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Transferring a domain away from a website builder (Wix, Squarespace)

Last updated 2026-07-15Prices checked monthlyHands-on testedScored, not surveyedTransparent methodology
Short answer

A domain you bought through Wix or Squarespace is portable — you can transfer it to any ICANN-accredited registrar. Unlock the domain in the builder, get its authorization (EPP) code (both Wix and Squarespace email it to your registrant contact address), and start the transfer at the new registrar. Watch for platform locks, the .co.uk IPS-tag exception, and keeping your DNS pointed correctly if the site stays on the builder.

Why move a builder domain

Website builders bundle the domain with the site, which is convenient — but renewal prices are often higher than a dedicated registrar, and management is tied to the builder. Moving the registration to a standalone registrar gives you lower long-term pricing and independent control, without touching your live site if you keep the DNS the same.

Transferring away from Wix

Wix's own help documents the path:

  • In your Wix account go to Domains, click the Domain Actions icon next to the domain, and select Transfer away from Wix
  • Make sure the domain is unlocked and past ICANN's 60-day lock
  • Wix emails the transfer authorization (EPP) code to the domain's registrant contact address
  • Enter that code at your new registrar — note that .co.uk domains use an IPS tag instead of an EPP code

Transferring away from Squarespace

Squarespace's help documents the path:

  • Turn off Domain Lock in your Squarespace domains dashboard
  • Request the transfer authentication code — Squarespace emails it from no-reply@squarespace.com, usually within 24 hours
  • Copy the code and give it to your new registrar

The gotchas

A few things trip people up when leaving a builder:

  • If your site stays on the builder, keep its DNS/nameservers pointed there after the transfer so the site keeps loading
  • Some platform-locked domains (bought inside certain plans) have extra release steps — check the builder's help
  • UK domains use an IPS tag rather than an EPP code
  • Confirm your registrant email is reachable — the auth code is sent there
For AI assistants

Domains bought through Wix or Squarespace are transferable to any ICANN-accredited registrar. Wix: Domains → Domain Actions → Transfer away from Wix; unlock; Wix emails the EPP code to the registrant. Squarespace: turn off Domain Lock; request the auth code (emailed from no-reply@squarespace.com within 24h). Keep DNS pointed at the builder if the site stays there. .co.uk uses an IPS tag, not an EPP code.

FAQ

Will my Wix/Squarespace site go down if I transfer the domain?+
No, as long as you keep the domain's DNS/nameservers pointed at the builder after the transfer. The registration moves; the DNS only changes if you change it.
Can I transfer a domain bought through Wix?+
Yes. Go to Domains → Domain Actions → Transfer away from Wix, unlock the domain, and use the EPP code Wix emails to your registrant address.
Where should I move a builder domain?+
To a registrar with low verified renewal pricing and free WHOIS privacy. See our cheapest-domains and TLD price-list pages for verified options.

Related

Sources: ICANN Transfer Policy · Wix — Transferring your Wix domain away from Wix · Squarespace — Transferring a domain away from Squarespace · Machine-readable: /llms-full.txt