How to Transfer a Domain to Wix

In this article, we'll guide you through the essential steps of connecting or transferring your existing domain name to your new Wix website. Having a custom domain name is crucial for branding and making your website easily discoverable. Let's dive in!

Understanding Your Domain Options with Wix

When you build a website on Wix, you have a few choices regarding your domain name. You can:

• Get a free Wix domain: This option provides a domain with the Wix branding (e.g., username.wixsite.com/sitename). It's a great way to start, but a custom domain looks more professional.
• Connect your own domain: If you already own a domain name registered with another provider (like Namecheap, GoDaddy, or Squarespace), you can connect it to your Wix website.
• Transfer your domain to Wix: This option involves moving the registration of your domain name from your current registrar to Wix. Wix will then manage your domain directly.

This article will focus on connecting and transferring existing domain names to your Wix website.

Connecting Your Existing Domain to Wix

If you want to keep your domain registered with your current provider but still use it for your Wix website, you'll need to connect it. This process involves updating your domain's DNS (Domain Name System) records.

There are two main ways to connect your domain:

• Connecting via Name Servers: This is the recommended method for most users. You'll update your domain's name servers to point to Wix. This gives Wix more control over your domain's DNS settings.
• Connecting via Pointing (A and CNAME Records): This method involves adding specific A and CNAME records in your domain registrar's DNS settings to point to your Wix website. This offers more granular control over your DNS but can be slightly more complex.

Connecting Your Domain to Wix via Name Servers

Follow these steps to connect your domain to Wix via name servers:

1. Log in to your Wix account and go to your site's dashboard.
2. Navigate to Settings and then click on "Connect Domain."
3. Select "Use a domain you already own" and enter your domain name.
4. Wix will provide you with two name servers to update at your current domain registrar (e.g., nsX.wixdns.net and nsY.wixdns.net).
5. Log in to your domain registrar (e.g., Namecheap, GoDaddy) and update your domain's name servers to the ones provided by Wix.
6. Save your changes. DNS propagation can take up to 48 hours, so be patient as your website may not be immediately accessible via your custom domain.
7. Return to Wix and click "Connected" to verify the connection.

Connecting Your Domain to Wix via Pointing (A and CNAME Records)

This method is less common but can be useful in specific scenarios. To connect your domain via pointing, follow these steps:

1. Follow steps 1-5 from the name server connection instructions above.
2. On Wix, choose the "Connect via IP address" option. Wix will provide you with an A record (an IP address) and a CNAME record (pointing www to sites.wix.com).
3. Log in to your domain registrar and go to the DNS management section.
4. Add or edit an A record with the IP address provided by Wix, and a CNAME record to point "www" to sites.wix.com.
5. Save your DNS records. Note that DNS propagation can still take up to 48 hours.
6. Return to Wix and click "Connected" to verify your DNS records.

Transferring Your Domain Name to Wix

Transferring your domain to Wix means that Wix becomes the registrar for your domain. This simplifies domain management as you'll handle everything directly through your Wix account. However, before transferring, ensure the following:

• Your domain is at least 60 days old.
• Your domain is unlocked at your current registrar.
• You have obtained the domain's transfer authorization code (EPP code) from your current registrar.
• Your domain's WHOIS privacy protection is temporarily disabled.

To transfer your domain to Wix, follow these steps:

1. Log in to your Wix account and go to your site's dashboard.
2. Navigate to Settings and then click on "Connect Domain."
3. Select "Transfer your domain to Wix" and enter the domain name you wish to transfer.
4. Enter the authorization code (EPP code) obtained from your current registrar.
5. Review the contact information and confirm your privacy options.
6. Choose your registration period and complete the payment to finalize the transfer.

Connecting Domains from Specific Providers

While the general process remains the same, here are some specific notes for connecting domains from popular providers:

• How to Connect a Namecheap Domain to Wix: Update the name servers in your Namecheap account to the Wix name servers, as described in the "Connecting Your Domain to Wix via Name Servers" section.
• How to Connect a Squarespace Domain to Wix: Log in to your Squarespace account, go to your domain settings, and update the DNS records or name servers to point to Wix.
• Transferring a Domain from Squarespace to Wix: Unlock your domain in your Squarespace account, obtain the transfer authorization code, and follow the general domain transfer steps in Wix.

Managing Your Domain Settings in Wix

Once your domain is connected or transferred to Wix, you can manage its settings directly from your Wix account. This includes:

• DNS Records: View and manage DNS records (like A, CNAME, TXT records) if you connected via name servers or transferred your domain.
• WHOIS Privacy: Control the visibility of your personal information in the public WHOIS database.
• Renewal: Manage auto-renewal settings to ensure your domain registration remains active.

Troubleshooting Common Domain Connection Issues

Sometimes, you might encounter issues when connecting or transferring your domain. Here are some common problems and solutions:

• DNS Propagation Delays: It can take up to 48 hours for DNS changes to fully propagate. Use online DNS lookup tools to check progress.
• Incorrect DNS Settings: Double-check that you've entered the Wix name servers or A/CNAME records correctly.
• Domain Locked: Ensure your domain is unlocked before transferring it to Wix.
• Incorrect Authorization Code: If you're transferring a domain, make sure you've entered the correct EPP code.

Useful Links

Connecting a Domain You Own to Your Wix Site – Detailed instructions on connecting your existing domain to your Wix website, including both name server and pointing methods.

Transferring a Domain Purchased Elsewhere to Wix – Step-by-step guide on transferring your domain registration from another provider to Wix.

Connecting a Domain to Wix Using the Pointing Method – Guide on connecting your domain to Wix without changing name servers, by updating A and CNAME records.

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Conclusion

Connecting or transferring your domain name is a fundamental step in establishing your online presence with Wix. By understanding the different options and following the correct procedures, you can ensure a smooth process and enjoy the benefits of a custom domain for your website. Remember to be patient during DNS propagation and double-check all your settings. Good luck!