Frequently Asked Questions

Getting Started

What is PocketDNS?

PocketDNS is a domain registration and DNS management service that provides embeddable domain interfaces and APIs for developers and businesses to integrate domain functionality into their applications.

Do I need a PocketDNS account to use the API?

Yes, you need to sign up for a partner account at https://dashboard.pocketdns.com to get API keys and access the integration features.

Is there a free trial or sandbox environment?

Yes, PocketDNS provides a free sandbox environment where you can test your integration without any charges. Sandbox API keys start with sk_sandbox_ and allow you to purchase test domains with the .test TLD.

What programming languages are supported?

The PocketDNS API is REST-based and can be used with any programming language that supports HTTP requests. We provide examples for:

• JavaScript/Node.js
• Python
• PHP
• cURL
• React
• Vue.js

Integration

How do I embed the domain interface in my application?

1. Create a user session using the API
2. Get the login_url from the response
3. Embed it in an iframe in your application

<iframe 
  src="{login_url}"
  width="100%"
  height="600px"
  frameborder="0"
  allow="payment">
</iframe>

Can I customize the look and feel of the embedded interface?

The embedded interface automatically adapts to your website's theme using CSS custom properties. You can set these variables:

:root {
  --pocketdns-primary-color: #3b82f6;
  --pocketdns-background: #ffffff;
  --pocketdns-text: #1e293b;
}

How long do user sessions last?

User sessions are valid for 24 hours from creation. After that, you'll need to create a new session for the user.

Can I manage DNS records programmatically?

Yes, the API provides full DNS management capabilities including:

• Creating, updating, and deleting DNS records
• Bulk operations for multiple records
• DNS templates for common configurations
• Support for all major record types (A, AAAA, CNAME, MX, TXT, SRV, NS)

Pricing and Billing

How much do domains cost?

Domain pricing varies by TLD (top-level domain). You can get current pricing using the /api/v1/domains/tlds endpoint. Common pricing:

• .com: $12.99/year
• .org: $14.99/year
• .net: $13.99/year

Who pays for domain purchases?

Domain purchases are charged to your PocketDNS partner account. You can then bill your customers according to your business model.

Are there any API usage fees?

The PocketDNS API is free to use. You only pay for actual domain registrations, renewals, and transfers.

Can I set custom pricing for my users?

Yes, you control the pricing displayed to your users. The embedded interface can show your custom pricing, and you handle the billing relationship with your customers.

Technical Questions

What are the API rate limits?

Rate limits vary by endpoint:

• User creation: 100 requests per minute
• Domain retrieval: 1000 requests per minute
• DNS operations: 300 requests per minute
• Availability checks: 500 requests per minute

How do I handle API errors?

All API errors return consistent JSON responses with error details:

{
  "error": "validation_error",
  "message": "user_identifier is required",
  "details": {
    "field": "user_identifier",
    "code": "missing_required_field"
  }
}

Implement proper error handling with retry logic for transient errors.

Can I use webhooks to get notified of events?

Yes, PocketDNS supports webhooks for events like:

• Domain purchases
• DNS record changes
• Domain transfers
• Renewals

Configure webhook URLs in your partner dashboard.

Is the API RESTful?

Yes, the PocketDNS API follows REST principles with:

• Standard HTTP methods (GET, POST, PUT, DELETE)
• JSON request/response format
• Consistent URL structure
• Appropriate HTTP status codes

Domains and DNS

What domain extensions (TLDs) are available?

PocketDNS supports over 500 TLDs including:

• Generic TLDs: .com, .org, .net, .info, .biz
• Country TLDs: .co.uk, .de, .fr, .ca, .au
• New TLDs: .app, .dev, .io, .ai, .store
• And many more

Use the /api/v1/domains/tlds endpoint to get the complete list.

How long does domain registration take?

Domain registration is typically instant for most TLDs. Some country-specific domains may take a few minutes to complete.

Can I transfer existing domains to PocketDNS?

