What Is Domain Name Redemption
When a Generic Top-level domain name (gTLD) expires and is not renewed on time, it doesn’t immediately become available for others to register. Instead, it enters a special period called Domain Name Redemption. This period gives the owner a chance to recover the domain before it is released to the public.
NOTE. Some of the Country Code Top-Level Domains (cc TLDs) that have redemption periods include .IE, .IM, .IN, .IT, .LA, .ME, .MN, .MX, .NO, .NU, .PH, .PL, .PR, .PW, .RU, and .SG.
In this article, we’ll explain the following topics:
- Life cycle of a domain name
- What happens in a redemption period
- How to restore your domain name
- How to avoid domain name redemption
Life cycle of a domain name
Once registered, typical generic top-level domains (gTLDs) go through this life cycle:
Registered → Expired → Renewal Grace Period → Redemption → Pending Delete → Released
Your domain will enter Redemption if it is not renewed within 30–45 days after expiry. During this Renewal Grace Period, we’ll send you multiple email reminders to renew as soon as possible.
If you do not renew during the grace period, your domain will move into the Redemption Period.
NOTE. The life cycle may vary depending on the Registry. For example, some country code domains (ccTLDs) like .IN have a Redemption Period, while others like .AU skip Redemption Period and move straight to Pending Delete.
What happens in a redemption period
- You have up to 30 days to restore your domain.
- If not restored, it will move to Pending Delete and be permanently deleted after 5 days.
How to restore your domain name
You can restore your domain name via your Account Manager. Please visit this article for a step-by-step guide on How To Recover a Domain From Redemption.
NOTE. You will need to pay the administrative fees set by the Registry for the restoration and renewal of your domain name.
How to avoid domain name redemption
To prevent your domain from entering Redemption:
- Renew your domain before it expires, or
- Set up Auto Renewal for your domain registration.
You may refer to this guide on how to Renew a Product or Domain Name.