Updated: Sep 3
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Buying a domain through Wix doesn't mean you have to build or host your website on Wix. Like most domain registrars, Wix lets you keep control of your domain, so you can point it to another hosting provider or transfer it to a different registrar if your needs change.
In this guide, you'll learn how to use a Wix domain with another website, the difference between connecting and transferring a domain, when each option makes sense and what happens to your Wix website if you decide to move your domain elsewhere.
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TL;DR: buying a Wix domain and using it elsewhere
If you buy a domain through Wix, you own the domain and can use it with another website or hosting provider. You don't have to build or host your website on Wix.
There are two ways to do this. You can keep your domain registered with Wix and update its DNS settings so it points to another website, or you can transfer the domain to a different registrar. For most people, updating the DNS is the easier option because you don't have to move your domain registration. You simply point your domain to your new website while Wix continues managing the registration.
Can you use a Wix domain with another website?
A domain name and a website are two different things. Your domain is your web address, like yourbusiness.com, while your website is the collection of pages and files visitors see when they enter that address. Buying your domain through Wix doesn't lock you into using Wix as your website host.
If you decide to build your site with another website builder, move to a different website hosting company or run a custom web application, you can still use the domain you purchased through Wix. The domain remains yours, and you decide where it points.
The important thing to understand is that changing where your domain points doesn't transfer your website or its files. It only changes where visitors are sent when they type your domain name into their browser.
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Two ways to use a Wix domain elsewhere
There are two ways to use a Wix domain with another provider. The best option depends on what you're trying to accomplish.
The first option is to keep your domain registered with Wix and simply point it to another website. In this case, Wix continues managing your domain registration and renewals, while your website is hosted somewhere else. This is the simplest approach and works well for most people.
The second option is transferring the domain registration to another registrar. After the transfer, the new registrar manages your DNS settings, contact information and future renewals. This is usually only necessary if you want all of your domains managed in one place or you're leaving Wix completely.
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Option 1: Connect the domain to another provider
Keeping your domain registered with Wix is a good choice if you're happy with your current registrar and simply want to build or host your website somewhere else. You keep the same domain name and ownership while changing only where your website is hosted.
Your new hosting provider will tell you which DNS records or nameservers to use. Once you update those settings in your Wix domain management panel, the internet gradually learns about the new destination. This process, known as DNS propagation, can take up to 48 hours, although many changes appear much sooner.
Keeping your domain registered with Wix can be more convenient because you continue managing your domain, renewals and DNS settings in one place. Your website can be hosted elsewhere while Wix remains your domain registrar.
Read more: How domain registration works
Option 2: Transfer the domain to another registrar
A domain transfer moves the registration itself from Wix to another registrar. After the transfer is complete, the new provider becomes responsible for managing your domain, including renewals, DNS settings and contact information.
This option makes sense if you already manage several domains with another registrar or want to keep all your websites and domains under the same account. It can simplify administration, especially for businesses with multiple websites.
Before starting a transfer, remember that ICANN rules prevent newly registered domains from being transferred during the first 60 days after registration. If your domain was purchased recently, you'll need to wait until that period ends before transferring it away from Wix.
How to point a Wix domain to another website
Before making any changes, get the connection details from your new hosting provider. Depending on the provider, you'll receive either nameservers or specific DNS records, along with instructions for connecting your domain.
Next, update your domain settings in your Wix account using the information provided. After saving the changes, your new DNS settings begin propagating across the internet. This process can take up to 48 hours, although many changes take effect much sooner. During that time, some visitors may see your old website while others see the new one.
The process usually looks like this:
Get the nameservers or DNS records from your new hosting provider.
Update your domain settings in Wix.
Wait for DNS propagation to complete.
Confirm your domain loads the correct website.
Find out more: What are custom domains
How to transfer your Wix domain to another registrar
Transferring a domain involves more than changing DNS settings because your domain registration is moving to another registrar. The process includes security checks to help prevent unauthorized transfers.
You'll typically unlock your domain, request an authorization (EPP) code and start the transfer through your new registrar. In most cases, your website will continue working during the transfer as long as your DNS settings don't change, since transferring a domain doesn't automatically change where it points.
If your domain is connected to a Wix website, transferring it away from Wix will disconnect it. To continue using your Wix website, you'll need to reconnect the transferred domain after the transfer is complete or connect a different domain.
What happens to your Wix website after moving the domain?
What happens depends on the option you choose. If you only change the DNS settings, your Wix website still exists, but visitors are directed to the website hosted elsewhere. Your Wix account and site remain available unless you delete them.
If you transfer the domain registration away from Wix, your Wix website is disconnected from that domain. The website itself isn't deleted, but people won't reach it through your previous web address until another domain is connected.
If you also use email with your domain, make sure those DNS records are preserved during the move. Otherwise, your website may work correctly while your email stops receiving messages.
You can register a domain directly on the Wix website builder and add Whois privacy and domain security for extra protection.
Can you transfer a domain away from Wix anytime?
Not always. Domain transfers are governed by industry rules designed to protect domain owners and help prevent unauthorized transfers. For example, under ICANN rules, most domains can't be transferred to another registrar within the first 60 days after they're registered.
Other factors can also delay a transfer. Your domain may need to be unlocked before the transfer begins, and some domains may have registry-specific restrictions or other requirements that must be completed first.
If your goal is simply to use your domain with a website hosted somewhere else, updating your DNS settings is often the faster option. It lets you point your domain to a new website without transferring the domain registration, so you can avoid many of the requirements involved in a registrar transfer.
DNS vs. transferring: What's the difference?
Many people assume these are the same thing, but they solve different problems. Updating DNS changes where your website lives. Transferring changes who manages your domain registration.
A simple way to think about it is that DNS changes the destination, while a transfer changes the company responsible for your domain. In many cases, you can achieve everything you need by updating DNS without transferring ownership.
Choose the option that matches your goal:
Use another website builder or hosting provider: Update your DNS settings.
Manage all your domains with one registrar: Transfer the domain registration.
Keep your current registration but change websites: Update your DNS settings.
Leave Wix completely: Transfer the domain after the 60-day waiting period, if applicable.
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Common reasons people use a Wix domain somewhere else
Many website owners purchase a domain first and decide where to build their website later. Others start with Wix and eventually move to another platform as their needs change. In both cases, the domain can continue to be used without purchasing a new web address.
Businesses also move domains for operational reasons. Some prefer managing all domains through one registrar, while developers may point a Wix-purchased domain to a custom application, online store or company server hosted elsewhere.
Understanding the difference between pointing a domain and transferring it helps you choose the quickest solution. If your only goal is to launch a website on another platform, updating your DNS settings is usually all that's required.
When you upgrade to a premium plan, you'll even get a voucher for a free domain name for your first year.
Buying a domain with Wix and using it elsewhere FAQ:
Do I own my domain if I bought it through Wix?
Yes. Purchasing a domain through Wix gives you ownership of the domain registration, and you can choose where the domain points or transfer it to another registrar when eligible.
Can I use my Wix domain with another website builder?
Yes. You can point your domain to another website by updating its DNS settings or transfer the registration to another registrar if you prefer.
Will my Wix website be deleted if I transfer my domain?
No. Your Wix website remains in your account, but it will no longer be connected to that domain until you assign another one.
How long does it take for DNS changes to work?
DNS changes can take up to 48 hours to fully propagate across the internet, although many updates appear much sooner.
Why can't I transfer my new domain?
Newly registered domains are generally subject to ICANN's 60-day transfer restriction. During that time, you can still point the domain to another website by updating its DNS settings, but you can't transfer the registration to another registrar yet.
