How to Transfer Domain to Cloudflare: Complete Step-by-Step Guide (2025)

Last Updated on October 4, 2025 by RADHIKA

Are you tired of overpaying for domain renewals? If you’re currently using registrars like GoDaddy, Hostinger, or Namecheap, you’re likely paying significantly more than necessary. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll show you exactly how to transfer domain to Cloudflare, potentially saving you hundreds of dollars over time while getting better service.

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Most importantly, you’ll learn how to do this with zero downtime.

Why Transfer Domain to Cloudflare?

Before diving into the transfer process, let’s understand why Cloudflare has become the go-to choice for domain registration among savvy website owners.

Massive Cost Savings

The primary reason to switch to Cloudflare is the incredible cost savings. While traditional registrars like GoDaddy charge $19.99 for .com domain renewals, Cloudflare charges just $10.44 – that’s nearly 50% less. Over time, these savings add up significantly, especially if you manage multiple domains.

Here’s a quick comparison of renewal costs:

At-Cost Pricing Model

Unlike traditional registrars that markup domain prices for profit, Cloudflare operates on an at-cost pricing model. This means they charge you exactly what domain registries and ICANN charge them, with no markup or hidden fees. They actually operate this service at a loss, absorbing costs like payment processing fees and infrastructure costs.

Integrated Services

If you’re already using Cloudflare’s DNS services, having your domain registered with them keeps everything in one place. This integration provides:

• Free WHOIS privacy protection
• Seamless DNS management
• Built-in security features
• Super fast DNS propagation

📌 Tip: If you haven’t already moved your DNS management to Cloudflare, you should do that first. I wrote a separate guide on how to change your DNS records to Cloudflare. Once your DNS is running on Cloudflare, you can safely transfer your domain without interruptions.

Prerequisites Before Starting the Transfer

Before beginning the domain transfer process, ensure you meet these requirements:

Essential Requirements:

• A Cloudflare account (free to create)
• Access to your current domain registrar account
• Domain must be at least 60 days old or 60 days since last transfer
• Domain must be unlocked at current registrar
• Authorization/EPP code from current registrar
• Valid payment method
• Domain should have at least 7 days before expiration

Technical Requirements:

• DNSSEC must be disabled (if enabled)
• WHOIS privacy should be temporarily disabled to obtain authorization code
• Domain must not be in redemption period or suspended

Step-by-Step process on how to transfer Domain to Cloudflare

Before we dive into the detailed steps, watch this comprehensive video walkthrough that demonstrates the entire transfer process from Hostinger to Cloudflare. The same process applies to transfers from GoDaddy, Namecheap, and other registrars.

This video shows the exact steps you’ll follow, making the written guide below easier to understand and implement

Step 1: Prepare Your Current Domain

Before initiating the transfer on Cloudflare, you need to prepare your domain at the current registrar.

For Hostinger users:

1. Log into your Hostinger account
2. Navigate to Domains section
3. Select your domain and click Manage
4. Go to Domain Settings
5. Disable Registrar Lock
6. Wait for the change to propagate (may take a few minutes to hours)

For GoDaddy users:

1. Access your GoDaddy account
2. Go to My Products → Domains
3. Click Manage DNS for your domain
4. Navigate to Additional Settings
5. Turn off Domain Lock

For other registrars: The process is similar – look for “Domain Lock,” “Transfer Lock,” or “Registrar Lock” settings and disable them.

Step 2: Obtain Authorization Code

The authorization code (also called EPP code or transfer code) is crucial for the transfer process.

Getting the code:

1. In your registrar account, navigate to domain management
2. Look for “Transfer to Another Registrar” or “Authorization Code”
3. If WHOIS privacy is enabled, temporarily disable it
4. Request the EPP/Authorization code
5. The code usually appears instantly or is sent via email
6. Copy and save this code – you’ll need it for Cloudflare

Step 3: Initiate Transfer on Cloudflare

Now it’s time to start the transfer process on Cloudflare:

1. Log into Cloudflare (or create a free account)
2. Navigate to Domain Registration → Transfer Domains
3. Enter your domain name in the search field
4. If you see “Client transfer prohibited,” wait a few hours for the unlock to propagate globally
5. Once ready, you’ll see the transfer price (typically $10.44 for .com domains)
6. Click “Confirm Domains” and proceed

Step 4: Complete Transfer Details

On the next screen, you’ll need to:

1. Enter the authorization code you obtained earlier
2. Enter your WHOIS contact information: Carefully fill in your contact details, including your full name, address, phone number, and country. This information is required and will become your official domain registration data (WHOIS).
3. Add Payment: Select your preferred payment method. Cloudflare typically offers Card Payment and PayPal. Choose the option that works best for you to complete the transfer purchase (which includes a one-year renewal).
4. Review transfer terms and conditions
5. Click “Confirm and Finalize Transfer”

Important: Ensure your contact information is accurate as incorrect details can cause transfer delays or failures.

