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1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsProtect a domain by securing the registrar account and its recovery email, enabling the registrar’s transfer lock, keeping contact details current, and knowing how to reach the registrar in an emergency. A transfer lock can block a routine move to another registrar, but it cannot stop someone who has already taken control of the registrar account. For a high-value domain, ask whether registry-level locking is available for its TLD.
Secure the registrar account first
The registrar account is the control point for domain settings, contacts, and transfer requests. Use a unique, strong password stored in a password manager, and turn on multifactor authentication (MFA) if the registrar offers it. Secure the email account used to sign in or recover access with its own strong password and MFA where available. ICANN’s practical guidance also recommends protecting account details and educating people who manage domains (ICANN security guidance).
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- Separate addresses where practical. Use a distinct registrar-login email from a public or registration contact address, but keep both current and recoverable.
- Review recovery options. Remove outdated phone numbers, email addresses, or recovery methods, and know how to revoke unfamiliar sessions if the provider permits it.
- Use a documented change process. Limit who can change domain settings, verify unusual requests through a second channel, and train staff to spot social engineering.
Enable the registrar lock and understand its limits
Ask the registrar to enable its standard transfer lock (often called a registrar lock or domain lock). While active, it restricts transfers to another registrar. ICANN’s Transfer Policy requires a registrar to provide a reasonable, accessible way to remove a standard lock before a transfer request (ICANN Transfer Policy). Ask your registrar how legitimate unlock requests are authenticated and how long removal takes.
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A registrar lock is not a complete account-security measure. It can block a registrar-to-registrar transfer while active, but it does not by itself protect stolen login credentials or prevent an attacker already controlling the registrar account from changing other settings. The 2025 Transfer Policy Review working-group report discusses this distinction; its recommendations are proposals, not binding rules (ICANN 2025 working-group report).
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Consider registry lock for a high-value domain
Registry lock is an additional layer applied at the registry level, rather than only in the registrar account. Verisign describes a Registry Lock service for .com, .net, .cc, and .name domains through participating registrars. Unlocking involves an authorized registrar contact and out-of-band verification. Availability, eligibility, implementation, and terms depend on the provider, so confirm them directly with the registrar and registry (Verisign Registry Lock).
It is most relevant when losing control of a domain could seriously disrupt operations. Before choosing a registrar, compare the specific protections it offers: MFA, lock coverage, alerts, account recovery, emergency support, and whether the relevant TLD is eligible for registry lock. ICANN recommends evaluating a registrar’s reputation and service record, but these sources do not establish a provider ranking (ICANN registrar guidance).
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Keep contact details current and watch for notices
Maintain accurate registration contact data and use an address that is monitored and protected. Transfer and registration-change notifications can give you a chance to spot unexpected activity. Under the Transfer Policy, the registrar of record must notify the Registered Name Holder when it receives a pending transfer notice (ICANN Transfer Policy).
Keep an offline or otherwise accessible record of the registrant identity, registrar support contacts, account recovery details, and normal DNS configuration. These details can help staff explain what changed and restore service quickly if access is disrupted. ICANN’s Security and Stability Advisory Committee has highlighted the importance of emergency registrar channels and restoration procedures (ICANN SSAC hijacking report).
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Know the transfer rules before changing registrant details
ICANN’s Transfer Policy governs inter-registrar transfers for covered gTLDs. Country-code TLDs and individual provider terms may follow different rules. For covered transfers, the Registered Name Holder is the party authorized to approve or deny a request to the gaining registrar (ICANN Transfer Policy).
Three 60-day restrictions are especially relevant: a transfer may be restricted during the first 60 days after initial registration, during the first 60 days after a previous registrar transfer, and for 60 days after specified changes to the registrant’s name, organization, or email. For a change of registrant, the current policy requires a 60-day inter-registrar lock; a registrar may offer an opt-out, but the holder must choose it before the change request. If you expect to transfer soon, ask the registrar about the order of operations before changing registrant information.
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The registrar must provide an Auth-Code—also called an authorization or EPP code—within five calendar days after the holder requests it under ICANN’s policy. The code helps authorize a transfer; it does not replace account security, the required transfer authorization, or registrar notices. Contact the registrar if you need the code or cannot find the correct transfer process (ICANN Transfer Policy; ICANN registrant FAQ).
What to do if a transfer or account change looks unauthorized
- Contact the registrar promptly. Use a support channel found independently on the registrar’s official website, not a link in a suspicious message. Report suspected account takeover and ask about account containment, restoration, and DNS recovery.
- Secure affected credentials. From a clean, trusted device or session, change the registrar and email passwords, review recovery methods, and revoke unfamiliar sessions if those controls are available.
- Preserve evidence. Save notices, timestamps, account messages, and prior registration and DNS records. These can help establish the legitimate registrant and the sequence of events.
- Ask about emergency restoration. Request the registrar’s incident process and ask what information it needs to verify your authority. A formal transfer dispute process may not provide immediate technical restoration; ICANN’s SSAC report raised the need for emergency support and restoration procedures (ICANN SSAC report).
- Use the appropriate complaint route if needed. If the issue is an improper transfer denial or another alleged policy violation, consult ICANN’s transfer complaint process (ICANN transfer complaint). ICANN cannot directly order a registrar to return a domain after unauthorized access; the outcome depends on the circumstances, the registrar, and applicable law.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my registrar refusing to transfer my domain name?
A transfer can be restricted by a registrar lock, a 60-day policy restriction, or an authorization or verification issue. Ask the registrar for the specific reason and the steps to resolve it; for a covered gTLD, consult ICANN’s Transfer Policy and complaint process if you believe the refusal violates policy.
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The registrar is asking me for a code. Where do I get this?
The Auth-Code (also called an authorization or EPP code) comes from your current registrar. Request it through the registrar’s verified account or support process. Under ICANN’s Transfer Policy for covered transfers, the registrar must provide it within five calendar days after request.
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