What Happens When a Domain Expires

If a domain is not renewed before its expiry date, it goes through a series of stages before becoming available for anyone to register. Acting quickly after expiry gives you the best chance of recovering it.

The Expiry Timeline

Expiry Date

On the expiry date, the domain stops resolving. Your website and email will go offline. The domain is not yet gone - it enters a grace period during which you can still renew it.

Grace Period (0-30 days after expiry)

Most domains have a grace period of up to 30 days after expiry. During this time you can renew the domain at the standard renewal price through the client area. The domain is still assigned to your account.

To renew during the grace period: go to Domains, click the expired domain, and click Renew.

Redemption Period (30-60 days after expiry)

After the grace period ends, the domain enters the redemption period. It is still held by the registry but requires a redemption fee to recover, which is significantly higher than a standard renewal. The domain is removed from your control panel during this period. Contact us via a support ticket if your domain is in redemption - we can attempt to recover it on your behalf.

Pending Delete (60-75 days after expiry)

After redemption, the domain enters a pending delete phase. During this period it cannot be recovered - not by you or by anyone else. The domain is queued for release back to the open market.

Released for Re-registration

Once pending delete ends, the domain is released and anyone can register it. Popular or valuable domains are often snapped up within seconds of release using automated drop-catching services.

Recovering an Expired Domain

If your domain has expired:

• Within the grace period - renew it from your client area at the standard price.
• In redemption - contact us immediately. A redemption fee applies and the process may take a few days.
• In pending delete or released - the domain cannot be recovered through normal means. Monitor it for release and re-register it the moment it becomes available, or use a drop-catching service.

Preventing Expiry

• Enable auto-renewal for every domain you want to keep.
• Keep your payment method up to date so auto-renewal can collect payment.
• Make sure your registered email address is current so you receive expiry reminders.
• Consider renewing for 2 or more years to reduce the risk of missing a renewal cycle.