> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://kb.hostcloud.in/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Turn on auto-renew and registrar lock

> Keep your domain from expiring and stop it being transferred without your permission.

Two settings protect your domain: **auto-renew** makes sure you're invoiced before it expires, and **registrar lock** stops anyone transferring it away without your permission. This guide shows you how to check and change both.

## Open your domain's settings

Click **Domains** in the top menu. On the domain's row, click the **⋯** menu and choose **Manage Domain**. (Clicking the domain name itself opens your website, not its settings.)

![The Overview page for a domain, with the Manage sidebar listing Auto Renew, Nameservers, Registrar Lock and other options](https://mintcdn.com/host-cloud/jJGfkbD8_ENerM5L/images/domains/overview.jpg?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=jJGfkbD8_ENerM5L\&q=85\&s=a399febf48deba65ea0b29f2c66cac8a)

## Auto-renew

When auto-renew is on, we send you a renewal invoice before your domain expires. Pay it and your domain renews.

**1. Open Auto Renew**

In the domain's sidebar, click **Auto Renew**.

**2. Set the toggle**

Switch **Auto Renewal Status** to **ON**. Switch it off only if you want the domain to expire at the end of its term.

![The Auto Renew tab with the Auto Renewal Status toggle switched on](https://mintcdn.com/host-cloud/jJGfkbD8_ENerM5L/images/domains/auto-renew.jpg?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=jJGfkbD8_ENerM5L\&q=85\&s=540568e6025413af3802be0d272271f2)

You can see which domains have auto-renew on in the **Auto Renew** column of the **My Domains** page. The **⋯** menu on each row also has an **Auto Renewal Status** shortcut.

> [!NOTE]
>
> A free domain that came with your hosting renews automatically only while that hosting service is active. If you cancel the hosting or let it lapse, renew the domain yourself.

> [!WARNING]
>
> If a domain expires, your website and email stop working. Renewing after the expiry date costs extra, because grace and redemption fees apply. Renew before the due date to avoid them. See [Renewals](/billing/renewals).

## Registrar lock

Registrar lock stops your domain being transferred to another provider without your permission. Keep it on unless you're moving the domain away from HostCloud.

**1. Open Registrar Lock**

In the domain's sidebar, click **Registrar Lock**.

**2. Set the toggle**

Switch **Registrar Lock Status** to **ON** to lock the domain, or **OFF** only when you're ready to transfer it out.

![The Registrar Lock tab with the Registrar Lock Status toggle switched on](https://mintcdn.com/host-cloud/jJGfkbD8_ENerM5L/images/domains/registrar-lock.jpg?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=jJGfkbD8_ENerM5L\&q=85\&s=a3134ed04d1f3de849ded3d3017ca7f7)

> [!TIP]
>
> Some domain extensions, such as `.co.in`, don't show every option in the sidebar. If you can't find a setting you need, [open a ticket](/support/open-a-ticket).

Still stuck? [Open a ticket](/support/open-a-ticket) with the domain name.


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