How to Lock or Unlock a Domain
A domain lock is a security feature designed to keep your domain safe from unauthorized transfer to another registrar. Any domain you register with HostGator will automatically be set to a "locked" status, meaning it cannot be transferred away from us. To "unlock", means your domain can be transferred away from your HostGator account.
Here at HostGator, we want to make it easier for you to manage your hosting plans, billing, and domains in a single control panel. The following instructions will show you how to lock or unlock your domains within your Customer Portal.
Hey, just so you are aware, unlocking your domain within your Customer Portal will get you access to your Auth Code (also known as authorization key, EPP key, EPP code, or transfer key), a unique code that protects your domain from being transferred away to another registrar. If you unlock your domain, this means you are allowing your domain to be transferred away from your HostGator account, your current registrar.
How to Lock or Unlock Your Domain
To enable (or disable) your domain's lock:
- Log in to your HostGator Customer Portal.
- Click Domains on the left-side menu.
- If you have a single domain in your account, scroll down the domain's management page and look for the Transfer or Move Domain section.
If you have multiple domains in your account, look for the domain you want to lock or unlock.
- If you're in the Advanced view, click your domain name. (You may also click the 3 vertical dots icon to the right, under the Actions column, and then click Manage.) You'll be redirected to your domain's management page.
- If you're in the Summary view, click the Settings button. You'll be redirected to your domain's management page.
- If you're in the Advanced view, click your domain name. (You may also click the 3 vertical dots icon to the right, under the Actions column, and then click Manage.) You'll be redirected to your domain's management page.
- Scroll down and look for the Transfer or Move Domain section. Click this section to expand.
- You will see a toggle switch beside Domain Locked. Toggle it on or off to lock or unlock the domain.
- If you lock the domain, it is secure from unauthorized transfer. Your domain is safe with us.
- If you unlock the domain, it is vulnerable to unauthorized transfer. However, if you intend to transfer this domain to another registrar, you can proceed with requesting your EPP Code (or Authorization code/key). This is your domain's unique code that your new registrar needs to proceed with the domain transfer.
- If you lock the domain, it is secure from unauthorized transfer. Your domain is safe with us.