How to Delete Your Website on GoDaddy

How to Delete Your Website on GoDaddy

When you’re ready to take down your website on GoDaddy, it’s important to know how to properly delete your domain and associated hosting services. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

Step 1: Log in to Your GoDaddy Account

First, log into your GoDaddy account using your credentials. This can usually be done via their website or app.

Step 2: Access Your Domain Dashboard

Once logged in, navigate to the “Domains” section of your dashboard. From there, find and select the domain you want to delete.

Step 3: Choose the Action

In the domain dashboard, look for an option labeled “Delete Domain.” Click on this link to initiate the deletion process.

Step 4: Confirm Deletion

After clicking the delete button, GoDaddy will prompt you to confirm that you wish to proceed with the domain deletion. Read through any confirmation messages carefully and click “Yes” to finalize the action.

Step 5: Wait for the Process to Complete

Deleting a domain typically takes several hours, depending on the current load balancing status of your server. During this time, you may receive emails from GoDaddy regarding the deletion process.

Step 6: Transfer Hosting (if applicable)

If you have multiple domains registered under one GoDaddy account, transferring the hosting might be necessary. To do this, go back to the “Domains” section and choose the domain(s) you want to transfer.

Step 7: Create a New Domain Name

Go to the “Create Domain” page within your GoDaddy account. Enter a new domain name and follow the prompts to set up the new domain.

Step 8: Verify Your New Domain

After creating the new domain, verify its ownership by logging into your GoDaddy account and navigating to the “Domain Status” tab. Ensure that the new domain is correctly listed as yours.

Make sure all internal links and redirects point to the correct new domain. If you have any external links pointing to the old domain, update them accordingly.

Step 10: Backup Your Data

Before proceeding with the deletion, ensure that you have backed up all critical data related to your site. This includes databases, files, and other essential information.

  • Q: How long does it usually take to delete a domain?

    • A: The process typically takes around 24-48 hours, but exact times vary based on the server load.

  • Q: Can I recover my deleted domain if I make a mistake?

    • A: Yes, once you’ve initiated the deletion process, you can always undo it by contacting GoDaddy support. However, this isn’t recommended unless absolutely necessary.

  • Q: What happens after deleting a domain?

    • A: After the domain is fully deleted, you won’t be able to access it directly. However, if you have transferred hosting, you’ll still be able to manage the new domain.

By following these steps, you should be able to successfully delete your website on GoDaddy without any issues. Remember to backup your data before proceeding, especially if you’re not comfortable with the deletion process.