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Quick Answer: 📥 Ultimate Guide: Domain & Email Migration
🧩Step 1: Assess Your Current Setup
Inventory Your Assets: List all domain-related services, including email accounts, distribution lists, aliases, and any connected services like calendars or shared drives.
📥 Ultimate Guide: Domain & Email Migration
Step 1: Assess Your Current Setup
- Inventory Your Assets: List all domain-related services, including email accounts, distribution lists, aliases, and any connected services like calendars or shared drives.
- Understand Your Hosting: Check if your email is hosted by your registrar, web host, or a third-party provider like Google Workspace or Microsoft 365.
Step 2: Backup Everything
- Emails: Export all folders (Inbox, Sent, Trash, etc.) using your email client or an IMAP backup tool.
- Contacts & Calendars: Export these to avoid data loss.
- DNS Records: Record your current MX, SPF, DKIM, and DMARC entries.
Step 3: Prepare for Domain Transfer
- Unlock Domain: Do this from your registrar’s control panel.
- Obtain Auth-Code: Also known as EPP code — required to initiate a transfer.
- Verify WHOIS Info: Especially the admin email address to receive transfer requests.
Step 4: Set Up New Email Hosting
- Choose a Provider: Select one that meets your current and future needs.
- Create Mailboxes: Re-create all necessary accounts and aliases.
- Configure DNS: Update MX, SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records accordingly.
Step 5: Migrate Emails
- Use Migration Tools: Transfer existing data to the new provider smoothly.
- Test Thoroughly: Double-check that no data is lost and folders are intact.
Step 6: Update DNS & Monitor
- Lower TTL: To speed up the DNS update process.
- Update DNS: Point everything to the new mail provider.
- Monitor Propagation: Use tools like MXToolbox to confirm changes have taken effect.
Step 7: Communicate Changes
- Notify Stakeholders: Let your team and clients know about the migration.
- Set Up Forwarding: Catch missed emails during the transition.
- Update Materials: Revise email signatures, business cards, and more.
Step 8: Final Checks & Decommission
- Test Everything: Send/receive tests to ensure it’s all working perfectly.
- Monitor Issues: Watch for undelivered mail or bounce-backs.
- Decommission Old Services: Safely cancel and remove legacy providers to avoid charges.