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Nameservers, DNSSEC and domain lock: what each control does

Understand three commonly confused domain controls and a safe order for changing them.

Three controls, three jobs

Nameservers delegate DNS hosting, DNSSEC adds signed validation, and registrar lock restricts unauthorized transfer. One does not configure the others.

Nameservers

Before changing nameservers, recreate A, AAAA, CNAME, MX, TXT, SRV and CAA records at the new provider. Keep the old zone available during propagation.

DNSSEC

DNSSEC combines signed zone data with a DS record at the registry. If nameservers change while an old DS record remains, validating resolvers may reject the domain. Coordinate signing and DS changes.

Registrar lock

Keep registrar lock enabled during normal operation. Disable it only for an approved transfer and re-enable it after completion.

Safe change order

  • Export the existing zone
  • Build and verify the new zone
  • Review email and verification records
  • Coordinate DNSSEC changes
  • Change nameservers
  • Validate web, API and email resolution
  • Confirm registrar lock