In this guide, I’ll walk you through the entire transfer process step by step — based on my own experience. You’ll see exactly how to move your domain from the current WordPress website hosting provider, making the switch to Wix as smooth and hassle-free as possible.
In short, to transfer a domain name from WordPress to Wix, you have to unlock it at the current registrar first, get the authorization EPP code and then initiate the migration process in your Wix account. Once approved, the domain will be fully connected to your new Wix website. Next, we’ll go over each step one by one.
Step by Step Domain Transfer Guide
I recommend moving the domain name directly to Wix right after the website transfer. This will make it possible to manage DNS, billing and updates in one place. Here are the steps to complete:
- Log into your Wix account and go to:
- Domains → Add an Existing Domain → Transfer your domain to Wix → Start Transfer.
- Enter your domain name and select your current registrar from the dropdown menu.
- Follow on-screen prompts and confirm that you’ve unlocked the domain, disabled privacy protection, obtained your authorization (EPP) code.
- Choose the required extension period (minimum 1 year needed for transfer). Note that many Wix subscriptions come with a free one-year domain voucher, which may cover the transfer fees.
- Review and edit your contact information.
- Select privacy setting: public or private WHOIS.
- Enter payment info and submit the transfer.
- Check your email to confirm the transfer via the link provided. The switch may take 7 days (up to 14 days near expiration).
Transferring a Domain to the Wix Name Servers
If you still have an intention to leave your domain name hosted with the external provider, but plan to migrate to Wix, the algorithm of actions will somewhat differ. This is because you’ll face the need to connect the domain to the Wix server. This is how this should be done:
- Upgrade to a Wix Premium plan (this is a must for correct connection).
- In your Wix account → Go to Domains. Then click “Connect a Domain You Already Own” (If you already have one, click “Add Domain” instead).
- Choose which Wix site to link it to.
- Enter your domain name when prompted.
- Follow the updated instructions to finally transfer it to Wix name servers.
Transferring a Subdomain to a Wix Site When a Primary Domain Is Not Connected to Wix
If your WordPress website is connected to the subdomain like site.wordpress[.]com, but you’d like it to be connected to Wix, the following instruction is what you need:
- Upgrade to the selected premium plan to get started (see Wix tariffs in details).
- Add the existing subdomain to your Wix account (Wix → My Domains).
- Set it up by adding the specified DNS records via your external host (mind that you will have to add the subdomain to the My Domains Wix account page).
- Follow the instructions to complete the process.
Connecting a Subdomain to a Wix Site
In case you possess two related websites in a single Wix account, it is possible to connect the domain name of the second website to that of the first website via the subdomain. This is ideal for multilingual sites. Mind, however, that both websites should be managed under the terms of the plan you have chosen. To complete the task:
- Go to Domains in your Wix account.
- Add the domain/subdomain you want to link.
- Select the site to connect.
- Follow the prompts to finalize the subdomain setup.
Connecting a Subdomain to a Wix Site When the Primary Domain Is Connected to Wix via Pointing
Sometimes, there are situations when a primary domain name is connected to Wix via Pointing. If this is your case and you’d like to connect a subdomain to the website builder, follow the steps below:
- Log into Wix, go to My Domains.
- Add your subdomain and get the DNS records Wix provides.
- Log into your external registrar and manually add those DNS records.
How to Transfer Domain from Bluehost to Wix
Bluehost is one of the most popular hosts for WordPress websites. So, I decided to add a separate instruction on how to transfer a domain name from it to Wix. The very process involves two large parts. Here they go.
Prepare Your Bluehost Domain for Migration
- Log in to your Bluehost control panel. The navigation menu will offer to reach the Domains tab to pick the one you intend to move.
- Review Contact Info. Checking the contact info to make sure the data is correct is a must before you initiate the moving process. The thing is that your contact info, which is included on the domain’s record in the WHOIS database as required by ICANN, will be emailed to the new Wix registrar. Thus, the data have to be valid and updated, if needed.
- Check the Transfer Validity. Mind that not all domain names are valid for migration based on the ICANN policy. Thus, the transfer is not allowed for domain names registered, renewed or moved within the last 60 days.
