I'm attempting to transfer out of 1and1. In order to facilitate the transfer, a few hours ago I unlocked my domain name and turned off the privacy option, both from 1and1's control panel.

Then a moment ago, I checked the whois. The whois record for the domain mentions that the domain was "Last changed" (e.g. last altered) today, and yet the record still lists the domain as private.

My understanding is that the whole process moves much more quickly if the administrative contact info is 'public.'

Is this a way that 1and1 is keeping me from transferring, or should I wait a little longer and expect that the 'private' changes to 'public'?

-CM

Wait a little longer for the private changes to public, usually 24 hours.

I have heard lots and lots of complaints about them but time should fix your issue. Make sure the domain is more than 3 mos old also.

Most of the complaints are noob errors. 1and1 is such a big entity so they have strict cancellation rules and most people assume and fail to follow those rules, thus they get charged when they are not supposed to.

They also forget to keep their information up to date, such as credit card info.

I have been with them since day 1 of their services here in US and I had none of those issues cause I followed the procedures that I was supposed to.