A domain name’s registration and DNS entries are two separate things

Domain name registration and DNS entries are two different things. The following article will help you determine if a domain name’s registration needs to be transferred or if the domain’s DNS entries simply need to be updated.

Domain registration

A domain’s registration contains essential information about the domain name, including who owns it, registrant contact information, and the expiration date. The domain’s registrar (or registration service provider) is responsible for maintaining the registration records, renewing the domain, and invoicing the renewal fee.

DNS entries

DNS (Domain Name Server) information links (or “points”) the domain name to a hosting account, allowing visitors to reach a website by typing its domain name in their browser’s address bar. HostPapa, and many other hosting companies, use two DNS entries; however other companies use three, four, or more. 

Domain transfers

When a domain is transferred, it means the domain’s registration is being moved from one company to another. This process causes no downtime, meaning the domain’s website and email should stay active even though the transfer itself may take days to complete. It’s a bit like transferring a rental car between two car rental companies. Nothing happens to the car itself, but the company responsible for keeping the vehicle in good shape (and charging the rental fee) changes.

Domain transfers do not change DNS entries

The domain remains connected to the same website during and after the transfer.

DNS entries can’t be changed during a transfer

Once a transfer begins, the DNS information is frozen until the transfer completes. Therefore, if the DNS entries need to be updated, this should happen before the transfer starts

Domains do not have to be registered with HostPapa to use our DNS entries

A domain name does not have to be registered through or transferred to HostPapa to point to a HostPapa hosting account. The domain can be registered with any domain name provider, as long as it’s pointed to HostPapa’s DNS entries, which are:

ns1.hostpapa.com

ns2.hostpapa.com

If you want to set up an addon domain, please follow the steps in this Knowledge Base article

DNS changes

If your domain is not a promotional one, you can update your DNS yourself. Find out how in this Knowledge Base article. DNS updates require some time to go into effect, as the new information needs to be sent to all servers supporting the Internet. This process is called “propagation.” It can take as little as a few hours or, occasionally, up to three days.

If you need help with your HostPapa account, please open a support ticket from your dashboard.

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