only changes the domain name's registrar (the platform that manages the domain). DNS resolution, which directs your domain name to your website or email server, is a separate service.

   The transfer-in process itself does not modify your DNS settings. However, your current registrar may terminate its bundled DNS resolution service after you transfer the domain name.

   To prevent service interruptions to your website or email, we recommend that you first migrate your DNS resolution to Alibaba Cloud. For instructions, see Smoothly migrate domain name resolution to Alibaba Cloud DNS.

2. Create an information template

   An information template is a profile on Alibaba Cloud that stores registrant information, such as name, address, and email. In the Information Template list, create an information template that matches the details of the current registrant to receive the domain name.

3. Get the authorization code

   You need to get an authorization code from your current registrar. This code is also known as a transfer code or an EPP code. Use a WHOIS lookup to find your current registrar and then contact them to request the authorization code.

   For instructions on how to get the authorization code from specific registrars, see the following links: Huawei Cloud | Tencent Cloud | Volcengine | Xinnet | West.cn | 22.cn | Juming.com | cndns.com | GoDaddy | Cloudflare | AWS | dynadot | Porkbun

   Note

   If your current registrar refuses to provide the authorization code, you can file a complaint through the following channels.

   • For domestic domain names: Email your complaint to supervise@cnnic.cn or call +86-10-58813000.

   • For international domain names: Fill out and submit the online Transfer Complaint Form .

4. Submit the transfer-in information

   1. Go to the Domain Name Transfer-in page. Enter the domain name to transfer and its authorization code, and then click Transfer Now.

      Format: domain name + space + authorization code, with one entry per line. You can submit up to 200 domain names at a time.

   2. Select an information template and click Next.

   3. Review the order details and complete the payment. The fee is typically for a one-year renewal.

      Note

      After you pay for the transfer-in order, the system automatically verifies the authorization code. If the code is valid, the transfer process begins. The transfer-in order is valid for 15 days from the payment date. If the domain name fails the naming review or if you do not submit the correct authorization code within this period, the order fails and we refund the payment.

5. Check the transfer-in status

   In accordance with registry policies, the transfer-in process typically takes 5 to 7 days. You can check the transfer-in status, submission time, and other details on the Domain Name Transfer-in page. When the status changes to Transfer-in Succeeded, the domain name has been successfully transferred to Alibaba Cloud.

   • If the transfer-in fails: See FAQ about domain name transfer failures and solutions to troubleshoot the issue.

   • Check the domain status: After a successful transfer, use the WHOIS tool to check the domain status. If the domain is locked by the previous registrar with a status like clientUpdateProhibited or clientHold, see Remove an update lock.

   • Complete domain information: For most domain names, the system automatically completes the ownership transfer and identity verification during the transfer-in process. For a few domain names that have a registry lock or are subject to special registry rules, you may need to manually transfer ownership to update the domain information after the transfer is complete.

     • ".gov.cn" domain identity verification: After transferring a ".gov.cn" domain name, you must complete identity verification by transferring ownership. For instructions, see Modify registrant information for a .gov.cn domain name. If the original and new organizations are the same, you can use the same official seal on the application form.

     • ".hk" domain identity verification: After transferring a ".hk" domain name, you must complete identity verification by transferring ownership. When you do this, select to transfer the "Administrative Contact", "Billing Contact", and "Technical Contact" information. The information can be the same before and after the transfer. For instructions, see Change registrant information (transfer ownership).

Cancel the transfer-in

You can cancel a transfer-in after you have paid but before the authorization code is verified, or within five days (5 × 24 hours) after the code is verified. To cancel, go to the Domain Name Transfer-in list, find the domain name being transferred, and follow the prompts to cancel the process. We will refund the transfer-in order fee.

Billing

• Billing items: The domain name transfer-in itself is free of charge. However, in accordance with ICANN and CNNIC regulations, you must renew most domain names for one year upon transfer. Therefore, the fee you pay is typically for a one-year renewal.

• Pricing: Prices vary by domain suffix. You can find specific prices in the "Transfer-in" column on the Domain Pricing page. For some premium domain names, the final price appears at checkout.

For example, if your domain name's original expiration date is August 1, 2024, you pay a one-year renewal fee during the transfer-in. After the transfer is successful, the new expiration date becomes August 1, 2025.

FAQ

• Why did my domain name transfer-in fail?

  Common reasons for transfer-in failure include: the domain name is locked at the current registrar (the status is not ok), the authorization code is incorrect or expired, or you did not meet all pre-transfer checklist requirements. For troubleshooting, see Domain Name Transfer-in and Transfer-out FAQ.

• Why was my domain's expiration date not extended by one year after I paid the transfer fee?

  • This usually happens if you transfer the domain name within 45 days of renewing it at your previous registrar. According to ICANN policy, this can void the original renewal. To avoid this, wait at least 45 days after renewal before you initiate a transfer.

• How can I shorten the 5- to 7-day transfer time?

  After you submit the transfer-in request and complete the payment, you can log in to your current registrar's management console. Find the section for managing domain transfers and manually approve the transfer-out request. This can reduce the waiting period from 5–7 days to a few minutes or an hour.

• What is an "information template" and why must I create one?

  An information template is a registrant profile on Alibaba Cloud that contains owner information, such as name and contact details, and must pass identity verification. When you transfer a domain name, selecting an information template designates the new owner for that domain name.

• The current registrant of the domain name is Registrant A. During the transfer, can I select an information template for a different person, Registrant B? If the transfer is approved, will the domain ownership also be transferred to B?

  Yes, you can select the information template for Registrant B, and the domain ownership will be transferred to B. However, we recommend using an information template that matches the current registrant's details to ensure a smooth transfer. You can change the registrant information after the transfer is complete to minimize the risk of failure.

• Will transferring my domain name to Alibaba Cloud fix an issue with my website being inaccessible?

  A domain name transfer only changes the registrar and does not alter DNS resolution settings. If your website was already inaccessible before the transfer, the transfer itself will not fix the issue. You must troubleshoot website access problems separately by checking DNS resolution, server configuration, and network links.

• My domain name did not complete identity verification with the original registrar. If I select an information template for Registrant B that has completed identity verification during the transfer, will the registrant information change to B after the transfer succeeds?

  Yes, it will.

• How do I build a website with a domain name purchased from an overseas registrar (such as .ai or .co) after transferring it to Alibaba Cloud?

  The process for building a website depends on the server's region. If you use a China mainland region, you must first complete an ICP filing (transfer domain name → complete identity verification → submit ICP filing → deploy website). However, some non-mainstream suffixes (such as .ai and .co) have not been approved by the MIIT and cannot be used for an ICP filing. If you use an Alibaba Cloud region in Hong Kong (China) or an overseas region, no ICP filing is required, and you can proceed directly with DNS resolution and website deployment.

• Why can't I transfer my domain name even after I disabled the transfer lock?

  If you are still unable to transfer the domain name after disabling the transfer lock, check for the following possible reasons:

  • It has been less than 60 days since you registered or last transferred the domain name. ICANN policy prohibits transferring a domain name out within 60 days of registration or a previous transfer.

  • When you modified the registrant information, you did not opt out of the 60-day transfer restriction. As a result, the domain is locked for 60 days after the modification.

  • The domain name has expired or is in the redemption period. You cannot transfer expired domain names.

  • The domain name has another restrictive status, such as serverTransferProhibited (registry transfer lock).