1and1 complaints seem to be commonplace on webmaster forums and blogs all over the internet. If you have landed on this article I assume you've read a lot of them. Still, I thought I would get the word out about 1and1 problems and issues I've had using the companies services as a domain name registrar. (I haven't used their hosting but you should NEVER use it.)
Slow DNS Propagation
One big issue I've always had with 1and1 is that they have extremely slow DNS propagation. A lot of times domain registrars explicitly state “It can take 24-48 hours for DNS updates to fully propagate.” For most registrars I've used it takes 2 hours, tops, for nameservers to process and update on my end. Usually it doesn't take more than 1 hour in most cases. With 1and1 it can literally take 48 hours or more. This is by far the slowest I've ever seen and it is a big 1and1 complaint and issue they still have not seemed to have resolved or fixed.
When you need your nameservers updated, you want it done as fast as possible. Most likely you are switching from a bad web host or are moving domain parking companies. The amount of time 1and1 takes to update DNS is not appropriate in this day and age.
Slow Contact Updates
If you need to switch your address or any information for your domain contact details, don't expect 1and1 to process the update quickly either. There have been times I've updated contact details which sometimes take a week for 1and1 to process on their end. Sometimes the update will show-up the next day but often it doesn't.
This isn't that big of a deal but still, it 1and1 issues are that it's system is just damn slow. It's kind of like they think they are an internet company that it still operating in 1999.
Difficult Transfers
Additionally one of 1and1's problems is when you try to make changes to transfer a domain, these updates can take quite awhile. What do I mean? If you need to turn off domain privacy I've had issues where it wouldn't turn off. Even after contacting customer service and explaining the issue.
I've also had issues when I've “Unlocked” a domain and it's shows in 1and1's backend. However when I attempt to transfer out to another domain name registrar, it will reject the transfer saying it wasn't unlocked or there was an issue with the losing domain registar. I usually try again and contact 1and1 customer service to resolve the issue. Typically they say everything looks fine on their end. I reattempt and it is fine.
Recently I had to helped a client transfer a domain away from 1and1. It was a bit tricky but I was able to get it done without too much hassle. Still transferring is more 1and1 problems and issues to be aware of.
1and1 Customer Service
I haven't had as bad 1and1 customer service experience as some people I've read online. I've actually called 1and1 and their support reps have been quite helpful in a few situations. They answered my questions and actually understood what the issues was and fixed it.
However, my experience has not been all rosy. When something in the system isn't updating I have been told, “It takes time for the registry to make updates.” Of course unlocking a domain and making sure the privacy off is 1and1's issue and not the domain registry's problem. Additionally they've given me run arounds when they said they made updates to something and it does not happen on my end.
1and1 isn't Great
I used to recommend 1and1 since they included free domain privacy and the ICANN fee with domain prices. Since their prices are a high, $15 a year currently, and they have bad customer service and a backend system that is really slow there is no reason to use them.
Personally I'd recommend transferring your domains to one of these registrars which I have all had mostly positive experience with. I've written reviews of all these domain name registrars which I hope your read.
- NameSilo: Free Privacy and easy-to-use no hassle system. Checkout my NameSilo Review.
- NameCheap: Popular among a lot of people and they run great specials and transfers deals all the time. I also wrote a NameCheap Review you can read..
Have you had 1and1 complaints, issues, or problems? If you have had problems with 1and1 please share your story and 1and1 complaints below and let others know. Did you eventually switch domain registrars? Did you switch to one of the registrars I recommend? If you did, I'd be happy to hear if my reviews were helpful and if these registrars gave you better service.