Different domain name changes—ownership transfers, contact updates, and DNS server switches—require different procedures and have different impacts. This guide helps you choose the right one.
Quick decision guide
Find the procedure that matches your goal.
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Your Goal |
Action |
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Change the domain name ownership (transfer). For example, change the registrant name or ID number, or transfer ownership from an individual to a company or from one company to another. |
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Update registrant information. For example, modify the registrant's contact method or address. |
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Modify the administrator, billing, or technical contact information for a domain name. For example, change the name, contact method, or address. |
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Change the DNS service provider for a domain name. |
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Correct a misspelled domain name. |
Scenario 1: Modify registrant information
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Use this procedure to:
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Transfer domain name ownership to another individual or organization.
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Correct any errors in the current registrant's name, address, or contact details.
Changing the registrant name or organization name results in a change of domain name ownership.
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Key impacts:
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Identity verification required: For .cn domains, the new information requires review (3–5 business days).
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Transfer lock: A 60-day transfer lock is applied, preventing transfers to other registrars. You can opt out during the process.
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Procedure: Update registrant information
Scenario 2: Modify other domain name contacts
Change the name or contact details (email, phone number) of a domain's administrative, technical, or billing contacts. This does not affect ownership.
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Key impacts: No identity verification or transfer lock. Changes take effect immediately.
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Procedure: Modify non-registrant contact information.
Scenario 3: Modify domain name DNS servers
Change your DNS service provider—for example, migrate from a third-party provider to Alibaba Cloud DNS.
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Key impacts: DNS changes take up to 48 hours to propagate globally. Switching DNS servers before configuring records at the new provider causes service interruptions.
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How to ensure a smooth transition: Before switching, configure all DNS records at the new provider and verify they match the old provider's records.
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Procedure: Modify DNS servers
Clarifying concepts: DNS server versus DNS record
Two commonly confused operations:
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Modifying a DNS server changes which organization's nameservers are authoritative for your domain.
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Modifying a DNS record changes a specific destination (such as an IP address) within your current DNS provider. The provider stays the same.
To modify DNS records, see Add DNS records for a website.
What cannot be modified?
A domain name cannot be modified after registration.
If you registered a domain name with a typo, you cannot correct or undo the registration.
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Solution: Register a new domain name with the correct spelling. Allow the incorrect domain name to expire by disabling auto-renewal.
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How to reduce costs: If you recently registered the domain name, use the paid domain name deletion feature.