This post serves as a warning to newcomers about the difficulties that can arise when transferring domains between registrars.



While transferring the Bits.media domain from GoDaddy to Internetbs, the WHOIS domain became stuck in "transferPeriod" status and the website and its subdomains were down for several days. Both registrars blamed each other for the delay and no solution was found.

Despite having valid NS servers with GoDaddy, it was not possible to add domain data before transfer completion due to GoDaddy's policy. Contacting support and administrators did not result in a solution, and it seemed they were unwilling to manually add the necessary records.

After transferring the domain to Internetbs, attempts to make changes were unsuccessful due to its status being "transferPeriod." Suggestions were made to use third-party DNS services instead of the registrar's DNS. Nevertheless, DNS problems still occurred.

A response from GoDaddy support was received, but it did not offer a solution to the problem. The website, forum, and subdomains have been unavailable for two days with no solution in sight. The expected completion time for the transfer is about four days, but the downtime period is significant. Any suggestions on how to speed up the process are welcome.

If DNS breaks, everything else will fail, so it's important to be cautious when dealing with DNS and not solely rely on past successful experiences. It's also important to consider that issues could arise beyond DNS, such as backups.

The saying "admins are divided into those who have not yet made backups and those who already do" can be extended to include avoiding potential issues. Asking oneself what could go wrong and having contingency plans in place can help prevent problems.

Which registrars do you recommend for transferring domains? Beget is a cheaper option but has limitations in the number of serviced zones. To transfer to Beget, register and go to the "Domains and subdomains" section, enter the address without the protocol, and pass the authorization code. With Google Domains, log in, click transfer, fill in the domain and send, then insert the authorization code.

Sprinthost is a less popular option that allows for free transfer and attachment of the domain to its servers, but international zones require a year before transfer. NAME.COM is another US-based company that does not make any statements about blocking or restricting services, and the domain is renewed for free after transfer. Porkbun is also a US-based service that does not plan to block anyone and some zones are extended for free.

1. Double-check all the necessary steps: Ensure that you have followed all the required steps for domain transfer correctly, including unlocking the domain, obtaining an authorization code, and providing accurate contact information.

2. Communicate with both registrars: Continue reaching out to both GoDaddy and Internetbs support teams to escalate your issue and seek resolution. It may be helpful to share any relevant error messages or details you have encountered during the process.

3. Investigate alternative solutions: Consider exploring third-party DNS services, as suggested, to see if it helps resolve the DNS problems you are experiencing. Research different providers and evaluate their reliability and compatibility with your specific needs.

4. Seek assistance from domain experts: If possible, consult with domain experts or professionals who specialize in domain transfers. They may have experience resolving similar issues and can provide valuable guidance or recommendations.

5. Be patient: Domain transfers can sometimes take time, especially when encountering complications. While it can be frustrating, try to remain patient and continue working with both registrars until a resolution is reached.

Resolving domain transfer issues can be complex and specific to your individual circumstances. Here are a few additional suggestions to consider:

1. Check the transfer status: Verify the current transfer status of your domain through the registrar's control panel or by contacting their support. It's possible that the transfer is still in progress and may resolve itself over time.

2. Request escalation: If you have been unable to find a satisfactory resolution from the support teams, request to escalate your issue to a higher level of support or a supervisor. They may have more authority or resources to help resolve the problem.

3. Consult community forums: Look for online forums or communities where domain owners discuss similar issues. There might be others who have encountered and successfully resolved similar problems and can provide guidance based on their experiences.

4. Consider legal options: If all else fails, and you believe your rights as a domain owner have been violated, you might want to consult legal counsel familiar with domain name disputes and regulations. They can advise you on whether pursuing legal action is an appropriate course of action.