Step 5: Confirm Transfer Emails

After initiating the transfer, you’ll receive two important emails:

1. From Cloudflare: Confirming they’ve received your transfer request
2. From your current registrar: Asking to confirm or deny the transfer

Critical Step for Fast Transfer: Most registrars will automatically approve transfers after 5-7 days, but you can manually approve immediately to speed up the process:

1. Check your email from the current registrar
2. Click the approval link in the email, or
3. Log into your current registrar and navigate to “Transfers Out”
4. Find your domain and click “Approve Transfer”

While the typical domain transfer takes 5–7 days, manual approval (if offered by the old registrar) can significantly reduce this time to just a few hours. However, based on my review of the Hostinger domain transfer process, it does not currently offer a manual, one-click approval option for a faster transfer

Transfer Completion and Final Confirmation

While the estimated transfer time is often 5–7 days, the process can sometimes complete faster. My transfer, initiated on September 26, 2025, was finalized just six days later on October 2, 2025.

Email Confirmations

You will receive two official email notifications confirming the completion of the transfer:

1. Cloudflare: You will receive the “Domain Transfer Complete” email, officially confirming that your domain is now registered with Cloudflare Registrar.
2. Hostinger: Your previous registrar, Hostinger, will send a notice stating the domain has been “canceled” or removed from their system due to the successful transfer.

Cloudflare Dashboard Verification

Finally, you can verify the new status directly in your Cloudflare dashboard. Navigate to Domain Registration for your domain, and the status will be clearly marked as Active. This confirms that the entire transfer process is complete, and Cloudflare is now the official registrar for your domain.

Transfer Timeline and What to Expect

Typical Timeline:

• 1-2 hours: Domain unlock propagates globally
• Immediate: Transfer request submitted
• Few minutes to 7 days: Transfer completion (depending on manual approval)
• Upon completion: Domain appears in Cloudflare dashboard

Zero Downtime Tip: To ensure your website remains online during transfer:

1. Before transferring registration, change your nameservers to Cloudflare
2. Set up your DNS records in Cloudflare first
3. This way, even during transfer, your website continues to work normally

Post-Transfer Checklist

Once your domain transfer is complete:

Immediate Actions:

• Verify domain appears in Cloudflare dashboard under “Manage Domains”
• Check DNS settings are correctly configured
• Test website functionality to ensure everything works
• Confirm email services are still operational (if applicable)

Optional Optimizations:

• Enable Cloudflare CDN for improved website speed
• Set up SSL certificates through Cloudflare
• Configure security settings like DDoS protection
• Enable DNSSEC for additional security

Cost Comparison: Real Savings Examples

Let’s look at actual cost savings with real examples:

Single Domain (.com) – 5 Year Cost:

• GoDaddy: $19.99 × 5 = $99.95
• Cloudflare: $10.44 × 5 = $52.20
• Total Savings: $47.75 (48% less)

Multiple Domains (10 .com domains) – 5 Year Cost:

• GoDaddy: $999.50
• Cloudflare: $522.00
• Total Savings: $477.50

Premium TLD Example (.tv domain):
One user reported saving $162 annually by transferring their .tv domain from GoDaddy ($187/year) to Cloudflare ($25/year).

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Transfer Showing “Client Transfer Prohibited”

Solution: This means the domain is still locked. Wait 2-24 hours after unlocking for changes to propagate globally.

Authorization Code Not Working

Possible causes:

• WHOIS privacy is still enabled
• Code was copied incorrectly (check for extra spaces)
• Domain lock hasn’t been removed yet

Solution: Disable WHOIS privacy, wait a few hours, and request a new code.

Transfer Taking Too Long

Speed up the process:

• Manually approve the transfer at your current registrar
• Check spam folder for approval emails
• Contact current registrar support if needed

Domain Not Appearing in Cloudflare

Wait time: Transfers can take up to 7 days per ICANN rules. Manual approval significantly speeds this up.

Best Practices for Domain Management

Security Best Practices:

• Enable two-factor authentication on your Cloudflare account
• Keep contact information updated to avoid transfer issues
• Use strong, unique passwords for domain accounts
• Enable domain lock after transfer is complete

Cost Optimization:

• Transfer before renewal at current registrar to avoid paying high renewal fees
• Bundle multiple domains for easier management
• Set up auto-renewal to avoid accidental expiration

Conclusion

Transferring your domain to Cloudflare is one of the smartest financial decisions you can make as a website owner. With potential savings of 50% or more on renewal costs, plus integrated security and performance benefits, it’s a no-brainer for anyone serious about their online presence.

The process might seem complex initially, but following this step-by-step guide ensures a smooth transfer with zero downtime. Remember to unlock your domain, obtain the authorization code, and manually approve the transfer for the fastest results.

Whether you’re managing a single blog or multiple business websites, Cloudflare’s at-cost pricing model will save you significant money over time while providing enterprise-grade features that traditional registrars charge extra for.

