What Happens if I Don’t Renew My Domain?
Domain names, also called domains, have 4 different phases that they go through commonly referred to as their “domain lifecycle”. These phases (in order) are active, expiration, redemption period, and pending deletion. When you purchase a domain name, the selected term determines how long the active phase lasts. Depending on the TLD, a domain can be purchased or renewed for 1-10 years.
When your domain is active, you will be able to manage your settings and use your connected services. An active domain is essential to keeping your website online and your email working. Renewing a domain name keeps it in its active phase.
If a domain is not renewed while it is active, the domain will expire, going into it's expiration phase. This article will provide a timeline of what happens before and after a domain expires.
In this article, we will discuss:
After a Domain Expires
If we cannot secure payment on or before the domain renewal date, your domain name will expire.
- As early as one day after expiration, the domain name will be deactivated, and your website will be replaced with a "parked" page indicating the domain name has expired. Other services associated with the domain name, such as email or your website, will no longer function.
- As early as 30 days after expiration, the domain name may be purchased by a third party.
- If a third party buys the domain name after this 30-day period, the domain name will not be available for you to renew. However, you can explore options to acquire a taken domain name.
- For some TLDs and country codes, this could begin as early as 26 days.
- Approximatly 45 days after expiration, depending on your registrar, the expired domain name enters its Redepmtion Period phase. During this period, you can renew the domain with a redemption fee in addition to the regular domain renewal fee by contacting Customer Support.
- The domain will not enter the redemption period if the domain is renewed, or a third party buys the domain before this period begins.
- The redemption period is normally 30 days.
- After the redemption period, the domain name will go into the Pending Deletion phase for approximately 5 days. Once a domain enters Pending Deletion status, the domain cannot be redeemed or changed in any way.
What can I do to prevent this from happening?
- Regularly check your acount manager to ensure your email address on file is correct and working properly.
- Check your spam or junk filder regularly if messages regarding your account are going there.
- Review emails and alerts regarding your account as soon as possible.
- Be sure the billing information on file is correct and working properly.
- Turn on auto renewal in your account.
- Select longer terms when you renew so your domain is active for longer periods of time.
Review
It's essential to stay aware of your domain name expiration date to prevent losing your domain name. If your domain expires and has not been purchased by a third party, you can renew it until it enters the Pending Delete status.You will get email reminders to renew your domain during the expiration phase. But if you fail to renew it, your domain will be deactivated, and your domain name may be purchased by someone else.To avoid this, you can turn on auto-renew or renew your domain for longer period. By taking these steps, you can avoid the hassle and expense of recovering your domain name if it accidentally expires.