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Preparing a Domain Transfer with Bluehost and Accessing the Authorization Code

This article will show you how to prepare your Bluehost domain for a transfer to IONOS by disabling the transfer lock and the private registration option.

We will then show you how to access your authorization code from Bluehost. You will need this code later to approve (authorize) the domain transfer on IONOS's end.

Requirements

Certain domains (.com, .net, .org, .info, .biz, .mobi, .asia, .cc, .tv, etc.) must be registered under your name for at least 60 days before they can be transferred to a different provider.

Show all requirements for a successful domain transfer.

Disabling the Domain Transfer Lock with Bluehost

For your protection, generic top-level domains (e.g. .com, .net, or .org) have a domain transfer lock activated by default.

Before you start the domain transfer, you must disable this domain transfer lock.

  • Log in to your Bluehost Domain Manager.
  • Click Domains in the main menu.
  • Scroll down and select the desired domain.
  • Go to the Lock tab.
  • Finally, click Unlock.

Disabling Private Registration with Bluehost

If you are using private registration for your domain, you must disable it ("Pause Privacy") before you start the domain transfer.

  • Log in to your Bluehost Domain Manager.
  • Click Domains in the main menu.
  • Scroll down and select the desired domain.
  • Go to the Privacy Options tab.
  • Confirm that privacy is already enabled, and if so, click Pause Domain Privacy.

Accessing the Authorization (EPP) Code from Bluehost

Once you have disabled the domain transfer lock and private registration for your domain, you can access your authorization code (also known as an EPP Code) from Bluehost.

You will need this authorization code later to approve (authorize) the domain transfer on IONOS's end.

  • Log in to your Bluehost Domain Manager.
  • Click Domains in the main menu.
  • Scroll down and select the desired domain.
  • Go to the Transfer EPP tab.
  • The authorization (EPP) code will be displayed. Make a copy of it for later use.

Continuing the Domain Transfer with IONOS

You have successfully prepared your domain and can now continue the domain transfer on IONOS's end.