Thinking about moving your domain to a new registrar in Tanzania? The transfer process for a .tz, .com, or any other extension can seem hectic, especially if you are new to domain transfers. 

A domain transfer can get you better renewal prices, improved customer support, or help you keep all your domains in one place. This guide will walk you through how to transfer a domain and give tips to make the process easier.

Worried about encountering technical issues during domain transfer? Do not worry, we’ve got some troubleshooting tips for you.

Understanding Domain Transfers

A domain transfer is moving the management of your domain from one registrar (the company that handles your domain registration) to another.

People transfer domains due to reasons such as:

• Search for better pricing because some domain registrars offer cheaper renewal prices
• To consolidate multiple domains under one registrar for easier management
• To get better services, such as customer support, security features, and add-ons

There is an eligibility procedure for domains to enable transfer. When transferring a domain, ensure that:

• The domain is at least 60 days old (for .COM and other gTLDs).
• The domain has not expired or been locked by the current registrar.
• You have access to the domain’s administrative email for verification.

How to Transfer a Domain In Tanzania

You don’t need to be a software expert to transfer a domain in Tanzania successfully. Here are a few steps to follow on how to transfer a domain: 

Choose a New Registrar

To conduct a domain transfer, you need a new registrar for your domain. Select a registrar that supports your domain extension.

For example, if you have a .tz domain, you need a domain registrar with Tanzanian domain accreditation. Examples of .tz domain registrars:

• Truehost
• Habari Node
• Kilihost
• Zesha 

It is important to compare your new registrar with your previous one to ensure you get a better deal. 

Unlock Domain with Your Current Registrar

Domain registrars lock domains to prevent unauthorized transfers. Before initiating a domain transfer, you must first unlock it. Try these steps to unlock your domain: 

1. Log in to your current registrar’s dashboard.
2. Go to the domain management section.
3. Look for a “Transfer Lock” or “Domain Lock” option and disable it.

Get the EPP Code

An EPP code is an authorization key for domain transfers. It is a security element for domain names and guards domains from illegal transfers. 

It is also an additional layer of verification of domain ownership. You need it to do a domain transfer.

Where do you get the EPP code for a domain transfer?

• In your registrar’s dashboard, find the option to request the EPP code
• The code is usually sent to the domain’s administrative email address
• You can also send your current registrar an email requesting the EPP code
• Most registrars have live support, and you can text them requesting the code

Note: Country-specific domains like .tz might have different rules during domain transfer. Hence, you can contact your registrar to learn the proper procedure.

Initiate Domain Transfer with New Registrar

After getting the EPP code, you can start the domain transfer with your new registrar. 

• Go to your new registrar’s website and look for the domain transfer option.
• Enter your domain name and the EPP code.
• Follow the prompts to complete the transfer request.

Understand that you should follow the guidelines your new domain registrar laid out during domain transfers. 

Approve Domain Transfer on Email

After submitting the transfer request, the domain’s administrative email will receive a confirmation email.

• Open the email and click the approval link (or follow the instructions).
• If you disapprove, the transfer will not proceed.

Wait for the Domain Transfer to Complete

Depending on the domain registrar (5-7 days), domain transfers take a while. While waiting, the old registrar can send a final confirmation request, and once the transfer is through, you will receive confirmation from the new registrar.

Domain Transfer with Truehost

Truehost’s domain transfer process is as easy as it can get. The Truehost process for transferring a domain involves:

1. Eligibility Checks

The eligibility checks confirm whether the domain is over 60 days old and not within a 60‑day registrar lock. It also ensures no outstanding invoices or holds on the domain.

Then, prepare with the current registrar for transfer.

2. Unlocking the domain

This involves disabling ID/privacy protection so transfer emails get through.

The second step of unlocking the domain is obtaining the EPP/authorization code from the current registrar. Truehost can request the EPP on your behalf.

3. Start transfer at Truehost.

You can now place a domain transfer order in the Truehost Client Area and pay the transfer fee.

The transfer usually includes a 1‑year renewal.

The best thing about domain transfers with Truehost is that you don’t have to do it alone; support can perform some of the steps for you.

4. Approve the domain transfer.

Next, you receive approval emails from the current registrar, who approves them promptly.

If the old registrar requires manual approval, follow their link or instructions to approve.

5. Wait for completion

In most cases, domain transfers finish within 5–7 days for many TLDs; depending on the registrar and TLD, some are faster, while others can lag.

6. Post‑transfer checks

After receiving the domain transfer success email, confirm nameservers and DNS records. If you change nameservers to Truehost, propagating DNS can take  24–48 hours. 

You can also enable ID protection and review contact details after a successful domain transfer. 

Domain Transfer Issues and Troubleshooting

When performing a domain transfer, you can encounter some issues, and here’s how you can troubleshoot: 

1. Domain Locked by Registrar

If your domain is locked, contact your current registrar’s support and request an unlock.

2. Expired Domain

An expired domain cannot be transferred until it’s renewed. Ensure you renew it first before initiating a transfer. Also, perform a domain transfer a few weeks before it expires to avoid unnecessary renewal requirements during the transfer.

3. Wrong EPP Code or Authorization Issues

If you experience authorization issues during domain transfer, double-check the EPP code and ensure it was sent to the correct email. 

If you lost the EPP code, request a new one from your old registrar to proceed.

4. Transfer Rejected by Current Registrar

Sometimes, registrars can delay transfers. If you explain transfer delays, contact their support for resolution.

Conclusion

Domain transfers are not complicated if you follow the proper steps. A quick recap on how to transfer a domain in Tanzania:

1. Get a new domain registrar
2. Unlock your domain
3. Get the EPP code
4. Initiate the domain transfer with your new registrar
5. Approve the domain transfer
6. Wait for propagation

Truehost offers critical support to ease your transition journey during domain transfers. If you have domain transfer issues like a locked domain or expired registration, most registrars offer support to help resolve them quickly. 

For .tz domains, you must check with your new registrar for any special requirements. Ready to transfer a domain? Truehost is here to guide you through the switch.