A locked domain can't be transferred to another registrar — that's the whole point of the lock. Unlocking takes one click and is reversible at any time.
On Flashcloud
If your domain is registered with us and you're transferring it out:
- Go to Domains and click the domain.
- Find the Registrar lock tile.
- Toggle it off.
The domain is now unlocked. Get your EPP code from the same page (see Transferring a domain away) and start the transfer at the gaining registrar.
At your previous registrar
If your domain is currently at another registrar and you're moving it to us, you need to unlock it at their control panel before starting the transfer:
- Sign in to the current registrar's control panel.
- Find the domain settings — usually under "Domain Manager," "DNS," or "My Domains."
- Look for a setting labeled "Domain Lock," "Registrar lock," or "Registrar Lock."
- Disable it.
The exact location varies by registrar. If you can't find it:
- Search the registrar's help docs for "unlock domain transfer."
- Contact their support — every reputable registrar can guide you through the unlock.
If the registrar won't let you unlock
Two ICANN rules protect you here:
- No self-serve unlock? They have five days. If a registrar doesn't give you a way to unlock the domain yourself, ICANN policy requires them to remove the lock within five calendar days of your request.
- A billing dispute is not a reason to hold your domain. A registrar may not withhold the unlock or your authorization (EPP) code because of a payment dispute. As long as the domain itself is current, they have to release it.
If a registrar stalls past five days or ties the unlock to a disputed charge, that's a policy violation you can escalate to ICANN.
Why domains are locked by default
Domain lock prevents an unauthorized transfer of your domain. If someone got hold of your registrar password and tried to transfer the domain to themselves, the lock would block it.
It's not a perfect protection (the gaining registrar could still complete the transfer with a forged auth code), but it's a useful first line of defense and ICANN encourages it.
Re-locking
After your transfer completes, the domain is automatically locked again at the new registrar (most reputable registrars do this by default).
If you stay with us, you can leave it unlocked or relock it from the same toggle. We recommend keeping it locked when you're not actively transferring.
Locked domains: what works and what doesn't
A locked domain still:
- Resolves DNS normally.
- Renews on schedule.
- Allows DNS changes at our nameservers.
- Allows contact info edits.
A locked domain can't:
- Be transferred to another registrar.
- Have its registrant changed at the registry level.
So lock = "no transfer-related changes." Everything else works.