Why your domain transfer was blocked, and how to fix it
You started a domain transfer, waited, and got a failure message, or nothing happened at all. Transfers fail for a small number of well-known reasons, and most are easy to fix once you know which one you're dealing with.
1. The domain is still locked
Most registrars lock domains by default so they can't be moved by accident or by someone who has gained access to an account. A locked domain can't be transferred, even with the right code.
The fix: at the current registrar, find the "registrar lock" or "transfer lock" setting and switch it off, then start the transfer again. Turn the lock back on at the new registrar once the transfer completes.
2. The transfer code is wrong or expired
The EPP or auth code must match exactly. Codes are usually case-sensitive and may include symbols that look alike, such as a zero and the letter O. Some registrars also issue codes that stop working after a while.
The fix: request a fresh code and copy and paste it rather than typing it.
3. The domain was registered or transferred recently
Many registrars won't allow a transfer for a period after a domain is first registered or after it was last transferred, commonly 60 days. Some also apply a lock after certain changes to the owner's details. The exact rules depend on the extension and the registrar, and the policies behind them are being updated, so don't rely on a fixed number.
The fix: ask the current registrar when the domain becomes eligible. In the meantime, if you've just bought it, the seller can sometimes move the domain into your account at the same registrar instead, which isn't blocked in the same way.
4. The domain has expired or is close to expiring
An expired domain, or one in its grace or redemption period, usually can't be transferred until it's renewed.
The fix: renew the domain at the current registrar first, then transfer. If it's in the redemption period, restoring it usually costs extra.
5. Contact details or approval emails
Some transfers need approval by email. If the domain's contact email is out of date, or the message went to spam, the transfer may stall or be cancelled.
The fix: make sure the registrant email is one you can access, check spam folders, and approve any confirmation promptly.
6. A dispute or legal hold
A domain involved in a dispute, such as a trademark complaint, is usually locked until the dispute is resolved. Registrars may also hold domains for unpaid fees or suspected abuse.
The fix: contact the current registrar. These holds can't be removed by the owner alone, and you should be cautious about buying a domain that's under one.
7. The extension uses a different process
Not every extension uses EPP codes. Some country-code extensions have their own transfer process. For example, .uk domains are moved by changing a registrar tag.
The fix: check the extension's transfer rules, or ask the new registrar how they handle it.
How to find out which one it is
The fastest route is to ask the current registrar's support team why the transfer was refused. They can see the status of the domain and the reason for the rejection. You can also look up the domain's status in a public WHOIS or RDAP lookup: statuses such as "clientTransferProhibited" mean the domain is locked.
If you're mid-sale
When a transfer fails during a sale, tell the other party quickly and explain what you're doing to fix it. On a marketplace with escrow, the buyer's payment stays safely held while you sort it out, and if the domain truly can't be transferred, the sale can be cancelled and the buyer refunded. Checking eligibility before you list avoids most of these situations; our help center covers what sellers should check first.