Alibaba Cloud Domain Names

To use a domain name for your website, email, or other services, register one on the Alibaba Cloud Domain Name Registration platform. Before you register a domain name, you must create a registrant profile and complete identity verification. After the domain name is successfully registered, you must complete the ICP filing and configure DNS resolution before you can use the domain name for your services.

1. Registrant identity verification:

   • Effective February 15, 2022, all domain name registrations with Alibaba Cloud require a verified registrant profile. Before you register a domain name, you must create a registrant profile and complete identity verification. For more information, see Identity verification.

   Important

   The domain name registry reviews identity verification for registrant profiles. This review is typically completed within one business day but can take up to 3 to 5 business days.

2. Registration:

   Alibaba Cloud provides a variety of domain registration services. You can choose your desired domain name extension on the Alibaba Cloud Domain Name Registration platform. For more information, see Register a domain name.

3. ICP filing: As required by local regulations, you must complete an ICP filing process before providing internet information services in the Chinese mainland.

4. Domain name resolution:

   After you register the domain name and complete the ICP filing, you must configure its DNS resolution. After you configure resolution, visitors can access your website by using the domain name. Alibaba Cloud DNS provides stable, secure, and fast resolution services.

If your desired domain name is already registered, you can purchase it through the Alibaba Cloud domain name trading platform. After you purchase the domain name, you must wait for the seller to transfer it to you, then transfer ownership and complete identity verification. You may also need to complete an ICP filing and reconfigure DNS resolution before you can use the domain name for your services.

1. Query:

   Before you purchase a domain name, check its current status on the Alibaba Cloud Domain Name (WHOIS) page. You can then use this information to contact the current registrant and negotiate a purchase.

2. Registrant identity verification:

   Transferring ownership of a domain name changes the registrant, which requires a new identity verification.

3. Purchase the domain name:

   The Alibaba Cloud domain name trading platform is a trading system built on the Alipay secured transaction service. It offers various transaction types, such as domain backordering, fixed-price sale, and auction, providing a secure and convenient way to purchase your desired domain name.

4. Domain and ownership transfer:

   • Transfer:

     For easier management, transfer the domain name to your Alibaba Cloud account after the transaction. On the Alibaba Cloud trading platform, the system automatically transfers the domain name to your account after the transaction is complete. If the automatic transfer fails due to network issues or other reasons, you can manually transfer the domain name to Alibaba Cloud. For more information, see How to transfer a domain name to Alibaba Cloud.

   • Transfer ownership:

     After purchasing a domain name, you must transfer ownership to yourself to ensure you are the legal owner. On the Alibaba Cloud trading platform, the system confirms your registrant information during the transaction to automatically complete the ownership transfer upon success. If the automatic transfer fails, you can manually transfer ownership. For more information, see Modify registrant information (transfer ownership).

5. ICP filing: As required by local regulations, you must complete an ICP filing process before providing internet information services in the Chinese mainland.

6. Domain name resolution:

   After completing the preceding steps, you can configure DNS resolution for the domain name. Alibaba Cloud DNS provides stable, secure, and fast resolution services.

If you want to sell your domain name, you can post a sale listing in the Alibaba Cloud Domain Names console. After the domain name is sold, you must promptly transfer its ownership to the buyer.

1. Sell the domain name:

   In the Alibaba Cloud Domain Names console, you can post sale listings for free, open a domain name store, or configure a "for sale" landing page. These features leverage high traffic to increase the visibility of your domain names. You can also post sale information in the Alibaba Cloud console. For more information, see Sell a domain name.

2. Domain and ownership transfer:

   • Transfer: After a transaction, the domain name must be transferred to the buyer's account so they can manage it. On the Alibaba Cloud trading platform, the system automatically transfers the domain name to the buyer's Alibaba Cloud account after the transaction is complete. If this fails due to network issues or other reasons, you can manually transfer it to Alibaba Cloud. For more information, see How to transfer a domain name to Alibaba Cloud.

   • Transfer ownership: When you sell a domain name on the Alibaba Cloud trading platform, the system automatically transfers ownership and transfers the domain name to the buyer upon a successful transaction. In rare cases, you may need to manually transfer ownership, and then provide the domain transfer password to the buyer to complete the domain name transfer or perform an inter-account transfer. For more information about transferring ownership, see Modify registrant information (transfer ownership).

After registering and starting to use a domain name, you are responsible for its routine maintenance and security to ensure stable and secure operation.

• Daily management

  • Domain name renewal and redemption:

    You must monitor your domain name's expiration date. Alibaba Cloud sends reminders to your registered mobile number and email address before the expiration. Renew the domain name as soon as possible. For more information, see Renew a domain name. If you fail to renew within the grace period, which varies by domain, you will have to redeem your domain name at a higher price. For more information, see Redeem a domain name.

  • Maintain basic domain name information:

    Alibaba Cloud Domain Names makes it easy to maintain your domain information. In the console, you can create and maintain registrant profiles and associate them with your domain names. You can also easily modify and maintain domain information in the console. If you need to modify the registrant information or other details, see Update domain name information.

  • Manage and maintain DNS services:

    You can configure your domain name resolution settings as needed to make your website accessible. For more information, see Quick links.

• Security management

  To ensure the security of your domain name, enable the update lock and transfer lock. It is also a good practice to periodically review your DNS logs to identify potential security threats.

  The domain name security manual provides more security-related best practices and operational guidance. For more information, see Best practices for domain name security.

• Authorization management

  • If you need to authorize other users for basic domain management, you can use Resource Access Management (RAM) to grant them the required permissions in the RAM console.

  • The single-domain console authorization feature is no longer available for accounts that are not HiChina agent accounts. We recommend that non-HiChina agent accounts use the RAM console for domain management.

  • For non-HiChina agent accounts that have previously enabled the single-domain console authorization feature, you can continue to use it as long as it is not disabled. Once disabled, it cannot be re-enabled.