What Happens When My Domain Expires? Print

Why Your Domain Name Matters

Your domain name is a critical part of your online presence. If it expires, your website will go offline, email services will stop, and any connected tools will no longer work. Knowing what happens when a domain expires—and how to restore it—is key to keeping your site active and accessible.

Does Expiry Mean Immediate Deletion?

No. When a domain expires, it isn’t deleted right away. It goes through several stages before becoming available for someone else to register.

What Does Domain Expiry Mean?

When a domain passes its expiration date without renewal, it becomes inactive. This triggers the following:

• Your website becomes inaccessible.
• Emails linked to the domain stop working.
• DNS services are interrupted.
• The domain enters a timeline that includes grace and redemption periods.

What Happens When a Domain Expires?

Here’s the typical process:

1. Expiry Day (Day 0)

• The domain expires and becomes inactive.
• Website and email services stop functioning.

2. Grace Period (Days 1–30)

• Most registrars allow a grace period where you can renew at the normal rate.
• The domain is under your ownership but remains inactive.
• Some registrars may display ads or a landing page instead of your site.

3. Redemption Period (Days 31–60)

• If you miss the grace period, the domain enters redemption.
• You can still recover it, but an extra redemption fee applies.
• The domain is removed from active internet records.

4. Pending Delete (Days 61–75)

• After redemption, the domain moves to Pending Delete.
• At this point, recovery is impossible.
• After about 5–7 days, the domain is released to the public for registration.

How to Recover an Expired Domain

If your domain is still in the grace or redemption phase:

1. Log in to your client portal (e.g., tandohost.co.za).

    2. Navigate to Domains on the top menu.

    3. Click Renew Now next to the expired domain.

Important:
If your domain is in redemption, additional fees apply. Once it hits Pending Delete, you cannot recover it. Act quickly.

Additional Information

Letting a domain expire can cause downtime, loss of traffic, and even permanent loss of your domain. Here are key points:

Preventing Domain Expiry

• Enable auto-renewal.
• Keep payment details up to date.

The Cost of Expired Domains

• Lost SEO rankings.
• Broken email continuity.
• Higher recovery costs.

General Tips

• Update Contact Details: Ensure your registrar has your current email for renewal reminders.
• Watch Out for Backorders: Popular domains are often targeted by resellers when they expire.
• Linked Services Fail: Email, SSL, apps, and subdomains all stop working when the domain expires.
• TLD Rules Differ: Country-specific domains (like .co.za) have different policies than .com or .net.
• Registrar Policies Vary: Always confirm your registrar’s specific grace and redemption timelines.