Understanding Domain Lock

2 min readPublished 26 Mar 2026Updated 23 Jun 2026297 views

Understanding Domain Lock

Domain lock (also called Registrar Lock or Transfer Lock) is a security feature that prevents unauthorized transfers of your domain to another registrar. When enabled, your domain cannot be transferred without explicitly unlocking it first.

Why Use Domain Lock?

Prevents unauthorized or accidental domain transfers
Protects against social engineering attacks
Required by ICANN as a default security measure
Gives you full control over when your domain can be moved

Checking Lock Status

Log in to the Domain India Client Portal
Go to Domains and click on your domain
Look for Domain Lock or Transfer Lock status
Status will show: Locked or Unlocked

Enabling Domain Lock

Go to your domain management page
Find the Domain Lock setting
Toggle it to Locked / Enabled
Click Save

Tip: Always keep domain lock enabled unless you are actively transferring your domain.

Disabling Domain Lock (For Transfer)

To transfer your domain to another registrar:

Go to your domain management page
Toggle Domain Lock to Unlocked
Click Save
Obtain the Auth/EPP Code (see related article)
Initiate the transfer at the new registrar
After the transfer completes, re-enable the lock at the new registrar

WHOIS Status Codes

When domain lock is enabled, your domain WHOIS shows:

clientTransferProhibited — Transfer is locked by the registrar

Other common status codes:

Code	Meaning
`ok`	Normal status, no restrictions
`clientTransferProhibited`	Transfer locked
`clientUpdateProhibited`	Contact updates locked
`clientDeleteProhibited`	Deletion locked
`serverTransferProhibited`	Locked by registry (dispute, legal hold)

Troubleshooting

Cannot Unlock Domain

Ensure your domain is not expired
Check if there are pending disputes or legal holds
Domains within 60 days of registration or transfer cannot be transferred (ICANN rule)
Contact support if the lock option is not visible