When you want to move your domain to another provider, you need two things: a transfer code (EPP/Auth Code) and your domain's transfer lock removed. In this guide, we explain what both are and how to get the code and remove the lock.
What Is an EPP / Auth Code (Transfer Code)?
An EPP code (also called an "Auth Code" or "Transfer PIN" by some providers) is a password-like code generated specifically for your domain and used to verify that you are its real owner. When transferring your domain to a new provider, you will be asked to enter this code with the new provider; the transfer cannot be started until the code is verified. This mechanism is a security measure that prevents your domain from being transferred by someone else without your permission.
Note: This rule applies to all generic extensions (.com, .net, .org, etc.); for .TR domains, the transfer process works differently and usually relies on an approval process based on ownership/authorization documents instead of an EPP code.
How to Get the EPP Code
To get the EPP code of a domain you manage through Oweb:
- Log in to your client area, go to My Domains and select the domain.
- On the domain details page, find the "Get EPP Code" or "Transfer Code" option.
- After you confirm the request, the code is sent to the administrative (admin) email address registered for the domain.
For security reasons, the EPP code is usually not displayed directly in the panel but sent to the registered email address, so make sure your domain contact details (WHOIS/admin email) are up to date and point to a mailbox that belongs to you.
What Is a Transfer Lock?
A transfer lock is a protection, enabled by default, that prevents a domain from being transferred to another provider by mistake or without authorization. While the lock is on, the transfer request is rejected even if the correct EPP code is entered. That is why the lock must be removed before you start the transfer.
How to Remove the Transfer Lock
- Open the details page of the domain in your client area.
- Find the "Registrar Lock" (Transfer Lock) option.
- Change the status from "Locked" to "Unlocked" and save.
After removing the lock, we recommend leaving it off until the transfer is complete; once the transfer has been approved and completed (or if you decide not to transfer), you can lock your domain again.
What to Check Before Transferring
- Domain age: Newly registered domains, or domains whose ownership details have changed within the last 60 days, generally cannot be transferred (ICANN rule).
- Proximity to expiry: Some registrars may restrict transfers of domains that are very close to their expiration date; we recommend starting the process before the domain expires.
- WHOIS privacy: If WHOIS privacy is enabled, make sure the email address the EPP code will be sent to is set correctly.
- Unpaid balance: If your account has an unpaid invoice related to the domain, the transfer request may be rejected.
How Long Does a Transfer Take?
Once the EPP code has been entered correctly and the lock has been removed, transfer requests for generic extensions are usually approved automatically within 5-7 days (the domain owner can speed up the process by approving the transfer during this period). During this time, your domain's DNS records and website continue to work normally; a transfer only changes which registrar manages the domain and does not affect your hosting.
Conclusion
Getting the EPP code and removing the transfer lock are the two mandatory steps of a domain transfer. Before you begin, making sure that your domain details are up to date and that you are not affected by possible restrictions (recent registration, approaching expiry, unpaid balance) helps the process run smoothly.
If you would like to register a new domain, visit our domain registration page; if you want to move your existing domain to Oweb, take a look at our domain transfer service.