Yes, PocketDNS supports domain transfers. You'll need:

• The domain's authorization code from the current registrar
• The domain must not be locked for transfer
• Domain must not have been transferred in the last 60 days

How long does DNS propagation take?

DNS changes typically propagate within:

• A records: 5-30 minutes
• CNAME records: 5-30 minutes
• MX records: 30 minutes to 2 hours
• NS records: 24-48 hours

TTL values affect propagation time. Lower TTL = faster changes.

Can I use my own nameservers?

Yes, you can change nameservers for any domain to point to your own DNS servers or third-party providers like Cloudflare.

Security and Compliance

How do you handle sensitive data?

PocketDNS follows industry best practices:

• All API communications use HTTPS
• API keys are encrypted at rest
• Personal data is handled according to GDPR/CCPA
• Regular security audits and penetration testing

Are API keys secure?

API keys should be:

• Stored as environment variables, never in code
• Never exposed client-side
• Rotated regularly (quarterly recommended)
• Restricted to specific IP addresses if possible

Do you support WHOIS privacy?

Yes, WHOIS privacy protection is available for most domains and can be enabled/disabled via the API.

Are you compliant with data protection regulations?

PocketDNS is compliant with GDPR, CCPA, and other major data protection regulations. We provide data processing agreements for enterprise customers.

Troubleshooting

Why is my iframe not loading?

Common causes:

• Expired or invalid login URL
• CORS issues (check browser console)
• Content Security Policy blocking the iframe
• Network connectivity issues

Check the troubleshooting guide for detailed solutions.

Why am I getting 401 Unauthorized errors?

This usually means:

• Invalid or missing API key
• Using sandbox key in production (or vice versa)
• API key format is incorrect
• API key has been revoked

Verify your API key configuration and format.

My DNS records aren't working. What should I check?

1. Verify record format (valid IP addresses, etc.)
2. Check TTL values aren't too high
3. Wait for DNS propagation (can take up to 48 hours)
4. Test with dig or nslookup commands
5. Check if domain is using correct nameservers

How do I test my integration?

1. Start with sandbox environment
2. Create test users and sessions
3. Purchase test domains (.test TLD)
4. Test all API endpoints you're using
5. Test error scenarios
6. Performance test with expected load
7. Test on different devices/browsers

Business Questions

Can I resell domains through PocketDNS?

Yes, PocketDNS is designed for resellers. You can:

• Set your own pricing
• Brand the experience
• Handle customer relationships
• Get wholesale domain pricing

Do you offer bulk domain pricing?

Volume discounts are available for partners with high domain volumes. Contact sales for custom pricing.

Can I get a dedicated account manager?

Enterprise partners with significant volume get dedicated account management and priority support.

What support do you provide?

• 24/7 technical support for API issues
• Comprehensive documentation and guides
• Partner success team for integration help
• Priority support for production issues
• Regular webinars and training sessions

Migration and Data

How do I migrate from another domain provider?

1. Export domain list from current provider
2. Use bulk transfer API endpoints
3. Update DNS records as needed
4. Test thoroughly before switching production traffic
5. Update any hardcoded references to old provider

Can I export my data?

Yes, you can export all domain and DNS data through the API. We also provide CSV export tools in the partner dashboard.

What happens if I cancel my account?

• Your domains remain under your control
• You can transfer them to another registrar
• API access is disabled
• Data is retained for 90 days for potential reactivation

Getting Help

Where can I find code examples?

• Documentation includes extensive code examples
• Partner dashboard has interactive API explorer

How do I report bugs or issues?

1. Check the troubleshooting guide first
2. Search existing support tickets
3. Submit a ticket through partner dashboard
4. Include diagnostic information and steps to reproduce
5. For critical production issues, use priority support

Is there a community forum?

Yes, the PocketDNS partner community forum is available at https://community.pocketdns.com where you can:

• Ask questions
• Share solutions
• Connect with other developers
• Get updates on new features

Can I request new features?

Absolutely! We welcome feature requests through:

• Partner dashboard feedback system
• Community forum
• Direct contact with your account manager