Frequently Asked Questions
The app, transfers, prices, security — straight answers. Something else? The guides go deeper. 🇫🇷 Version française
What is RegistrarPilot?
A free Windows app that unifies your domains from 10 registrars (Gandi, OVH, GoDaddy, Cloudflare, Namecheap, IONOS…), watches every expiry date, grades each domain's health (A–E) and automates DNS migration and at-cost transfers to Cloudflare.
Is RegistrarPilot really free?
Yes — the app is free, with no account required. You only pay for your domains, at your registrars — and eventually at Cloudflare, at registry wholesale price.
Are my API keys safe?
They never leave your PC: encrypted with AES-256-GCM in a vault protected by your master password (scrypt derivation), with optional 2FA. The app talks only to official registrar APIs, locally — no RegistrarPilot server ever sees your data.
Why transfer my domains to Cloudflare?
Cloudflare Registrar resells domains at registry cost with zero markup: ~$10.44 for a .com versus $15–22 elsewhere. Across a portfolio, the saving repeats every year.
Does the transfer take my site or email down?
No — as long as the destination DNS zone matches the origin before nameservers switch. RegistrarPilot copies the zone via the registrar's API then runs a zero-downtime preflight checking site, www and email before allowing the switch.
Do I have to pay to transfer a domain?
A transfer costs one year of renewal at the gaining registrar — a year that is added to your expiry (ICANN rule). Transferring at day −30 simply replaces your renewal.
What if my TLD isn't supported by Cloudflare?
The domain stays registered at its current registrar, with its DNS managed free on Cloudflare. You keep the unified view and alerts in RegistrarPilot.
Windows shows "unknown publisher" at launch — is that normal?
Yes: the executable isn't code-signed yet. Click "More info" then "Run anyway". The app only contacts official registrar APIs.
How does the online checker work?
It queries the public registries (RDAP) and DNS straight from your browser: availability, expiry date, registrar, nameservers, WHOIS sheet. No middle server, no data collected.
What is an EPP code?
The authorization code required for any domain transfer, provided free by your current registrar (an ICANN obligation). Our guide shows where to find it at every registrar.
Can I sell a domain or website on RegistrarPilot?
Yes — the marketplace is free: publish your listing from the dashboard (account required); buyers contact you directly.
How long before expiry should I transfer?
The ideal window is day −45 to day −15, with day −30 as the reflex: early enough to absorb the 5–7 day transfer, late enough not to pay ahead of time.
Does RegistrarPilot run on Mac or Linux?
The executable is Windows-only for now; Mac/Linux is on the roadmap. The online checker works everywhere.
A domain vanished from my registrar account — what now?
RegistrarPilot keeps a local trace of every domain it has seen: if one disappears from an API it stays listed with a "gone from API" alert. Check its real status via RDAP immediately — recovery phases are short and expensive.
Who makes RegistrarPilot?
RegistrarPilot is independent software, not affiliated with the registrars mentioned (Cloudflare, Gandi, OVH, GoDaddy…).