Transferring your domain name from Hostinger to Namecheap is a straightforward process that typically takes 5 to 7 days to complete. It involves preparing your domain at Hostinger and then initiating the transfer at Namecheap.

Here is a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

Part 1: Prepare Your Domain at Hostinger (The Losing Registrar)

Before you can move your domain, you must meet a few ICANN-mandated eligibility requirements:

    The domain must have been registered for at least 60 days.

    The domain must not have been transferred between registrars within the last 60 days.

    The domain must not be in an expired/redemption period (though transferring after an expired renewal is generally not recommended).

If your domain is eligible, follow these steps in your Hostinger account:

Step 1: Unlock Your Domain

For security, domains are typically locked to prevent unauthorized transfers.

    Log in to your Hostinger hPanel.

    Navigate to the Domains section.

    Select the domain you wish to transfer and click Manage.

    Find the Domain Lock or Transfer Lock setting (it may be under the Sharing & Transfer tab).

    Disable the domain lock.

Step 2: Disable WHOIS Privacy (If Applicable)

Domain privacy services can sometimes block the transfer verification emails.

    In the same Domain Management section, look for the WHOIS Privacy setting.

    Temporarily disable this service.

Step 3: Get the EPP Code (Authorization Code)

This code (also known as the Auth Code or Transfer Key) is a password that proves you are the legitimate domain owner.

    In the Domain Management section for your domain, look for an option like Get Authorization Code or EPP Code.

    Hostinger will likely send this code to the Administrative Contact Email associated with your domain (the email you used to register the domain).

    Check your inbox for this email and save the code. This is a case-sensitive code you will need to provide to Namecheap.

Part 2: Initiate the Transfer at Namecheap (The Gaining Registrar)

Once you have the EPP code, you can start the transfer at Namecheap.

Step 4: Start the Transfer at Namecheap

    Go to the Namecheap website.

    Navigate to the Domains menu and select Transfer (or go directly to their domain transfer page).

    Enter the full domain name you are transferring (e.g., yourdomain.com) and click Transfer or Add to Cart.

Step 5: Provide the EPP Code

    Namecheap will perform a quick check to ensure the domain is unlocked and eligible.

    On the transfer page, you will be prompted to enter the Authorization Code (EPP Code) you received from Hostinger.

    Paste the code into the required field.

Step 6: Complete the Purchase

    Add the transfer to your cart. Domain transfers typically cost a fee, but this usually includes a one-year renewal of your domain registration, effectively adding a year to your current expiration date.

    Review your order, apply any coupon codes, and proceed to checkout to finalize the payment.

Part 3: Confirmation and Finalization

Step 7: Approve the Transfer Email

After payment, the process enters a pending stage:

    You will receive a final confirmation email (often from the new registrar or the domain registry) sent to the Administrative Contact Email listed for your domain.

    Open this email and click the confirmation link to approve the transfer. This step is crucial and speeds up the process.

Step 8: Wait for Completion

    The entire transfer process typically takes 5 to 7 days from the time you approve the transfer email.

    Your website and email services will continue to work during this time, as the domain's Name Servers usually remain active until the transfer is fully complete.

Once the transfer is complete, your domain will appear in your Namecheap account management area, and you can then manage your Name Servers and DNS records from there. At this point, you can also re-enable WHOIS privacy at Namecheap (they often include it for free).