GoDaddy is well-known for being a reliable domain registrar and hosting provider.
Unfortunately, it is not possible to change a domain name once it’s been registered on GoDaddy.
If you’d like to use a different domain, you’ll need to purchase a new one. Registrars generally do not allow you to cancel, return, or release your domain after 120 hours of owning it.
In this article, we’ll explain how to change your domain name on GoDaddy by creating a new domain and redirecting in a few easy steps Selecting a domain hosting provider is essential to secure your website’s domain name and ensure its online presence. Explore our carefully compiled list of the best domain hosting providers to find the perfect match for your needs.
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- Using a 301 Redirect is one of the best ways to change your domain name on GoDaddy
- You can also change your domain name on GoDaddy email
- Redirecting is the only free option
Can You Change Your GoDaddy Domain?
You cannot actually change or rename an existing GoDaddy domain name. If you want to use a different domain name, you’ll need to buy it as new.
Once you’ve purchased the new domain, you need to implement a 301 redirect from the old domain to the new one.
A redirect will preserve the SEO value of the old domain, and will automatically direct users to whatever content exists on the new domain name.
For example, if your old domain was www.exampleolddomainname.com and you want to change it to www.examplenewdomainname.com, then anyone who tries to visit www.exampleolddomainname.com will be automatically redirected to the new domain.
How to Change Domain Name on GoDaddy Using a 301 Redirect
Step 1: Understand Why You Want to Change Your GoDaddy Domain
Before you get started, it’s important to understand why you want to change your domain name.
- Have you outgrown the current domain?
- Is there a better keyword or phrase that would fit your brand better?
- Are you rebranding and need a more professional-sounding domain name?
Answering these questions will help guide your decision-making process when selecting a new GoDaddy domain name.
Step 2: Back Up Your Website’s Content
Backing up your website’s content will ensure that all of the data associated with your site remains safe and secure when you make the switch. Here are the steps from GoDaddy on how to do this:
- Go to your GoDaddy product page.
- Scroll to Websites + Marketing and select Manage next to your site to open your site.
- Select Edit Website or Edit Site to open your website builder.
- Select Settings.
- Select Site History.
- Select Create Backup.
Step 3: Research Your Domain Host’s Features
Different hosts offer different features, so make sure that you understand what services they provide and how they could affect the process of changing your domain name.
For example, some hosting companies may not allow 301 redirects or require extra steps for setting them up.
Step 4: Download Backup Files to Your Computer
Source: GoDaddy
Here are the steps from GoDaddy for downloading a website backup:
- Go to your GoDaddy product page.
- Next to Website Security and Backups, select Manage All.
- For the site you want to manage, under Backups, select Details.
- In the calendar, select the desired backup date.
- Select Download Backup to download your site’s files and database.
- You can select Download all, Download files, or Download database.
- Select Start Download.
- Select Download backup.
Step 5: Go to Your Old Domain
Simply type your old URL in the search bar like you would usually do.
Step 6: Go to the Admin Section of Your Hosting Account
Here, you will find a variety of options for setting up and managing your website.
Step 7: Select 301 Redirect
A 301 redirect is an HTTP status code that tells search engines and web browsers that the page or website has been moved permanently to a new location.
This will ensure that any visitors who try to access your old domain are automatically sent to the new one, so you won’t lose any of your traffic or SEO ranking.
Step 8: Enter Your Domain Name and Redirect Location
On this page, you will see two text fields. In the first field, enter your old domain name and in the second field, enter the new domain name you would like to use.
Step 9: Save
Now that all the necessary information is inputted, you need to save your progress. Look to the top right corner of the page and you will see a “Save” button. Click this button, and your domain name has been changed.
Step 10: Notify Google About the Change
Your domain has been changed – now it’s time to let Google know. This will help you retain your online presence and keep your SEO benefits.
To do this, log into Google Search Console with the new domain name and verify ownership of your website by selecting “Add a Property” from the dashboard menu. Once verified, click on “Change of Address” in the Configuration tab and follow the instructions for submitting a site move request.
Read more about HostArmada
How to Change Domain Name on GoDaddy Email
These steps come from a GoDaddy video tutorial.
- Start at the Email and Office Dashboard.
- In the User section, click Manage next to the email address that you want to update.
- Scroll down to the Account Information section and click Edit.
- In the Username section, click on Change domain.
- Select your new domain name from the dropdown list.
- You’ll get a message letting you know that all users on these domains will be able to easily share contacts and files. Click Okay, Got It.
- Once you’re done, click Save.
- You might be asked to update your password and create a new one. Enter and confirm your new password, then select Save and continue.
Final Word: Redirecting is the Way to Go
Changing your domain name on GoDaddy is easy and straightforward if you know what to do. Make sure that you use the redirect feature to ensure that your visitors will be directed to the new domain name.
With a few clicks, you can successfully change your domain name and secure its future for years to come. Then, make sure to use the Best Website Builders and Best Web Hosting to optimize your site for all the new traction you’ll get.
Next Steps: What Now?
- Follow the steps above to redirect your domain on GoDaddy
- Change your email domain name if need be
- Improve your site with the Best Website Builders and Best Web Hosting
