Domain locking, also called the transfer lock, registrar lock or theft protection, stops your domain from being transferred to another registrar without your say-so. For a domain registered with Domain India, you turn it on or off on the domain's Transfer tab in the client area. Keep it on at all times, except for the short window when you are moving the domain yourself.
The transfer lock blocks transfers to another registrar. It does not block nameserver or DNS changes, so you never need to unlock a domain to point it at a new host. To unlock, open Domains → My domains, select the domain, go to the Transfer tab and click Unlock domain; to lock again, click Lock domain. Protect your client area account with a strong password and two-factor authentication, because anyone who can sign in can also unlock the domain.
Moving a domain away: Transferring a domain name to another registrar. What the lock looks like in WHOIS, and every other status code: Guide to domain name status codes. The auth code that goes with an unlock: What is a domain transfer secret or auth code.
1. What the lock does, and what it doesn't
| Action | Blocked while locked? |
|---|---|
| Transfer to another registrar | Yes, every transfer request is rejected |
| Change nameservers | No |
| Add or edit DNS records | No |
| Renew the domain | No |
In a WHOIS or RDAP lookup, the lock shows as the status clientTransferProhibited. Many registrars also set clientUpdateProhibited and clientDeleteProhibited alongside it, which is normal. Codes starting with server, such as serverTransferProhibited, are set by the registry, not by the lock you control; if one is blocking you, ask support what set it.
2. Why keep it on
A transfer needs two things: an unlocked domain and its auth (EPP) code. With the lock on, someone who obtains the code still cannot move the domain. That protects your website and email from domain hijacking and from a transfer started by mistake. The lock is part of your domain at no extra cost.
3. How to lock or unlock a Domain India domain
- Sign into the client area.
- Open the domain.Choose Domains → My domains and select the domain.
- Open the Transfer tab.The Transfer lock box shows whether the domain is Locked or Unlocked.
- Unlock or lock.Click Unlock domain only when you are ready to transfer the domain away. Click Lock domain to turn protection back on.
If there is no Unlock domain button for your domain, or the change does not take, open a support ticket with the domain name.
Anyone who has the auth code of an unlocked domain can try to transfer it. Unlock only when you are moving the domain, give the code only to the registrar receiving it, and lock the domain again straight away if you change your mind.
4. Good habits
- Leave the lock on. You don't need to unlock to change hosting, nameservers or DNS.
- Turn on two-factor authentication for your client area account; see how to enable two-factor authentication.
- Keep your registrant email current, so transfer and renewal notices reach you.
- Check your domains now and then in the client area, and read the WHOIS status if anything looks unexpected.
- After a transfer to a new registrar, turn the lock back on there.
On generic domains 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, so plan owner changes well before a transfer.
Frequently asked questions
What is domain locking?
Domain locking, 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. You turn it off only when you want to move the domain.
Does a locked domain stop me changing nameservers or DNS?
No. The transfer lock only blocks transfers to another registrar. You can change nameservers, edit DNS records and renew the domain while it is locked.
How do I unlock my domain at 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 Unlock domain button, open a support ticket with the domain name.
Is there a charge for domain locking?
No. Domain India does not sell domain locking as a paid extra; you turn the transfer lock on or off yourself on the domain's Transfer tab in the client area.
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 and what it needs.
Ready to check your domain? Open your domains in the client area, run a WHOIS lookup to see its status, 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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