What Happens When Your Domain Expires

Understanding the domain expiry lifecycle helps you avoid losing your domain name. This article explains each stage after a domain expires and what you can do at each point.

The Domain Lifecycle

Stage 1: Active

Your domain is registered, paid for, and functioning normally. Website, email, and all DNS services work.

Stage 2: Expired (Day 0)

On the expiry date:

• DNS records are removed or redirected
• Your website goes offline
• Email delivery stops
• Subdomains stop working

Stage 3: Grace Period (Days 1-30)

Also called the Renewal Grace Period (RGP):

• You can still renew at the standard renewal price
• Your website and email remain offline
• No additional fees beyond the normal renewal cost
• The domain is not available for others to register

Tip: This is your best chance to save your domain. Renew immediately during the grace period.

Stage 4: Redemption Period (Days 30-60)

If the grace period passes without renewal:

• The domain enters redemption status
• Renewal is still possible but requires a redemption fee (significantly higher than normal renewal)
• Redemption fees vary by TLD but can range from Rs 5,000 to Rs 25,000+
• The process takes 5-7 business days
• Contact support to initiate redemption

Stage 5: Pending Delete (Days 60-65)

After the redemption period:

• The domain enters pending delete status
• The domain cannot be renewed or restored
• It is scheduled for release back to the public pool
• No action can be taken during this period

Stage 6: Released / Available

After pending delete:

• The domain is available for anyone to register
• There is no priority given to the previous owner
• Domain squatters may register it immediately
• You would need to register it again as a new domain (if available)

Timeline Summary

How to Protect Your Domain

1. Enable auto-renewal in the client portal
2. Keep your email address updated so you receive renewal notices
3. Renew for multiple years to reduce expiry risk
4. Set calendar reminders 30 days before expiry
5. Keep payment methods up to date in your account
6. Whitelist {{COMPANY_NAME}} emails so renewal notices do not go to spam

ccTLD (.in) Differences

.in and .co.in domains may have different grace and redemption periods:

• Grace period: 0-30 days (similar to gTLDs)
• Redemption period may be shorter
• Contact support for specific .in domain lifecycle details

Troubleshooting

Domain Expired — How to Renew

1. Log in to the client portal
2. Go to Domains > click the expired domain
3. Click Renew or pay the renewal invoice
4. If no option is available, contact support

Domain In Redemption

1. Contact support with your domain name
2. We will provide the redemption cost
3. Pay the redemption fee
4. Wait 5-7 days for restoration

Lost Domain After Expiry

• If the domain was released and registered by someone else, contact support to discuss options
• ICANN UDRP process may apply if the domain was registered in bad faith

Related Articles

• How to Renew Your Domain
• Understanding Domain Lock

Need help? Contact our support team at {{SUPPORT_EMAIL}} or open a ticket at {{SUPPORT_URL}}.