Documentation Menu
1. Searching for Domains
Finding the right domain starts with a search. Our domain search tool checks availability across dozens of extensions in real time.
Go to Domain Search
Navigate to Domain Search from the navigation bar or your dashboard.
Enter your desired name
Type in the domain name you want (e.g., "mybusiness"). You do not need to include the extension -- we will search all available ones for you.
Review results
We will display availability and pricing for extensions like .co.uk, .com, .uk, .org, .net, and more. Add your preferred domain to the basket.
Tip: Keep domain names short, memorable, and easy to spell. Avoid hyphens and numbers where possible.
2. Registering a New Domain
Once you have found an available domain, registration takes just moments:
- Click "Add to Basket" next to your chosen domain
- Review your order in the basket
- Complete payment via Stripe, PayU, or GoCardless
- Your domain is registered instantly and appears in your dashboard
Info: For .uk and .co.uk domains, the registrant details must match real contact information as required by Nominet.
3. Domain Pricing and TLDs
We offer a wide range of top-level domains (TLDs) at competitive prices. Here are some popular ones:
| Extension | Best For | Registration |
|---|---|---|
| .co.uk | UK-based businesses | From £4.99/yr |
| .com | Global businesses | From £9.99/yr |
| .uk | Short UK addresses | From £4.99/yr |
| .org | Non-profits & organisations | From £9.99/yr |
| .net | Technology & networks | From £11.99/yr |
Prices shown are starting prices. Use our domain search to see exact pricing for any extension.
4. Managing Nameservers
Nameservers tell the internet where to find your website. When you register a domain with SillyHost, we automatically set the nameservers to point to our Cloudflare-powered DNS.
SillyHost Nameservers
If you need to manually set your nameservers (for example, if you transferred your domain), use:
ns1.sillyhost.co.uk
ns2.sillyhost.co.uk
Changing Nameservers
To change your domain's nameservers:
- Go to Dashboard > Domains
- Click on the domain you want to modify
- Select Nameservers from the domain settings
- Enter the new nameserver addresses
- Save changes -- propagation can take up to 24 hours
Warning: Changing nameservers will affect all DNS records for your domain, including email. Make sure you know what you are doing, or contact support for help.
5. Domain Transfers to SillyHost
If you already own a domain with another registrar, you can transfer it to SillyHost. Here is how:
Unlock your domain
At your current registrar, disable the domain lock (sometimes called "transfer lock" or "registrar lock").
Get your EPP/auth code
Request an EPP code (also called an authorisation code or transfer key) from your current registrar. Note: .uk domains use a different tag-based system.
Start the transfer
In your SillyHost dashboard, go to Domains and select "Transfer a domain". Enter the domain name and EPP code.
Approve the transfer
You may receive an email asking you to approve the transfer. For generic TLDs (.com, .net, etc.), transfers typically complete within 5-7 days. UK domains transfer almost instantly once the tag is changed.
Info: For .uk domains, ask your current registrar to change the IPS tag to our registrar tag. This initiates the transfer immediately.
6. Domain Renewal and Expiration
Domains are registered for a fixed period (usually 1 year). It is important to renew them before they expire, or you may lose your domain name.
Auto-Renewal
We strongly recommend enabling auto-renewal for all your domains. This ensures your domain is renewed automatically before it expires. You can toggle this in Dashboard > Domains > [your domain] > Settings.
Manual Renewal
You can also renew domains manually from your dashboard. We send email reminders at 30 days, 14 days, and 3 days before expiration.
What Happens When a Domain Expires?
- Day 0-30: Grace period -- your website goes offline, but you can still renew at the normal price.
- Day 30-60: Redemption period -- renewal may incur an additional fee.
- After 60 days: The domain is released and anyone can register it.
Warning: Once a domain is released, there is no guarantee you can get it back. Always enable auto-renewal for important domains.
7. WHOIS Privacy
WHOIS is a public database that shows who owns a domain name. By default, your registration details (name, address, email) may be visible in WHOIS lookups.
SillyHost provides WHOIS privacy protection for supported TLDs. When enabled, our proxy details replace your personal information in the public WHOIS record, while you remain the legal owner of the domain.
Info: .uk and .co.uk domains have privacy handled differently by Nominet. Individual registrants can opt out of the WHOIS directory via Nominet's website. Business registrants' details are always public.