Understanding the differences between Domain Transfers, Ownership Updates, and DNS Updates
Managing your domain effectively starts with understanding the differences between common actions such as Domain Transfers, Ownership Updates, and DNS changes. Using the correct terminology helps ensure your requests are handled quickly and accurately. Here’s what each action means:
Action | What Changes? | Typical Use Case | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
Domain Transfer | Registrar | Move domain to a new provider | Moving your domain from 101domain to GoDaddy |
Ownership Update | Legal owner/registrant info | Sell domain, company changes, etc. | Updating owner after your company name has changed |
DNS Update | DNS records/name servers | Change website/email hosting provider | Pointing your domain to a new web host |
Why Using the Correct Term Matters
Using the right terminology helps ensure your request is processed quickly and accurately. For example, asking for a “domain transfer” when you only want to update DNS settings could delay your website changes. It’s important to note that domain transfers may sometimes be confused with contact (ownership) updates and DNS updates.
How to Request Each Action
Domain Transfer: How to Retrieve the Authorization Code for a Domain
Ownership Update: Updating Domain Contact Information
DNS Update: Changing Name Servers
Common Mistakes
Requesting a transfer when only a DNS or contact update is needed.
Attempting a DNS update through the wrong provider (e.g., trying to update DNS at the registrar when DNS is managed elsewhere).
Not unlocking the domain before requesting a transfer.
Not disabling privacy protection before a transfer (if applicable).
Providing outdated or incorrect contact information, which can delay ownership updates.
Need Help?
If you’re unsure which process you need, please contact our support team with a description of your goal, and we’ll guide you to the right solution.
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