Overview
Web2 domains do not last forever without action. Each domain has an expiration date, after which registries and registrars apply a series of status changes that determine whether you can still renew, how much it costs, and whether your website and email continue to work.
The exact timelines vary by TLD (e.g., .com, .net, country TLDs), but the lifecycle usually includes three key stages after expiry: Grace Period, Redemption, and Pending Delete. Enabling auto renew and keeping payment details current is the safest way to avoid downtime.
• Expiration date: The end of the paid registration term.
• Grace Period: A short window after expiry when you can still renew at the standard price. Services may stop during this time.
• Redemption: A recovery window after Grace when renewal is still possible, but an additional redemption fee applies.
• Pending Delete: The final state before deletion, renewal or recovery is no longer possible.
• Auto renew: A registrar feature that attempts to renew your domain automatically before expiry.
Day 0 → Day 1–45 → Day 46–75 → Day 76–80 → Day 81+
Expiry → Grace Period → Redemption → Pending Delete → Available
• Day 0: Expiry
• Day 1–45: Grace Period (renew at standard price; services may be paused or disabled)
• Day 46–75: Redemption (renewal still possible with an extra fee)
• Day 76–80: Pending Delete (renewal not possible)
• Day 81+: Available (deleted, and anyone can register it)
These windows are indicative. Some TLDs have shorter or longer periods, a few ccTLDs replace or rename stages. Always rely on the dates shown in your dashboard.
1) Grace Period – renewal still possible, services may stop
What it is: Immediately after the expiration date, many TLDs offer a Grace Period. You can still renew the domain at the standard renewal price. However, your registrar may pause DNS or place the domain on hold, which can stop the website and email.
What you can do:
• Renew the domain from your dashboard.
• If auto-renewal failed, update your payment method and retry.
• If DNS was paused, it usually returns once the renewal posts.
Common reasons for trouble:
• Expired or blocked card, insufficient funds, billing address mismatch.
• Forgotten login email, contact email no longer accessible, verification pending.
• Nameserver or clientHold status applied after expiry (normal at many registrars).
Good to know: Renewing during Grace usually keeps the original name and configuration; no extra recovery fee is charged.
2) Redemption – recovery possible, additional fee applies
What it is: If not renewed during Grace, the domain usually moves into Redemption. The registry flags the domain for deletion, but you can still recover it by paying the standard renewal plus a redemption fee. DNS is typically disabled.
What you can do:
• Start a Restore or Redeem request in your dashboard.
• Pay the renewal plus redemption fee (varies by TLD).
• Expect registry processing time (minutes to days).
Common reasons for trouble:
• Waiting too long to start the restore (time-bound).
• Assuming transfers avoid fees (they don’t during Redemption).
• Budgeting only for renewal; the fee is separate and required.
Good to know: Once restored, your domain returns to normal active state. Enable auto-renew to prevent repeats.
3) Pending Delete – no recovery possible
What it is: After Redemption, the domain enters Pending Delete, a short final window before permanent deletion. No renewals, restores, or transfers are possible.
What you can do:
• Plan for loss: back up data, change logins, notify stakeholders.
• If you want the domain again, monitor availability, but popular names are often backordered.
Good to know: After deletion, anyone can register the domain. No guarantee you’ll reclaim it.
• Website: During Grace, DNS may pause. During Redemption/Pending Delete, DNS is usually disabled. Sites stop until renewal and propagation.
• Email: MX depends on active DNS. If paused or disabled, email fails or bounces. Providers may delete mailboxes after a retention window.
• Search and SEO: Temporary downtime causes crawl errors; long downtime risks ranking loss and broken links. Renew early.
Why it matters: Auto renew attempts renewal before expiry. If the first attempt fails, systems retry, but don’t rely on retries alone.
How to set it up:
• Enable Auto Renew for important domains in your dashboard.
• Add a valid recurring payment method.
• Keep billing info current.
• Whitelist renewal notices in your inbox.
Safety checklist:
• Check auto renew 30–15 days before expiry.
• For critical domains, renew for multiple years.
• Keep registrant + backup admin contacts on file.
• Premium names: Same lifecycle but higher fees possible.
• Country code TLDs: Some use different terms or skip Redemption.
• Recent transfers/changes: ICANN can trigger a temporary transfer lock.
• Backorders/drop catching: Popular expiring domains may be taken fast at Pending Delete.
• Can I transfer a domain while expired? Sometimes during Grace, but safer to renew first.
• Will DNS/site return immediately? Usually after renewal posts; propagation may take hours.
• What is the redemption fee? A registry recovery fee added to standard renewal.
• Can I skip Redemption? You can try to re-register after deletion, but no guarantee you’ll succeed.
• Enable Auto Renew for key domains.
• Keep payment details updated.
• Maintain accurate contacts.
• Renew early, consider multi-year terms.
• Document DNS settings for quick recovery.
• If letting a domain lapse, plan the shutdown.
Bottom line: Grace = standard renewal, Redemption = recovery + fee, Pending Delete = no recovery. The safest option is auto renew, valid payments, and early renewals for important domains.