When an email mentions ICANN, or WHOIS shows a company name you do not know, you wonder: who really owns my domain, and who do I contact when there is a problem? The answer is a simple chain of four parties, each with a clear role.
The four parties and their roles #
| Party | Role | Example |
|---|---|---|
| ICANN | A global body that sets the general rules for generic domains and accredits registrars. | The domain owner email verification rule. |
| Registry | Runs a whole extension, keeps the list of all domains registered in it, and sets the wholesale price. | The .com registry, and the Saudi Network Information Center for .sa. |
| Registrar | An accredited company that registers domains in the registry for their owners. | The name shown in WHOIS under Registrar. |
| Reseller | Gives you registration, renewal and support, and deals with the registrar for you. | Hyyat Host. |
Who owns the domain? #
You do. The domain is registered to the owner in its contact details, not to the registrar or the reseller. That is why the owner details must always be accurate. Read Domain privacy.
Why does WHOIS show a company other than Hyyat Host? #
Because WHOIS shows the accredited registrar that actually registers the domain in the registry. Hyyat Host works with accredited registrars to serve you. This is normal, and it does not mean your domain is with another company. Read What is WHOIS.
Who do you contact about a problem? #
Always contact Hyyat Host through a support ticket, for renewal, transfer, suspension or email verification. We follow up with the registrar and registry for you, so you do not need to contact them.
What about Saudi domains? #
The .sa extension has its own registry, the Saudi Network Information Center, and is registered through accredited registration agents. Read Accredited registration agents for Saudi domains.
Summary #
- ICANN sets the rules, and the registry runs the extension.
- The registrar registers the domain in your name, and the reseller serves you.
- You are the owner, and Hyyat Host is your only point of contact.
See why register your domain with Hyyat Host, and search on the domain availability check page.
Frequently asked questions #
What is the difference between a registry and a registrar?
A registry runs a whole extension such as .com, and a registrar is an accredited company that registers domains in that registry for their owners.
What is ICANN?
A global body that sets the general rules for generic domains and accredits registrars. One of its rules is verifying the domain owner email.
Why does WHOIS show a company other than Hyyat Host?
Because WHOIS shows the accredited registrar that actually registers the domain, and Hyyat Host works with it to serve you.
Who owns my domain?
You do, as the owner registered in the domain contact details.
Who do I contact about a domain problem?
Hyyat Host through a support ticket. We follow up with the registrar and registry for you.