- Make the Contact Data Updates. If everything is ok and your domain name is valid for migration, click the Domains tab again in the navigation menu to pick the one you need to update. View the available info and edit the data, if required. Save the edits.
- Update Name Servers. Before you proceed to the moving process, make sure to update name servers to minimize downtime during the procedure. Making DNS changes won’t be possible, when the domain name transfer is in progress. To do that, get back to the Domains tab in the navigation menu, choose the DNS option, click the Edit button, select the Custom section and enter the name server settings provided by the new registrar. Save the info then. It generally takes around 24-72 hours to update the ISP worldwide. During this time, your web traffic will be directed either to the new or to the old host depending on the visitor’s ISP. The emails will be down as well.
- Unlock the Domain. All domain names are locked by default. This is needed to prevent unauthorized transfers. To proceed to the moving process, you have to unlock it first. To complete the task, choose it and click the arrow icon next to the drop-down Manage menu. Pick the Security point, locate the Transfer Lock there and then click the switch icon to unlock the domain.
- Get EPP Code. Your new Wix registrar will require the EPP (Authorization) code to complete the transfer. Again, access the Domains tab, select the one you need, click the arrow icon next to the Manage section and select Security option from the drop-down menu. Scroll down to choose the Transfer Authorization/EPP Code and then enable the Send Code button. You will get the code via email. Now you are ready to initiate the moving process.
Initiate the Transfer in Wix
- Log in to your Wix account. Then get to the panel and click the Start Transfer button.
- Complete the Move. Enter the domain name you would like to transfer, then click the drop-down menu to pick the source it was purchased from. Click the Continue button.
- Make Sure the Domain Name is Unlocked. Log in to the Bluehost account and then to your Wix account. Click the I Unlocked It button.
- Get the EPP Code. Get the Authorization Code from the Bluehost account to further add it to the Enter Authorization Code field. Click the Continue button to select the extension period (it is recommended that it should be at least one year).
- Check the Info. Take your time to view and edit contacts, pick the privacy option (private or public registration), select the payment method and click the Submit Purchase button.
As soon as you complete all the steps listed above, the Wix team will send an email to confirm the migration. It generally takes up to 7 days for the transfer to be finished successfully (transfers near expiration may take up to 14 days).
How Much Does It Cost to Transfer a Domain to Wix
The main cost associated with your migration generally starts at $14.95 per year. This is a mandatory fee, irrespective of whether you still have some time left on your current registration. Your previous payment won’t be lost, however. It will be extended as the website builder automatically adds 1 year to the existing expiration date of your domain name.
The domain is included in the migration cost. You don’t have to pay any separate fees during the transfer process.
Wix offers free WHOIS privacy protection for eligible domains. This allows hiding your personal contact info in public WHOIS databases. Generic data for anti-spam protection are used instead.
FAQs
Why was my domain transfer request rejected?
The main reasons for that are: the domain name is still locked, the EPP (authorization) code is incorrect, WHOIS privacy is enabled or the domain was registered/moved/had its ownership changed within the last 60 days.
How to deal with a locked or expired domain?
To transfer a locked domain name, log in to your registrar account, find the domain’s settings and disable the transfer lock. If it has expired, you must renew it first at your current registrar (expired domains cannot be transferred when they are inactive).
What happens to SSL certificate during migration?
SSL certificates from your previous host do not transfer to your new Wix account. As soon as you connect the domain name and adjust DNS settings, Wix will automatically issue a free SSL certificate for your website. Its activation is automatically completed within 24–48 hours.
What is domain propagation and how long does it take?
The process of updating DNS records across global servers after domain connection/moving is known as propagation. It generally takes up to 48 hours. During this time you can see either the old website or the newly hosted one. It’s ok.
Bottom Line
The domain name migration from WordPress to Wix starts with the preparatory stage (for your old registrar) and ends with the confirmation on the Wix side. The duration and complexity of the moving procedure depends upon various factors.
There are several ways to complete the transfer: you can connect it via name server, point it or work with subdomains. Wix will provide enough flexibility to do that in any case. By securing your EPP code, unlocking your domain and updating DNS records (if needed), you will be able to retain full control over your website.
