Domain lock, also called the transfer lock or registrar lock, stops your domain being moved to another registrar without your say-so. It does not stop you changing nameservers or DNS, so there is almost never a reason to switch it off. This page explains what the lock does, how it shows in WHOIS and what to check if it is in your way.
The lock blocks transfers to another registrar and nothing else: nameserver changes, DNS edits and renewals all work while it is on. For a domain registered with Domain India, you lock or unlock it on the domain's Transfer tab in the client area. Keep it on except for the short window when you are moving the domain yourself.
Step-by-step instructions and good habits are in Domain locking. Every WHOIS status code is explained in Guide to domain name status codes.
1. What the lock blocks
| Action | Blocked while locked? |
|---|---|
| Transfer to another registrar | Yes |
| Change nameservers | No |
| Add or edit DNS records | No |
| Renew the domain | No |
A transfer needs two things: an unlocked domain and its auth (EPP) code. With the lock on, even someone who obtains the code cannot move the domain. That is why it protects against hijacking and against a transfer started by mistake. The lock is part of every domain at no extra cost.
2. How the lock shows in WHOIS
In a WHOIS or RDAP lookup, the lock appears as the status clientTransferProhibited. Many registrars also set clientUpdateProhibited and clientDeleteProhibited alongside it, which is normal.
Codes that start with server, such as serverTransferProhibited, are set by the registry, not by the lock you control, and the Unlock domain button does not clear them. If one is blocking you, ask support what set it. You can check any domain with a WHOIS lookup.
3. Where to lock or unlock
Sign in to the client area, open Domains → My domains, select the domain and open its Transfer tab. The Transfer lock box shows Locked or Unlocked, with an Unlock domain or Lock domain button. The short how-to is in Domain lock and unlock.
4. If you cannot unlock or transfer
- No Unlock domain button, or the change does not take: open a support ticket with the domain name.
- A
server…status is set: it comes from the registry; ask support what set it and what it needs. - You changed the registrant recently on a generic domain such as .com: changing the registrant's name, organisation or email can start a separate 60-day transfer lock. It is set by the rules for those domains, not by the lock button.
- Moving the domain away: follow Transferring a domain name to another registrar, and get the code from What is a domain transfer secret or auth code.
Anyone who has the auth code of an unlocked domain can try to transfer it. Unlock only when you are moving the domain, and protect your client area account with two-factor authentication, because anyone who can sign in can also unlock the domain.
What is domain lock?
Domain lock, also called the transfer lock or registrar lock, stops a domain from being transferred to another registrar. It shows as clientTransferProhibited in a WHOIS lookup.
Do I need to unlock my domain to change nameservers or DNS?
No. The lock only blocks transfers to another registrar. You can change nameservers, edit DNS records and renew the domain while it is locked.
Where do I unlock a domain registered with Domain India?
Sign in to the client area, open Domains, My domains, select the domain and open its Transfer tab. Click Unlock domain in the Transfer lock box. If there is no button, open a support ticket with the domain name.
Why does my domain show serverTransferProhibited?
That status is set by the registry, not by the lock in your client area, so the Unlock domain button does not clear it. Open a support ticket and ask what set it.
Does domain lock cost extra?
No. You turn the transfer lock on or off yourself on the domain's Transfer tab at no charge.
Ready to check your domain? Open your domains in the client area, run a WHOIS lookup, or open a support ticket if a lock is blocking you.
See each domain's transfer lock, nameservers and contacts in one place.
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