Transferring domain names and email accounts to Google Domains

Transferring domain names and email accounts to Google Domains involves several steps. Below is a general guide to help you with the process. Keep in mind that the specific steps may vary depending on your current domain registrar and email provider. Always make sure to double-check with both your current provider and Google Domains for any updates or changes to the process.

1. Backup your website and emails: Before initiating any transfer, it’s essential to create backups of your website files and databases. Also, make sure to back up all your email accounts and messages to avoid any data loss during the transition.
2. Unlock your domain: Log in to your current domain registrar account and locate the domain you want to transfer. Ensure that the domain is unlocked, as some registrars automatically lock domains to prevent unauthorized transfers. If it’s locked, you’ll need to unlock it.
3. Get the authorization code (EPP code): Obtain the authorization code (also known as the EPP code) from your current registrar. This code is required to prove your ownership of the domain during the transfer process.
4. Prepare your contact information: Make sure your contact information is up to date with your current registrar and matches the information you will use when transferring to Google Domains. This information includes your name, address, email address, and phone number.
5. Initiate the domain transfer with Google Domains: Go to the Google Domains website (domains.google) and sign in with your Google account or create a new one if you don’t have one. Then, start the domain transfer process. Enter your domain name and follow the instructions provided by Google Domains. During this process, you’ll be prompted to enter the authorization code you obtained earlier.
6. Verify the domain transfer: After initiating the transfer, you’ll receive an email from your current registrar asking you to confirm the transfer. Follow the instructions in the email to approve the transfer.
7. Wait for the domain transfer to complete: The transfer process typically takes a few days to complete, but it can vary depending on the current registrar and domain extension. During this time, your website and email services may experience temporary downtime or interruptions. Inform your users or clients about the potential downtime.
8. Set up email accounts on Google Workspace (formerly G Suite): If you have existing email accounts associated with your domain, you’ll need to set them up on Google Workspace (Google’s email hosting service). Follow the steps provided by Google to add and configure your email accounts.
9. Update DNS settings: After the domain transfer is complete, you’ll need to update the DNS settings on Google Domains to point to your website and email hosting provider. This step ensures that your website and email services work correctly with Google Domains.
10. Test website and email functionality: Once everything is set up, test your website to ensure it’s functioning correctly on Google Domains. Additionally, check your email accounts to make sure they are receiving and sending messages as expected.
11. Cancel services with the old provider: After confirming that your website and email are fully functional on Google Domains, you can cancel your services with your old domain registrar and email provider.

Remember that domain transfers and email migrations can be sensitive processes, and mistakes can lead to downtime and data loss. If you’re unsure about any step, consider seeking assistance from the Google Domains support team or technical experts.