No-IP’s Free Dynamic DNS and Enhanced Dynamic DNS hostnames are fully functional for basic remote access, but have certain limitations when used for other purposes.
If you would like access to the features outlined below, you will need to register a custom domain name. For additional DNS management options, you will also need Plus Managed DNS or Pro Dynamic DNS.
Fourth Level Subdomains and TXT Records
Fourth level subdomains (e.g., fourth.sub.domain.com) cannot be created using Free and Enhanced hostnames. This includes other records types like TXT Records and CNAMEs with fourth level sub-domains.
Even when not using a 4th level sub-domain, TXT Records on Enhanced hostnames are limited to a maximum of 3 per hostname and are unavailable on our Free plan.
These limitations are not present when using a custom domain with Plus Managed DNS or Pro Dynamic DNS.
Authorization Codes and Transfers
An Authorization Code or EPP Code is required for a domain holder to transfer a domain name from one registrar to another. Only root domains have authorization codes (ddns.net), and hostnames or subdomains (example.ddns.net) do not.
No-IP is the registrant, or the owner, of the domain registration on all Free and Enhanced root domains. Since the domain registrant is the only one who has access to the authorization codes, these codes cannot be provided to No-IP customers.
Nameservers
Nameserver records cannot be changed or added, so the DNS management cannot be hosted elsewhere for Free and Enhanced hostnames.
WHOIS Contact Info
No-IP is the registrant, or the owner, of the domain registration on all Free and Enhanced Domains. Since the domain registrant is the only one who can edit or change the WHOIS contact details, these details cannot be edited or changed by No-IP customers.
You do not need Plus or Pro DNS to edit nameservers, transfer a domain, or update whois contact info. You only need a custom domain.