To transfer a domain away from Bluehost, log into your Bluehost dashboard and navigate to the Domain Manager. Turn off the domain lock and disable domain privacy to reveal your administrative email. Next, click the 'Transfer' option to request your EPP authorization code. Finally, submit this code to your new registrar to complete the transfer.
What Is the ICANN Transfer Process?
Domain transfers follow a standardized ICANN protocol:
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| | Auth code sent to registrant email |
| | Submit domain + auth code |
| | Domain moves to new registrar |
Timeline: Most transfers complete within 5-7 days. Approving confirmation emails accelerates the process.
Why It Matters: Escape Renewal Price Hikes
The Bluehost pattern: First-year rates are low. Year-two renewals jump, often $18-$20/year for .com.
The solution: Transfer to a registrar with consistent pricing. NameSilo's pricing stays flat year over year with no tricks. Free WHOIS privacy: NameSilo includes domain privacy free. Bluehost charges extra.
Moving 10+ domains compounds savings each renewal cycle.
Decision Framework: Transfer vs Change Nameservers
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| Registration moves registrar | |
| Hosting destination changes | |
Transfer (this guide): Moves domain registration to a new registrar. Your hosting, website, and email stay exactly where they are. Zero downtime.
Change nameservers: Redirects traffic to a different host. Separate process from registration transfer.
You can transfer your domain to NameSilo while keeping your site on Bluehost's hosting indefinitely.
Implementation Steps: Transfer from Bluehost
Step 1: Log In to Bluehost Go to Domains in the left sidebar → Click Manage next to your domain.
Step 2: Unlock the Domain Click the Security tab → Toggle off Domain Lock. Confirm when prompted.
Step 3: Disable WHOIS Privacy Still in the Security tab → Scroll to Domain Privacy + Protection → Toggle off. Confirm.
This step is critical. With privacy enabled, the EPP code goes to Bluehost's proxy inbox, not yours. Disable privacy before requesting the code.
Step 4: Verify Registrant Email Confirm your registrant email is current and accessible. The auth code is sent to this address.
Step 5: Request EPP Code Scroll to Transfer Authorization / EPP Code section → Select your email → Click Send Code.
Step 6: Retrieve Code Check your registrant email inbox. The EPP code is case-sensitive, copy it exactly, with no leading or trailing spaces.
Step 7: Initiate at NameSilo Go to NameSilo's domain transfer page → Enter your domain and EPP code. Step 8: Approve Release Bluehost sends a confirmation email. Approve promptly to avoid delays.
Common Mistakes
Leaving WHOIS privacy enabled: This is the primary reason Bluehost transfers fail. Privacy replaces your email with a Bluehost proxy address, the EPP code goes to that proxy, not your inbox. Always disable privacy first.
Transfer lock period: ICANN currently requires 60 days after registration before transferring. (A 30-day reduction was approved in March 2025; implementation is still rolling out across registrars.)
Copying EPP code with spaces: Extra whitespace causes code validation to fail.
What This Means for You
NameSilo's transfer tool processes your Bluehost EPP code directly. Each transfer includes a one-year renewal extension, transparent pricing, and free WHOIS privacy. Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to transfer away from Bluehost?
Bluehost charges no outbound transfer fees.
How do I get my Bluehost EPP code? Security tab → Transfer Authorization / EPP Code → Send Code.
How long does a Bluehost transfer take? 5-7 days. Faster with prompt email approval.
Why is my Bluehost domain locked? Default security. Disable in the Security tab first.
Do I lose remaining domain time when I transfer?
No. Time carries over plus one year added.
Can I transfer an expired Bluehost domain?
Yes, during the grace period. Not once in redemption.
How do I turn off Bluehost domain privacy?
Security tab → Domain Privacy + Protection → Toggle off.
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