Transfer domain from Wix to Cloudflare Registrar

Transferring a domain from Wix to Cloudflare Registrar indeed presents a unique challenge because Wix does not allow you to change nameservers prior to a transfer, and Cloudflare typically requires that domains use its nameservers before it will manage the domain registration. Given this situation, you have a couple of viable options to navigate around these limitations:

Option 1: Transfer to an Intermediate Registrar

1. Choose an Intermediate Registrar: Select a registrar that allows both easy changing of nameservers and will not impose restrictions similar to Wix. Some popular options include GoDaddy, Namecheap, or Google Domains.
2. Transfer Domain to the Intermediate Registrar: Follow the general steps to transfer your domain from Wix to the chosen intermediary:
   • Unlock your domain at Wix.
   • Obtain the authorization code from Wix.
   • Initiate the transfer at the intermediate registrar using the authorization code.
   • Approve the transfer and wait for it to complete.
3. Change Nameservers at the Intermediate Registrar: Once the domain is transferred, you can change the nameservers to Cloudflare's nameservers as required by Cloudflare.
4. Transfer Domain to Cloudflare: After the nameservers are pointed to Cloudflare, and you've confirmed that they are fully propagated, initiate the transfer of your domain registration to Cloudflare Registrar.

Option 2: Directly Use Cloudflare's Services Without Transferring Registrar

1. Use Cloudflare without Transferring the Registrar: Instead of transferring the domain registrar to Cloudflare, you can still use Cloudflare’s CDN, DNS, and other services by changing your DNS records at Wix to point to Cloudflare.
2. Set Up Cloudflare DNS: Follow the setup process in Cloudflare to add your site. Cloudflare will provide you with DNS records to configure at Wix.
3. Update DNS Records at Wix: Instead of changing nameservers, manually update the DNS records (like A, AAAA, CNAME, MX, etc.) at Wix based on the information provided by Cloudflare.
4. Verify Configuration: Ensure all configurations are correct and your site functions properly through Cloudflare’s services.

Additional Tips:

• Check for Locks: Ensure your domain is not in a registrar lock status (often automatically applied during transfers or significant changes) which might prevent any operations.
• Domain Age: Verify that your domain has been registered for at least 60 days with Wix before attempting a transfer, as ICANN rules prevent a domain from being transferred within 60 days of registration or a previous transfer.
• Support and Documentation: Both Wix and your intermediate or final registrar (Cloudflare or others) have detailed support articles and customer support that can assist you if you encounter issues.

By using one of these strategies, you can successfully move your domain services to Cloudflare, either by temporarily using an intermediate registrar or by adjusting your DNS management approach without moving the registrar service.

Instructions Below Are Untested

Transferring a domain away from Wix to another registrar like Cloudflare involves several steps that you'll need to follow to ensure a smooth and successful transfer. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

1. Prepare your domain for transfer

• Unlock the Domain: Log into your Wix account, go to the domain management area, and ensure that your domain is unlocked. Domains are often locked to prevent unauthorized transfers.
• Check Registration Period: Ensure that your domain has been registered with Wix for at least 60 days, as domains cannot be transferred within 60 days of registration or prior transfer.
• Update Contact Information: Make sure your administrative contact information is up-to-date because Cloudflare will use this information to contact you during the transfer process.

2. Obtain the Authorization Code

• Request Authorization Code: Still within Wix's domain management section, request an authorization code (also known as an EPP code). Wix should send this code to the email address associated with your domain.

3. Initiate Transfer on Cloudflare

• Create a Cloudflare Account: If you don't already have one, create a Cloudflare account at https://www.cloudflare.com.
• Add Your Domain: In your Cloudflare dashboard, select the option to add a site. Follow the prompts until you reach the domain registrar transfer section.
• Enter Authorization Code: Enter the authorization code you received from Wix when prompted by Cloudflare.

4. Approve the Transfer

• Confirmation Email: After initiating the transfer, you’ll receive an email from Cloudflare confirming the transfer request. Follow any instructions in this email to approve the transfer.
• Domain Transfer Process: The transfer process typically takes five to seven days to complete. During this time, keep an eye on your emails in case further action is required.

5. Verify Transfer Completion

• Check Your Cloudflare Dashboard: Log into your Cloudflare account and check your domain's status. Once the transfer is complete, it will be listed in your Cloudflare dashboard.
• Check Functionality: Ensure that your domain is still functioning as expected after the transfer. This includes checking your website and any associated services like email.

Additional Tips

• Do Not Cancel Your Wix Plan Prematurely: Wait until the transfer is fully complete before cancelling any services with Wix to avoid disruptions to your domain's services.
• DNS Settings: Be prepared to configure DNS settings in Cloudflare if needed. Copying your current DNS records from Wix to Cloudflare before initiating the transfer can help minimize downtime.

By following these steps, you should be able to successfully transfer your domain from Wix to Cloudflare. If you encounter any issues, both Wix and Cloudflare offer support that can assist with the transfer process.

Related Articles

• https://community.cloudflare.com/t/i-need-to-transfer-a-domain-from-wix-to-cloudflare/531010/4