Explained: How do I Switch from GoDaddy? (Step-by-Step)

Infopackets Reader Sue P. writes:

" Dear Dennis,

I stumbled upon your website and read your article about GoDaddy email not syncing with Outlook. I have been dealing with a similar issue - GoDaddy emails are slow to send, and GoDaddy emails are slow to deliver. In fact, just about everything with GoDaddy is slow - yet, I'm paying over $300 a year to host my site at GoDaddy. They initially got me to sign up on $5.99 a month promise, but with all the extras I've agreed to, the costs add up quickly! Surely their must be a better choice. I was wondering can you give me a rough idea as to how do I switch from GoDaddy? Also can you help me move from GoDaddy to another host? "

My response:

I have helped a few clients move from GoDaddy to another host using my remote desktop support service, and they have been quite happy.

I agree: GoDaddy is massively overpriced and their service is horrible. The reason emails are slow to send and receive is because they pack as many websites as possible onto a single web / email server. In this case, the servers are overloaded, which results in an email backlog.

Explained: How do I Switch from GoDaddy? (Step-by-Step)

The process of moving from GoDaddy to another host depends on a number of factors, including your setup, requirements, budget, and the like.

Generally speaking, to switch from GoDaddy to another host, you would do the following:

1. Research and compare other hosting packages, pricing and features. Make sure you can get everything you have now at a cheaper rate, plus reasonable upgrade options if you need to grow. Narrow down the list to three hosts - preferably ones that offer a money back guarantee - then finalize your choice and purchase a plan.
    
2. Copy your website to the new host. This can be somewhat tricky depending on your setup. For example, if you have a Wordpress site you will need to export your database at GoDaddy, then import the data onto the new hosting platform. If you have never done this before, it can be daunting. In that case, you are welcome to contact me for remote support and I can manage the move for you.
    
3. Test the website at the new host. Ensure everything is working properly, including your content management system (Wordpress), plugins, and test your web forms such as your contact page. Once you are satisfied, proceed to the next step.
    
4. Initiate the GoDaddy domain transfer. You will need to log into your GoDaddy account and unlock / release your domain. To do this, you will need a GoDaddy authorization code. Once you have the code, login to the new hosting control panel and enter in the authorization code. If you are transferring to another registrar as well, I suggest you do that first.
    
5. Wait for GoDaddy to release the domain. Based on my experience, this can take up to 2 weeks because GoDaddy literally drags its feet during this process. You will need to login to your GoDaddy account to check the status of the transfer. If you want to speed things up you can call GoDaddy on the phone as they may be able to push it through faster.
    
6. Export your data (again). Once the domain has been released, you will need to export your data again to the new site to ensure the new site is up to date. This step is optional and assumes that you have made changes to your live site since exporting the data to the new host in Step #2.
    
7. Update your DNS. When you move to another hosting platform, your IP address (where your web server is physically located) will also change. This needs to be updated, otherwise your IP will still be pointing to GoDaddy's servers. If your registrar is GoDaddy, then it will be done through GoDaddy's control panel.
    
8. Wait patiently while your DNS propagates. This can take anywhere from 48 to 72 hours, typically. During this time your new DNS record will be updated on major DNS servers on the Internet, which will then point your website name to your new web hosting IP address. During this time, I suggest you leave your old GoDaddy website live because not all DNS servers update at the same time. This means some of your web visitors will be visiting your old site and some will be visiting the new site until the DNS propagation has finalized.

In all, this entire process can take anywhere from two weeks to a month (or longer), depending on a number of factors.

Other Popular GoDaddy Questions and Answers

• Can I transfer my GoDaddy domain to another host? Yes - refer to the above outline. Note that some hosting places will offer a deal on hosting + registrar (just like GoDaddy does), so keep that in mind as it may save you money.
   
• Does GoDaddy charge to transfer domains? No. However, if your setup is technical or if you have never done a domain transfer, I am more than happy to manage this for you - just shoot me an email. I am a web developer, programmer, technical analyst by trade, and have hosted my website on a dedicated server for 18 years. I am extremely knowledgeable when it comes to domain hosting, domain transfers, domain registrars, DNS, and more. Refer to my resume.
   
• How do I find my domain authorization code GoDaddy? You will need to login to your account at GoDaddy via the domain control center, as outlined here.
   
• How long does it take to transfer domain from GoDaddy? Most web hosts release domains in 48-72 hours; GoDaddy can take up to 2 weeks based on my experience with clients. In all, expect the entire process to take anywhere from two weeks to a month (or longer), depending on your circumstances.
   
• Does GoDaddy have a money back guarantee? Short answer: yes, and it's pro-rated. Refer to their refund policy.
   
• Can you help me move my domain from GoDaddy? Yes - send me an email briefly explaining what you need done.
   
• Can you recommend a better web host than GoDaddy? Yes - send me an email briefly explaining your objectives.

I hope that helps.

Additional 1-on-1 Support: From Dennis

Transferring domains and registrars can be technical, confusing, and time consuming. If you need help transferring your domain from GoDaddy to another host, I can help using my remote desktop support servce. Simply contact me, briefly describing the issue and I will get back to you as soon as possible.

Got a Computer Question or Problem? Ask Dennis!

I need more computer questions. If you have a computer question -- or even a computer problem that needs fixing -- please email me with your question so that I can write more articles like this one. I can't promise I'll respond to all the messages I receive (depending on the volume), but I'll do my best.

About the author: Dennis Faas is the owner and operator of Infopackets.com. With over 30 years of computing experience, Dennis' areas of expertise are a broad range and include PC hardware, Microsoft Windows, Linux, network administration, and virtualization. Dennis holds a Bachelors degree in Computer Science (1999) and has authored 6 books on the topics of MS Windows and PC Security. If you like the advice you received on this page, please up-vote / Like this page and share it with friends. For technical support inquiries, Dennis can be reached via Live chat online this site using the Zopim Chat service (currently located at the bottom left of the screen); optionally, you can contact Dennis through the website contact form.