When a domain expires, it is no longer accessible by its original owner. However, it is possible to get it back if you are diligent enough. Depending on the rules and regulations of the domain registrar, this process will vary. Regardless, you should be aware of how to recover a lost domain name.
A domain’s lifecycle is generally a series of steps, including an initial registration, a renewal, and then a deletion. Depending on the country and the registrar, each stage of the cycle is unique. Some countries have different rules and regulations for their domains. If you have a question about which stages of the cycle apply to your particular domain, your registrar can help you out.
Recovering an Expired Domain During Grace Period
For instance, an expired domain can be restored to active status through manual renewal or through an automated process. The latter method is usually the best way to go by turning on automatic renewal.
The grace period is a short time frame during which a domain can be renewed at its current rate after it expires. The duration of the grace period depends on the extension of the domain and will typically be between one and two weeks. In some cases, the grace period lasts 30 days.
If you have notice your domain expired quickly enough, you should renew it before the deadline. This is a great insurance policy for your business. It prevents you from losing ownership and preventing your website from being unavailable.
Renewing a Domain During the Redemption Period
A redemption period is a period in which a domain can be reactivated, but at an increased cost. The timing and cost varies by registrar, but it is usually within a few days of the final deletion date. This process is typically as simple as paying a renewal fee plus an additional recovery fee.
Buying Your Expired Domain at Auction
An expired domain auction is a popular method used by registrars to sell their inventory of expired domains. The winning bidder is the customer who places the highest at the end of the auction.
The domain name ‘expired’ is actually just a front door. The site itself stays online for a few days. After that, the domain goes into a parked page. Then, depending on the registrar, it will be returned to the original registry or put up for auction.
Unlike the auto-renew function of domain registration, the winning bidder does not yet own the domain. This means that the original owner can still claim the domain for a fee while it is being auctioned.
Avoid the Need to Recover a Lost Domain Name
The most important factor is to be sure that you don’t let your domain expire. You’ll want to renew it before the deadline or you risk losing your domain forever. In fact, some registrars even have special services designed to help you do just that.
The other main benefit of a renewal is that it is a quick and easy way to keep your website up and running. In fact, most registrars have a grace period, which can last for as long as 45 days. It’s the biggest advantage of this service if you’re a domain owner.
The best way to go about renewing a domain is to contact your domain provider and request a renewal. If you need to know more about a given registrar, check out their website. It’s always a good idea to find out about their redemption and recovery policy first, so that you don’t accidentally end up in a situation where your expired domain is useless.
