Register a domain

Before you start

Have a Splash Nodes account, an email address you can access and the contact details of the person or business that will hold the domain. A domain is the name itself; hosting and email are separate services. Buying a domain does not automatically build a website or create a mailbox.

Choose a name you can spell easily and check the full ending. Similar names with different endings are separate registrations. Only order names you intend to keep: registration starts a registry transaction and is not the same as a cancellable monthly hosting plan.

Order a domain

1. Open Domains → Search & buy. Enter a full domain or a keyword in Domain name or keyword, then choose Search domains.
2. To explore alternatives, select Suggest names from my business idea and describe your business. Suggestions still need an availability check.
3. Review the spelling, ending, registration period and displayed price. Premium names and some endings can have different charges or minimum periods.
4. Add the chosen name to your basket, then open Review basket & checkout. Check the contact details, renewal choice and total before paying.
5. Wait for the registration confirmation. A basket entry or successful payment alone does not mean the registry has completed registration.

Ownership and renewal

Open My domains and select the domain. Check its registration status, expiry date and registrant contact information. Complete any verification request sent to the contact email. Keep that email accessible even if the new domain stops working.

Review Auto-renew and your payment method in Billing. Keep funds or a valid payment method available; a renewal setting is not a guarantee that a payment will succeed. Update contact details when your business details change. Privacy options depend on the domain ending and the controls shown for that domain.

Connect a service

Use the domain’s DNS tools to connect your website or email. Where Connect a service is offered, review the proposed changes before applying them. If you use external nameservers, edit records with that DNS provider instead: records in Splash Nodes will not take effect while another provider is authoritative.

For a Builder website, use Builder → Web address. For standalone hosting, use the domain selection during hosting setup. Follow the DNS guide before replacing records, especially if you already receive email on this domain.

Check it works

• The domain appears in My domains with a completed registration status.
• The owner details and renewal settings are correct.
• After connecting a service, the website opens at the intended address or a test email arrives at the intended mailbox.

A holding page can be normal before you connect hosting. It does not mean a website has been built for you.

Problems

The name became unavailable: availability can change between searching and registration. Check the order status before ordering an alternative. Paid but still pending: keep the order reference and ask support to check it; avoid placing a duplicate order. The old website still appears: verify the active nameservers and record values, then allow existing DNS caches to expire.

Send support the domain, order reference, status and the time you last checked. Never include account passwords or payment-card details.