Published: 15.05.2026
A domain that has not been renewed does not disappear instantly. It passes through several stages, and the sooner you act, the cheaper it is to recover. Knowing the stages can save you from losing a website.
The life cycle of an expired domain
- Active until the expiry date.
- Grace period (usually about 30-45 days). The website often stops working or shows a parking page, but you can still renew at the normal price or with a small fee.
- Redemption period (usually about 30 days). The domain is held by the registry. Recovery is possible, but it costs significantly more than a normal renewal.
- Pending delete (about five days). Nothing can be done any more.
- Released. Anyone can register the name again, including a competitor.
The length of each period depends on the extension and on the registrar policy.
What happens to the website and e-mail?
When the domain expires, the registrar usually changes the nameservers. The website and the e-mail go offline, and incoming messages may be lost.
How to recover an expired domain
- Log in to your client area and check the domain status.
- If it is in the grace period, renew it at once.
- If it is in the redemption period, order the redemption service. Our support team will tell you the exact cost.
- After recovery restore the nameservers and check DNS records.
How to prevent expiry
- Enable auto-renewal and keep a valid payment method.
- Register for several years.
- Keep the contact e-mail up to date, because reminders go there.
- Add a calendar reminder 60 days before the expiry date.
Frequently asked questions
Can I transfer an expired domain? Not until it is renewed.
Does the redemption fee include the renewal? Usually the renewal is charged in addition. Check the price list for your extension.
