How to Transfer a Domain from GoDaddy to Wix

Choosing the right domain name is a crucial first step for your website. If you've registered your domain with GoDaddy and are building your website on Wix, you'll need to connect the two. This article will guide you through the process of linking your GoDaddy domain to your Wix website.

Understanding Your Options: Connecting vs. Transferring

You have two main ways to use your GoDaddy domain with your Wix website: connecting it or transferring it.

Connecting

This method keeps your domain registered with GoDaddy. You will then point your domain name to your Wix website by updating DNS settings. This is often the simpler and quicker option.

Transferring

This method moves the registration of your domain name from GoDaddy to Wix. Wix will then become your domain registrar, handling renewals and management.

This article will primarily focus on how to connect your GoDaddy domain to Wix.

Preparing Your GoDaddy Domain for Connection

Before you can connect your domain, you might need to make sure it's ready. One important step is to unlock your domain at GoDaddy.

Here’s how to generally unlock your GoDaddy domain:

1. Log in to your GoDaddy account.
2. Go to your Domain Portfolio and select the domain you want to connect.
3. Under "Domain Settings", find the "Domain lock" section.
4. If the lock is "On," click "Edit" and toggle it to "Off." You may need to confirm this change.

It's also a good idea to ensure your domain's contact information is up-to-date in your GoDaddy account.

Step-by-Step: Connecting Your GoDaddy Domain to Wix

Once your domain is unlocked (if necessary), you can begin the connection process within your Wix account.

1. Log in to your Wix account.
2. Go to "Settings. in your site's dashboard.
3. Click on "Connect Domain." If you already have a connected domain, click "Connect a domain I already own."
4. Choose "Connect your domain to Wix."
5. Enter your domain name (provided by GoDaddy) and click "Next."

Wix will then guide you through the specific steps to connect your domain. This usually involves updating the DNS records of your domain within your GoDaddy account.

Updating DNS Records in Your GoDaddy Account

To point your GoDaddy domain to your Wix website, you will likely need to change the DNS settings. Wix will provide you with the specific DNS records (usually A records and/or CNAME records) that you need to enter in your GoDaddy domain's DNS management area.

General steps to update DNS in GoDaddy:

1. Log in to your GoDaddy account.
2. Go to your Domain Portfolio and select the domain you are connecting.
3. Click on "DNS" to manage your DNS records.
4. Edit existing A records or add new ones as instructed by Wix.
5. If needed, edit or add CNAME records (creating an alias for another domain name).

Completing the Connection in Wix

After you've updated the DNS records in your GoDaddy account, go back to your Wix account and click the button that confirms you've made the changes. It can take some time for DNS changes to propagate across the internet. This process is known as DNS propagation and can take anywhere from a few hours up to 48 hours.

Checking Your Connection Status

Wix usually provides a way to check the connection status of your domain within your account settings. Keep an eye on this to see when your domain is successfully linked. Once the connection is active, your GoDaddy domain name will lead visitors directly to your Wix website.

Considering a Domain Transfer to Wix

While connecting is a common choice, transferring your domain registration to Wix can offer the convenience of managing your website and domain in one place. The process for transferring a domain from GoDaddy to Wix involves a few more steps than connecting:

1. Unlock your domain at GoDaddy (as mentioned earlier).
2. Obtain an authorization code (EPP code) from GoDaddy. This code is required to initiate the transfer. You can usually find this in your GoDaddy domain settings.
3. Initiate the transfer within your Wix account. Go to "Settings" > "Connect Domain" > "Transfer your domain to Wix."
4. Enter your domain name and the authorization code, then follow the Wix prompts to complete the transfer process.

Troubleshooting Common Connection Issues

Sometimes, you might encounter issues when connecting your GoDaddy domain to Wix. Here are a few common problems and how to address them:

Incorrect DNS Records: Double-check that you have entered the DNS records provided by Wix exactly as they appear. Even a small typo can cause problems.

DNS Propagation Time: Be patient. It can take time for DNS changes to take effect globally.

Domain Locked: Ensure your domain is unlocked at GoDaddy before attempting to connect or transfer.

Incorrect Connection Method: Make sure you are following the correct steps for connecting (updating DNS) and not accidentally trying to transfer without initiating the transfer process in Wix.

If you encounter persistent issues, both GoDaddy and Wix offer support resources to help you resolve them.

Useful Links

Connecting Your GoDaddy Domain to Wix – Official Wix guide on connecting a GoDaddy domain by updating name servers, allowing Wix to manage DNS settings while keeping the domain registered with GoDaddy.

Connecting a Domain You Own to Your Wix Site – Detailed instructions on connecting domains purchased from other registrars, including GoDaddy, by updating DNS records or transferring domain registration to Wix.

Connecting Your GoDaddy Domain to Wix via Pointing – Guide on connecting a GoDaddy domain to Wix by pointing, which involves updating DNS records at GoDaddy while keeping DNS management there.

Transferring a Domain Purchased Elsewhere to Wix – Instructions on transferring domain registration from another provider, like GoDaddy, to Wix, making Wix your domain host and allowing management from your Wix account.

Transferring Your Wix Domain Away from Wix – Information on transferring your domain from Wix to another registrar, including obtaining the transfer authorization code (EPP code) and steps to initiate the transfer.

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Conclusion

By following these steps, you can successfully connect your GoDaddy domain to your Wix website and establish your online presence. Remember to pay close attention to the instructions provided by both platforms for a smooth process.