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How to Move a Domain Between Microsoft 365 Tenants
Question details
The user needs to transfer an existing, verified domain from an old Microsoft 365 tenant to a newly created tenant.
- Product
- Microsoft 365
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Tenant Migration and Domain Transfer
- Observed behavior
- A domain verified in an old Microsoft 365 tenant cannot be added to a new tenant until it is properly removed from the previous tenant or forcibly released by Microsoft support.
Ensure you have global administrator credentials for both the old and new Microsoft 365 admin centers, as well as access to your domain registrar to modify DNS records.
Standard Domain Migration Process
Follow these steps to manually remove the domain from your old tenant and verify it in the new one.
Before removing a domain, you must reassign users, groups, and applications associated with the domain in the old tenant to the default .onmicrosoft.com domain. Failing to do so will block the domain removal process.
Migrate users, mailboxes, data, and connected services away from the target domain in the old Microsoft 365 tenant.
Log in to the old Microsoft 365 admin center, navigate to Settings > Domains, select the target domain, and click 'Remove'.
Log in to the new Microsoft 365 admin center, go to Settings > Domains, and click 'Add domain' to enter your domain name.
Follow the on-screen instructions to update your DNS records (TXT or MX) at your domain registrar to verify ownership in the new tenant.
Force Release a Domain via Microsoft Support
Use this method if the previous administrator is unavailable or refuses to remove the domain from the old tenant.
Experience a Lightweight Alternative with WPS Office
While managing complex Microsoft 365 domain migrations and tenant administration, you might need a reliable, hassle-free office suite to view and edit your organization's documents. WPS Office is a free, highly compatible alternative that seamlessly handles Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files without the overhead of cloud tenant management.
- 1. Download the installer: Visit the official WPS Office website to download the free installer for your operating system.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Run the setup file and follow the straightforward on-screen instructions to install the suite.
- 3. Open migrated documents: Launch WPS Office and directly open your migrated Microsoft Office files to continue working seamlessly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I get an error that my domain is already added to another Microsoft 365 tenant?
This error occurs because Microsoft 365 requires custom domains to be completely unique across all global tenants. The domain must be fully removed from the old tenant before the system will allow it to be verified in a new one.
How long does it take to move a domain to a new tenant?
The actual removal and verification steps take only a few minutes in the admin center. However, migrating users, backing up data beforehand, and waiting for DNS propagation can take anywhere from a few hours to several days depending on your setup.
Can I migrate my domain if I lost access to the old admin account?
Yes, but you cannot do it manually. You will need to contact Microsoft 365 administrator support through your new tenant and provide definitive proof of domain ownership (such as DNS control) so they can forcibly release the domain on your behalf.
Will I lose my emails during the domain transfer?
Yes, if you do not properly back up or migrate your mailboxes before removing the domain from the old tenant, data loss will occur. Always plan the migration of users, mailboxes, and data prior to initiating the domain removal.
