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How to Find the IPS Tag for Transferring a Domain to Microsoft 365

WPS Content Manager Sep 25, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to know the correct IPS tag to provide to their current domain registrar in order to transfer a .co.uk domain to Microsoft 365.

How to Find the IPS Tag for Transferring a Domain to Microsoft 365

Product: Microsoft 365
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Transferring a .co.uk domain name and associated email services from an existing domain provider to Microsoft 365 infrastructure.
Observed behavior: The current domain provider requires the IPS tag of the new provider to authorize and complete the domain transfer process.

Before you start

Before initiating the domain transfer, ensure you have administrative access to your current domain registrar's control panel and your Microsoft 365 admin center credentials.

Solution 1Recommended

Provide the Microsoft IPS Tag to Your Current Registrar

Use the standard Microsoft IPS tag to authorize the transfer of your .co.uk domain from your current host to Microsoft 365.

To migrate a .co.uk domain, the UK domain registry requires an IPS tag to identify the new receiving registrar. For direct Microsoft 365 customers, this tag is a standard identifier.

Log in to your current provider

Navigate to the website of your current domain registrar or hosting provider and log in to your account dashboard.

Locate domain management

Go to the domain management or transfer section specifically for the .co.uk domain you wish to transfer.

Enter the IPS tag

When prompted to provide the new provider's tag or initiate a release, enter the IPS tag: MICROSOFT.

Confirm the transfer

Save your changes and authorize the transfer request. The domain control will then migrate to Microsoft 365.

Provide the Microsoft IPS Tag to Your Current Registrar

Reseller Purchases: If you originally purchased Microsoft 365 through a third-party reseller, you may need to contact that reseller first, as they might use a different IPS tag or specific transfer procedure.

Solution 2

Contact Microsoft Support for Failed Transfers

If providing the IPS tag does not complete the transfer, you can escalate the issue through the Microsoft 365 admin center.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is an IPS tag?

An IPS (Internet Provider Security) tag is a unique label used by Nominet, the official registry for UK domains, to identify the specific registrar that manages a .uk or .co.uk domain. It is a mandatory requirement for authorizing a domain transfer between registrars.

How long does a domain transfer take after updating the IPS tag?

Once you successfully change the IPS tag with your current provider to MICROSOFT, the domain ownership transfer is typically instant or completed within a few hours. However, DNS and email service propagation may take up to 48 hours to fully update across the internet.

Is the IPS tag case-sensitive?

Yes, IPS tags are almost always formatted in uppercase letters. When entering the tag for Microsoft 365, you should type MICROSOFT in all capital letters to ensure the transfer system recognizes it correctly.

What should I do if my current registrar doesn't allow me to change the IPS tag online?

If your current domain provider does not offer an option to change the IPS tag in their online control panel, you will need to contact their customer support team directly and request them to manually update the tag to MICROSOFT on your behalf.

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