A domain name is a rental, not a purchase: you have exclusive use of it for as long as it is renewed. You then manage it from your client area, across four tabs: Name servers, DNS zone, Transfer and security and Registrant.
How do I order a domain name from By-Hoster?
Open the domain search from the shop, type the name you want, add it to the basket and confirm the order.
- Open the domain search from the shop.
- Type the name you want. Results show availability and suggest other extensions.
- Add it to the basket and complete the order.
Two things to know before you confirm:
- A valid phone number is mandatory on your account. Registries require it to reach the registrant, and checkout is blocked while it is missing or not in international format.
- Account balance cannot be used to pay for a domain. Choose another payment method.
Why must I confirm my e-mail address within 15 days?
After registration the registry sends a verification message to the registrant address. ICANN rules require you to confirm it within 15 days, failing which the domain is suspended — the website and the e-mail stop working.
That message often ends up in the junk folder. Look for it as soon as you order. The Registrant tab of your domain warns you for as long as the address is unverified.
Which DNS records does my zone contain right after registration?
At registration a DNS zone is created with two records: the domain points to our web platform, and www is its alias. However, no MX record is created: nothing should presume where you want to receive your e-mail. You add it yourself, or in one click with a template, as explained in the DNS zone guide.
Which nameservers should I use for my domain?
Keep our nameservers, ns1.by-hoster.net and ns2.by-hoster.net, unless your zone is managed by another DNS provider.
Nameservers decide who answers questions about your domain. The Name servers tab offers two choices.
Our name servers — recommended. You manage your zone from the client area and your hosting is configured automatically. They are ns1.by-hoster.net and ns2.by-hoster.net.
Custom name servers — your zone will be managed elsewhere, at another DNS provider. The DNS zone tab in the client area will keep your records, but they will no longer be used until delegation comes back to us. A banner reminds you at the top of the tab, to avoid the classic mistake of editing a zone nobody consults any more.
Two nameservers are the minimum, eight the maximum. Every effective change is confirmed to you by e-mail.
Does my domain name renew automatically?
Automatic renewal does not exist at By-Hoster for domain names. It is a deliberate choice: we do not charge without your agreement, and we do not renew an unpaid service.
In practice:
- a renewal invoice is issued 30 days before expiry — earlier than for the rest of the catalogue, precisely because a domain is not easily recovered;
- e-mail reminders warn you that expiry is approaching;
- the domain page shows a warning as soon as 45 days or fewer remain;
- renewal at the registry only happens after payment.
An expired domain moves into a redemption period: recovery is still possible for a while, but the registry charges a fee unrelated to a normal renewal. Pay the invoice in time — that is the only rule that matters.
What do the states shown on my domain page mean?
The page shows the state, the registration date, the expiry date and the current nameservers. Possible states include: Actif, En cours d'enregistrement, Transfert en cours, Expiré, Période de rachat, Suspendu and Échec de l'enregistrement. Each comes with a short explanation whenever action is expected from you.