Domain Management
A domain registrar transfer and a DNS change are different tasks. A registrar transfer moves the domain registration from one registrar to another; it does not normally change the listed registrant or where the website and email are hosted. A DNS change updates records or nameservers that direct website, email, and other traffic. Use the comparison and examples below to identify the change you need.
The Domain Name Transfer
A domain name is the unique address people use to reach a website. A registrar transfer moves the domain registration and its management from the current registrar to a new one. The person or organization listed as the registrant usually stays the same unless a separate registrant change is requested. A transfer by itself does not necessarily change the domain’s DNS records, web host, or email provider.
Process of Domain Transfers:
Transfer steps depend on the domain extension and registrar. For many domains, the registrant unlocks the domain and obtains an authorization or EPP code from the current registrar, then submits the transfer request through the new registrar. Before starting, check whether the domain is eligible to transfer and review both registrars’ instructions. A transfer often takes several days, but timing varies. Keeping the existing DNS configuration in place can help the website and email continue working during the registrar move.
For applicable gTLDs, a transfer may be restricted during the first 60 days after initial registration, within 60 days of a previous registrar transfer in applicable circumstances, or following certain changes of registrant information. A registrar lock or another permitted transfer restriction can also prevent the transfer from starting. Check the domain status and registrar instructions before requesting the transfer.
1) Initiation:
The process typically begins by confirming that the domain is eligible for transfer, removing any applicable registrar transfer lock, and obtaining the required authorization or EPP code. The registrant then starts the transfer through the gaining registrar.
2) Verification:
The gaining registrar processes the transfer request and required authorization information. The exact verification steps depend on the domain extension, registrar, account security settings, and applicable transfer policy.
3) Confirmation:
After the transfer request is properly authorized, the gaining registrar submits it through the applicable registry transfer process. The current registrar may provide transfer-status information or an opportunity to approve or reject the transfer when permitted by policy.
4) Transfer Initiation:
The transfer then remains pending while the registrars and registry process the request. The current registrar may approve the transfer sooner, or the transfer may complete according to the applicable transfer timeline unless it is denied for a permitted reason.
5) Completion:
The transfer is complete when the new registrar manages the registration. The domain’s nameservers and DNS records may remain unchanged, so the registrar transfer itself does not necessarily trigger DNS propagation or downtime. Check that nameserver settings were retained after the transfer. If you also plan to change DNS, treat that as a separate, coordinated step.
The Domain Name System (DNS)
This technology is the backbone of the internet, serving as a decentralized directory that translates human-readable domain names into machine-readable IP addresses. Essentially, it acts as the Internet's address book, enabling users to access websites, send emails, and engage in various online activities using domain names rather than cumbersome IP addresses. DNS operates through a hierarchical structure, with different levels of domain names organized into zones and managed by authoritative name servers. When a user enters a domain name into their web browser, the DNS resolver locates the corresponding IP address by querying multiple DNS servers until it receives a response. This process, known as DNS resolution, occurs seamlessly in the background, facilitating the smooth flow of internet traffic worldwide.
The DNS Update
While a domain name transfer moves registration management from one registrar to another, a DNS (Domain Name System) update focuses on modifying the domain's DNS records, which direct website, email, and other internet traffic. DNS updates are commonly used when changing a hosting provider or configuring services such as email hosting or subdomains.
Processes of DNS Update:
DNS changes include editing records such as A or AAAA records for a website, MX records for email, and TXT records for verification or email security. A nameserver change is different: it tells resolvers which DNS provider is authoritative for the domain. DNS changes do not have one guaranteed propagation time. How quickly people see them depends on record TTLs, resolver and ISP caching, and the type of change.
1) Accessing DNS Settings:
The first step in updating DNS records is accessing the domain's DNS settings, usually through the domain registrar's control panel or a dedicated DNS management interface provided by the hosting provider. If using cPanel you may update or change DNS settings there
2) Identifying Records:
Once in the DNS settings, you can view and modify various types of DNS records, including A records (for IPv4 addresses), AAAA records (for IPv6 addresses), CNAME records (for aliasing one domain to another), MX records (for email routing), and TXT records (for adding arbitrary text information).
3) Making Changes:
Depending on your requirements, you can add, modify, or delete DNS records as needed. For instance, if you're migrating your website to a new hosting provider, you would update the A records to point to the IP address of the new server.
4) Propagation:
Similar to domain name transfers, DNS updates are subject to propagation delays as the updated DNS records propagate across the internet. During this period, some users may still be directed to the old server, while others will access the updated one.
5) Testing:
After updating DNS records, it's essential to thoroughly test the website and associated services to ensure they're functioning correctly. This step helps identify any issues that may have arisen during the DNS update process.
Key Differences and Considerations
A registrar transfer changes which company manages the domain registration; it does not, by itself, transfer the domain to a different registrant or redirect website traffic. A DNS update changes records or nameservers that route traffic. Either task can be done without the other. Website or email disruption is more likely when DNS records are missing or incorrect during a hosting or mail migration than from a registrar transfer alone.
Compare the changes below to choose the right task:
1) Registrar Management vs. DNS Configuration:
A registrar transfer changes where the domain registration is managed. The registrant usually remains the same unless a separate holder change is requested. A DNS update changes routing settings and does not change who manages the registration.
2) Registrar Involvement:
Domain name transfers require coordination between the gaining and losing registrars, whereas DNS updates can typically be performed directly through the domain registrar's control panel or a hosting provider's DNS management interface.
