Domain push and domain transfer both change who controls a domain, but they work differently and solve different problems. Knowing which one you actually need saves you time and avoids an unnecessary wait.
What Is a Domain Push?
A domain push moves a domain from one account to another, usually within the same registrar. It’s the simpler of the two processes: you’re changing who owns the domain without changing where it’s registered.
To push a domain, you generally need the email address or username of the receiving account, then initiate the push from your registrar’s client area, or by opening a support ticket if the option isn’t self-service. The receiving account needs to be active, with its contact email verified, before it can accept the push.
Once a push is completed, your access to the domain ends immediately, and full control transfers to the new account holder. Some registrars, GoDaddy included, ask for a secret code to authorize the push, but the process itself is quick, often completing within the same day rather than taking days to process.
How to Push a Domain Name
The exact steps vary by registrar, so check your registrar’s specific process. In general: open a support ticket from the email used to register the domain, and clearly state the username or customer ID and email address of the new owner. Your registrar processes the request once you confirm it.
For example, pushing yourdomain.com.ng from one user to another within the same hosting account is a domain push. Moving that same domain to a completely different registrar would instead be a transfer.
What Is a Domain Transfer?
A domain transfer moves a domain’s registration from one registrar to another entirely, for example, from GoDaddy to Namecheap. This is a different operation from a push: you’re not just changing ownership, you’re changing who manages the domain’s registration.
Transfers require an EPP code (also called an Auth-Code, authorization code, or Auth-Info Code), a secret string generated by your current registrar that authorizes the move. Once the transfer completes, your new registrar takes over management of the domain and its associated records.
Under ICANN rules, a domain generally needs to have been with its current registrar for at least 60 days before it’s eligible for transfer. Note that transferring a domain doesn’t set up hosting for you, web hosting is a separate purchase entirely. A domain transfer also doesn’t require a change of owner: the same person can transfer their own domain to a new registrar simply to consolidate accounts or get better service.
Steps to Transfer a Domain
- Update your contact information with your current registrar
- Confirm the email address on file can receive the transfer request
- Unlock the domain
- Request the authorization (EPP) code
- Confirm the domain is eligible for transfer (past the 60-day minimum)
- Create an account with your new registrar
- Enter the authorization code with the new registrar
- Approve the transfer request
- Pay the transfer fee
- Wait for the transfer to complete
Domain Push vs. Domain Transfer
| Domain Push | Domain Transfer |
|---|---|
| Moves a domain between accounts within the same registrar | Moves a domain’s registration to a different registrar |
| Free in almost all cases | Usually comes with a transfer fee |
| Initiated by the current owner | Initiated by the new registrar, with authorization from the current owner |
| Near-instant, often same-day | Typically 5 to 7 days |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which one do I need if I’m just selling a domain to someone at the same registrar?
A domain push. It’s the faster, simpler option when both parties already use the same registrar, which is why pushes are the standard method in the domain flipping business.
Which one do I need to move a domain from GoDaddy to another company?
A domain transfer. You’ll need an EPP code from GoDaddy and the domain must be at least 60 days past its last registration or transfer.
Does a domain transfer include web hosting?
No. A domain transfer only moves domain registration. Hosting for your website files is a separate service you’ll need to arrange independently.
Is a domain push always free?
In almost all cases, yes, since no registrar is being changed. A domain transfer, by contrast, typically involves a transfer fee.
Managing multiple domains across different registrars can get confusing fast, and it’s easy to lose track of a valuable one. Let us help you consolidate and manage your domains properly. Send your brief to info@webdesigns.ng or WhatsApp us on 08114900422.
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