¶ Domains Tab — Managing Your UK Domains
The Domains tab is the management console for every domain name you’ve registered or transferred through SmartXHosting. Nameservers, contact information, auto-renewal, SSL status and DNS settings all live here. This guide walks through the Domains tab layout accessed via smartxhosting.uk/login, the per-domain management controls and the UK-specific considerations for .co.uk, .uk and international TLDs.
¶ Table of contents
Reaching the Domains tab • Domain list overview • Adding a new domain • Managing an individual domain • Auto-renew settings • Nameservers — default vs custom • Contact information — Registrant, Admin, Tech • Private nameservers • UK domain considerations • FAQ
¶ Reaching the Domains tab
Sign in at smartxhosting.uk/login. Click the domain icon in the sidebar menu or the Domains info tile on the Dashboard tab.
The Domains tab only shows domains registered or transferred through SmartXHosting. You can still use SmartXHosting services with a domain registered elsewhere, but you’ll manage that domain at your other registrar and point DNS at SmartXHosting from there.
¶ Empty state — no domains yet
If you’ve just opened an account, the Domains tab displays an empty-state message with a prompt to register or transfer your first domain.
¶ Domain list overview
Once you have domains, the Domains tab shows them in a grid or list view with the key management information at a glance.
Each domain row typically shows:
- Domain Name — with an SSL status icon indicating whether a certificate is issued for it
- Next Due — the next renewal date
- Auto Renew — status of automatic renewal (enabled protects you from accidental expiry)
Click a domain row (or the 3-dot icon › Manage Domain) to open its full management page.
¶ Adding a new domain
Click Add New or use the sidebar to start a domain registration or transfer. SmartXHosting handles Nominet registration for .co.uk/.uk and global registries for international TLDs.
Registration requires accurate contact data (registrant, admin, tech). Transfers additionally require the EPP/auth code from your current registrar.
¶ Managing an individual domain
The per-domain management page is divided into five sections:
- Manage — sidebar menu with tools (Overview, Auto Renew, Nameservers, Contact Information, Private Nameservers)
- Actions — quick links for renewal, registering additional domains, transferring in
- Info section — key domain data (registration date, expiry, registrar information)
- SSL info — current SSL certificate status; links to issue or manage
- Shortcuts — direct links to popular actions
¶ Auto-renew settings
Under Manage › Auto Renew, you toggle automatic renewal. When enabled, SmartXHosting generates a renewal invoice 30 days before expiry and auto-charges if a payment method is on file.
Strongly recommended for any domain that’s business-critical. Losing a domain to expiry creates immediate brand damage, email downtime, SEO loss, and can end up costing hundreds of pounds in redemption fees if you recover it late.
¶ Nameservers — default vs custom
Under Manage › Nameservers, choose where your domain points to. Two options:
¶ Default nameservers
Use SmartXHosting’s default nameservers, configured during the registration process. Simplest option — DNS records managed within the Customer Dashboard.
¶ Custom nameservers
Set your own nameservers, for example if you’re using Cloudflare, AWS Route 53, or an external DNS provider. Enter the nameserver addresses; click Save.
Nameserver changes take up to 24 hours to propagate globally. Most UK ISPs pick up changes within 1–4 hours.
¶ Contact information — Registrant, Admin, Tech
UK domains require accurate contact information by Nominet rules. The same applies to most global TLDs under ICANN policy.
Three contact types:
¶ Registrant
The individual or organisation that owns the domain. For business domains, this is the company (registered in Companies House for UK Ltds). Two ways to fill:
- Use existing account contact
- Specify custom information — separate contact details for the domain, not tied to the main account
¶ Admin
The person responsible for domain administration. Often the same as the Registrant for small businesses. For larger operations, this may be the IT manager or a specific employee.
¶ Tech
The technical contact — responsible for DNS configuration, server management and technical changes. Often the same as Admin for small merchants. Can point to an external IT partner or agency if they manage your technical infrastructure.
Contact information appears in the public WHOIS database for non-.uk TLDs. UK domains (.co.uk, .uk, .org.uk) have opt-in WHOIS privacy for individuals under Nominet’s scheme.
¶ Private nameservers
For hosting providers or power users, you can register private nameservers within your domain (e.g. ns1.yourdomain.co.uk, ns2.yourdomain.co.uk). Available under Manage › Private Nameservers › Register.
Enter the nameserver hostname and IP address. Private nameservers are rare for typical merchants; they matter for resellers, SaaS platforms running customer domains, and similar advanced use cases.
¶ UK domain considerations
.co.ukvs.uk— both are Nominet-managed UK TLDs..co.ukis the traditional and most recognised;.ukis shorter and growing. Many UK brands register both and redirect one to the other.- Nominet Terms — UK domains are subject to Nominet’s terms including accurate registrant data and UK-nexus requirements for some second-level domains.
- WHOIS privacy — individuals registering UK domains can opt out of WHOIS listing their personal address. Businesses must show company details.
- Trademark considerations — before registering, check the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) trademark database to avoid conflicts. Registered trademarks can trigger domain disputes under UDRP-style processes.
- DNSSEC — Nominet supports DNSSEC for UK domains. Enable via your DNS provider for added security against DNS hijacking.
UK domain registration made simple
SmartXHosting handles Nominet registration directly for .co.uk and .uk domains, plus global TLDs. Manage everything via the Customer Dashboard with UK-based support when you need help.
¶ Frequently asked questions
Q: My domain is registered elsewhere. Can I manage it here?
A: Not from the Domains tab. Transfer it to SmartXHosting first (requires EPP code from current registrar), or manage it where it is and point DNS at SmartXHosting from there.
Q: How long do nameserver changes take?
A: Propagation typically 1–4 hours for UK ISPs; up to 24 hours globally. Cache TTL set by the previous nameserver determines the maximum duration.
Q: Should I use SmartXHosting’s default nameservers or custom?
A: Default is simplest — DNS records managed in the dashboard. Custom is right if you use Cloudflare, AWS Route 53, or another DNS provider for advanced features.
Q: What happens if my UK domain expires?
A: Nominet has a 30-day grace period where you can renew at the standard rate. After that, a redemption period of 60 days with higher fees. After 90 days total, the domain is released for general registration. Enable auto-renewal to avoid the risk entirely.
Q: Can I transfer a domain out?
A: Yes. Contact SmartXHosting support for the EPP authorisation code. For UK domains, Nominet requires an IPS tag change rather than an EPP code.
Q: Does DNSSEC cost extra?
A: No — DNSSEC is included at no extra cost on domains registered through SmartXHosting when you use default nameservers. Custom nameserver setups rely on your external DNS provider’s DNSSEC support.
Q: Do I need three different contacts (Registrant, Admin, Tech)?
A: Technically required but can be the same person. For small businesses, one person fills all three. For larger organisations, use different contacts to separate legal ownership, day-to-day administration and technical operations.
Q: Are private nameservers needed for a typical UK shop?
A: No. Private nameservers are for resellers and hosting/SaaS platforms running many customer sites. Regular merchants use SmartXHosting’s nameservers or a third party like Cloudflare.