3) Propagation Time:
DNS record or nameserver changes can take different amounts of time to appear because of TTL values and resolver caching. A registrar transfer itself does not necessarily change DNS or start a propagation period. Plan a separate DNS cutover if you are also moving the website or email service.
4) Scope of Changes:
DNS changes can route website traffic, email, verification services, and subdomains. A registrar transfer changes where the registration is managed. You can usually transfer a registration while keeping the current DNS provider, or update DNS while leaving the registrar unchanged.
Domain Transfer vs. DNS Change
This table compares a registrar transfer with the two common types of DNS changes. Exact controls depend on the registrar and DNS provider.
| Aspect | Registrar Transfer | DNS Record Change | Nameserver Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| What changes? | The company managing the domain registration | Selected records that direct traffic to a website, email, or service | The DNS provider responsible for the domain’s DNS zone |
| Where is it done? | Through the gaining and current registrars | At the provider hosting the authoritative DNS zone | In the registrar or DNS control panel, depending on setup |
| Does it change the registrant? | Usually not; a holder change is separate | No | No |
| Could it affect website or email? | Not by itself if nameserver settings are retained | Yes, if needed records are changed or omitted | Yes, if the new DNS zone lacks required records |
| When is it used? | When another registrar should manage the registration | When routing one or more services differently | When moving DNS management to another provider |
Which Change Do You Need?
- Moving the registration to another registrar: Request a registrar transfer. Keep using the current nameservers if you want to continue using the same DNS provider.
- Moving a website to a new host: Keep the registrar and update the relevant A or AAAA records, or change nameservers if the new host will manage DNS.
- Switching email providers: Update the required MX and provider-specific TXT or CNAME records. Preserve website records if the site is staying where it is.
- Changing the listed domain holder: Ask the registrar about its separate registrant or domain holder change process.
DNS Change Checklist
Before changing DNS records or nameservers, prepare the services that depend on them:
- Save or export the current DNS zone, including A, AAAA, CNAME, MX, TXT, and any SRV records in use.
- Confirm the new website, email service, or other destination is ready before directing traffic to it.
- If changing nameservers, recreate all required records with the new DNS provider before switching.
- Review TTL values and allow time for cached records to expire. Lowering a TTL in advance may help a planned cutover, but cached values may still take time to expire.
- Keep the old hosting or email service available during the change when practical, then test the website, HTTPS, and sending and receiving email.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does transferring a domain change who owns it?
A registrar transfer changes which company manages the domain registration; it does not usually change the person or organization listed as the registrant. Changing the listed holder is a separate process handled through the registrar and may require additional verification. Check the registrar’s instructions before starting either change.
Will a domain transfer change my website or email?
A registrar transfer alone does not normally change the DNS records that route website and email traffic. Service can be disrupted if nameserver settings change, records are not retained, or the old DNS service is canceled too soon. Confirm the nameserver settings after the transfer and keep the DNS provider active until the domain resolves as expected.
Should I change nameservers or edit DNS records?
Edit individual records when you need to point a website, email service, or hostname somewhere new while keeping the same authoritative DNS provider. Change nameservers when you want a different provider to manage the DNS zone. Before switching, copy all required records to the new provider so email and other services continue to resolve.
How long do DNS changes take to work?
There is no single propagation time for every DNS change. Timing depends on record TTLs, caching by DNS resolvers and internet providers, and the type of change. Some visitors may see an update before others. Check the records from more than one network or DNS lookup service and allow cached information time to expire.
How can I avoid email problems during a website move?
Save the current DNS zone and identify the MX, TXT, and any provider-required CNAME records used for email. If only the website is moving, preserve the mail records. If email is moving too, set up the new service and publish its required records before the cutover, then test sending and receiving messages.
Can I transfer my domain and change hosting at the same time?
Yes, but the registrar transfer and DNS or hosting migration are separate changes. Coordinating both at once can make problems harder to diagnose. If timing allows, transfer the registration while keeping the current DNS configuration, confirm the transfer is complete, then make the planned DNS changes using the new host’s required records.
Why can't I transfer my domain to another registrar?
A transfer can be blocked if the domain is locked, is not eligible under the applicable transfer policy, or is within a transfer-restriction period. For applicable gTLDs, restrictions can include the first 60 days after initial registration, certain periods following a previous registrar transfer, or certain changes of registrant information. Check the domain status, unlock it when appropriate, obtain the required authorization or EPP code, and review the current registrar’s transfer instructions.
Related Help
For a registrar move, read our domain transfer guide. For cPanel DNS instructions, see the cPanel Zone Editor guide. For help with your hosting account, contact RSH Web Services.
Summary
Choose a registrar transfer when you want another company to manage the domain registration. Choose a DNS change when you want to point the website, email, or another service to a different provider. These are separate changes. Before changing DNS, record the current settings and confirm that the new website or email service is ready. If you want to change the listed registrant, check the registrar’s separate domain holder change process.
Author Bio: Adnan Moad
A guest blogger hailing from Switzerland, dedicated to assisting local companies in expanding their reach from regional to national and international levels. With a proven track record in...
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Comments (1)
Thanks for clarifying domain vs. DNS updates. The breakdown of DNS propagation was super helpful. Q: How long does it typically take for DNS changes to fully propagate globally? Great post, very clear for beginners.
Thanks for the kind words. DNS propagation typically takes 24-48 hours globally, though some changes can reflect in as little as a few minutes. Factors like TTL settings and ISP caching can affect speed. Check progress with tools like DNSChecker.org to confirm when updates are fully live.