> ## Knowledge Base Index
> Fetch the complete knowledge base index at: https://help.xynta.com/sitemap.xml
> Use this file to discover available pages before exploring further.
> Pure-Markdown content can be obtained by appending a '.md' suffix to the content URLs listed in the sitemap (without the trailing slash).

# Locking or Unlocking a Domain Name

**A **transfer lock** (also known as a registrar lock) protects your domain name against unauthorised transfer to another provider. A locked domain name can only be transferred after you disable the lock yourself through My xYnta.**

|| This feature is available for domain names registered with xYnta whose extension supports locking — such as **.com**, **.net** and **.org**. Extensions like `.nl` and `.be` do not support this feature. Don't see the **Lock** or **Unlock** menu options in My xYnta? Then the extension doesn't support locking.

* [When should you (un)lock a domain name?](#3-when-should-you-unlock-a-domain-name)
* [Step-by-step guide](#3-step-by-step-guide)
* [Instructional video](#3-instructional-video)

### When should you (un)lock a domain name?

| **Situation** | **Action** |
| ------------- | ---------- |
| You want to protect your domain name against unauthorised transfer. | **Lock** |
| You're transferring to another provider and the transfer fails due to the lock. | **Unlock** |
| You're transferring your domain name to another customer within xYnta. | Not needed — internal transfers work even with a locked domain. |

|| Many providers activate the transfer lock by default on registration — xYnta does this for supported extensions too. Your domain is automatically protected without any action required on your part.

### Step-by-step guide

1. Go to [My xYnta](https://mijn.xynta.com) and log in with your email address and password.
2. Click **DOMAIN NAME** at the top of the page.
3. Under **Domain names**, click the domain name you want to lock or unlock.
4. Click the **MANAGE** button.
5. Click the **Lock** or **Unlock** menu option, depending on what you want to do.

| Is the domain name already in the desired state (locked or unlocked)? Clicking the option will have no effect — you won't receive an error message.

### Instructional video

Prefer to see how it works? Watch our short instructional video on locking or unlocking a domain name:

${youtube}[Locking or unlocking a domain name via My xYnta](UyB1cWmbAbE)

Preparing your domain name for transfer? See also [Requesting a transfer code via My xYnta](https://help.xynta.com/en/article/requesting-a-transfer-code-via-mijn-xynta-1mtlrc1/). Can't figure it out? [Feel free to get in touch](https://www.xynta.com/en/support/contact) — we're happy to help.