Moving your domain, website and email together without downtime: the step-by-step plan

Moving your domain, website and email to WebOké? If you follow the right order, your visitors won't notice a thing and you won't miss any email. The most important rule: only transfer the domain once your website and email are ready at WebOké.

Step 1: order your package and choose Transfer later

Order your hosting package and choose Transfer domain for the domain. Tick I'll transfer this domain myself later. Your package will be set up right away, but your domain stays with your current provider for now. That means your website and email keep working there as usual.

Would you like us to move your website for you? Then tick Yes, move my website to WebOké when ordering. Read more in Transferring a domain to WebOké (transfer code or transfer later).

Step 2: move your website and email

• Website: upload your files and database to your new package, or let the free migration service do it for you. The FTP and DirectAdmin details are in your package's welcome email.
• Mailboxes: create the same email addresses in your package that you're using now.
• Existing email: copy your old email with the free email migration tool. Your old mailbox stays unchanged.

Step 3: test your website at WebOké

As long as the domain is still with your old provider, typing in your domain will still show the old site. With the free tool Test your website before transfer you can already view the new version at WebOké, without changing anything in your DNS. Check that all pages, forms and the webshop work properly.

Step 4: get your DNS ready

At WebOké, your package automatically gets the standard DNS records for your website and email. Do you have extra records at your old provider, for example for Microsoft 365, a newsletter service or a Google verification? Then add those records to your DNS in My WebOké now, so they work right after the transfer. You can do this as soon as the domain is in your package, even if the transfer hasn't started yet. See Managing DNS records in My WebOké.

Step 5: transfer your domain

1. Request the transfer code (EPP code) from your current provider.
2. In My WebOké, go to My Domains › Transfer Center.
3. Enter the transfer code and click (Re)start transfer.

A .nl domain usually transfers within a few minutes. Other extensions can take 5 to 7 days. More information in How do I transfer my domain to WebOké? and The Transfer Center.

Step 6: check that everything works

• Open your website and check that you're seeing the WebOké version. Because of DNS caching, it can take a few hours before everyone sees the new site; allow up to 24 hours.
• Send a test email to your own address and check that it arrives at WebOké.
• Use the Domain / Email health card on your domain page or the Domain health tool to check your domain and email.
• Update the settings in your email clients and on your phone to WebOké.

Step 7: only then cancel your old subscription

Is everything working, and has no new email arrived in your old mailbox for a few days? Only then should you cancel your hosting and domain with your old provider. If you cancel earlier, your domain may become available to others or end up in quarantine.

Only want to bring your domain to WebOké, or move it between packages? All scenarios are covered in Ordering, transferring, moving or detaching a domain: all scenarios.