Start your transfer today and join thousands of website owners who have already made the switch to smarter domain management.

Have questions about the domain transfer process? Drop a comment below, and I’ll help you through any specific challenges you’re facing with your registrar.

Comprehensive FAQ Section

Frequently Asked Questions About Domain Transfers

Q: How long does it take to transfer a domain to Cloudflare?

A: Domain transfers typically take 5-7 days as per ICANN regulations. However, you can speed up the process significantly by manually approving the transfer at your current registrar, which can reduce the time to just a few hours. The transfer includes one year of renewal, so your domain’s expiration date will be extended.

Q: Will my website go down during the domain transfer?

A: No, your website will not experience downtime if you follow the zero-downtime approach. Before initiating the transfer, change your nameservers to Cloudflare and set up your DNS records. This ensures your website continues to function normally throughout the entire transfer process.

Q: Can I transfer a newly registered domain to Cloudflare?

A: No, domains must be at least 60 days old before they can be transferred to another registrar. This is an ICANN regulation that applies to all registrars. If you recently registered your domain or made changes to the registrant information, you’ll need to wait for the 60-day lock period to expire.

Q: How much does it cost to transfer a domain to Cloudflare?

A: Cloudflare charges at-cost pricing with no markup. For .com domains, the transfer fee is approximately $10.44, which includes one year of renewal. This is significantly cheaper than traditional registrars like GoDaddy ($19.99) or Domain.com ($21.99), offering savings of up to 50%.

Q: What information do I need to start a domain transfer?

A: You’ll need: (1) Domain unlocked at current registrar, (2) Authorization/EPP code from current registrar, (3) Valid contact information for WHOIS, (4) Payment method for transfer fee, and (5) Access to the email address associated with your domain registration.

Q: Why is my domain transfer showing “Client Transfer Prohibited”?

A: This error indicates your domain is still locked at the current registrar. Log into your registrar account, navigate to domain settings, and disable the “Registrar Lock” or “Transfer Lock.” Changes can take 2-24 hours to propagate globally, so wait before retrying the transfer.

Q: Can I transfer expired domains to Cloudflare?

A: Most registrars don’t allow transfers of expired domains. If your domain has expired, you should renew it first at your current registrar, then wait at least 45 days before initiating a transfer. Domains in redemption status (30+ days after expiry) cannot be transferred until they’re renewed.

Q: What happens if I enter the wrong authorization code?

A: An incorrect authorization code will cause the transfer to fail immediately. Double-check the code for accuracy, ensure there are no extra spaces, and verify that WHOIS privacy is disabled when requesting the code. If the code still doesn’t work, request a new one from your current registrar.

Q: Will I lose my domain’s remaining time when transferring?

A: No, you won’t lose any time. When you transfer a domain, you pay for one additional year of registration, which gets added to your existing expiration date. For example, if your domain expires in 6 months, after transfer it will expire in 18 months.

Q: Can I transfer multiple domains to Cloudflare at once?

A: Yes, you can transfer multiple domains simultaneously. Each domain requires its own authorization code and transfer fee, but you can process them all together through the Cloudflare dashboard. This is particularly cost-effective for managing multiple websites.

Q: What if my current registrar rejects the transfer?

A: Registrars can reject transfers for several reasons: (1) Active rejection by domain owner, (2) Domain not eligible for transfer, (3) Auto-reject settings enabled, or (4) Suspected malicious activity. Contact your current registrar to resolve the issue, ensure all requirements are met, and restart the transfer process.

Q: Does Cloudflare support all domain extensions?

A: No, Cloudflare Registrar supports limited TLDs including .com, .net, .org, .info, .biz, and several others. Check Cloudflare’s supported TLD list before initiating a transfer. If your domain extension isn’t supported, you can still use Cloudflare’s DNS services while keeping your domain registered elsewhere.

Q: How do I track my domain transfer progress?

A: After initiating the transfer, you’ll receive confirmation emails from both Cloudflare and your current registrar. You can monitor progress in your Cloudflare dashboard under “Domain Registration” → “Manage Domains.” The status will update as the transfer progresses through different stages.

Q: Can I cancel a domain transfer once it’s started?

A: Yes, you can cancel the transfer before it completes by either rejecting the transfer approval email from your current registrar or logging into your registrar account and denying the transfer request. However, once approved and completed, the transfer cannot be reversed immediately due to the 60-day transfer lock.

Q: What happens to my email settings during transfer?

A: Email settings remain unchanged during the transfer process as long as you don’t modify DNS records. However, if you’re changing nameservers to Cloudflare, ensure you’ve copied all MX records correctly to avoid email disruptions. Test email functionality after the transfer completes.

Q: Is there a limit to how many domains I can transfer to Cloudflare?

A: Cloudflare doesn’t impose specific limits on the number of domains you can transfer, but you’ll need to verify your identity for bulk transfers and ensure you have sufficient payment methods configured. Large-scale transfers may require additional verification steps for security purposes