A domain grace period is the time after a domain has expired when it may still be possible to renew it before the domain moves into redemption or deletion.
Once a domain has passed its renewal date, you should not assume you still have full control over it. A grace period is a last chance to renew, not extra time that should be relied on.
The safest option is always to renew your domain before it expires.
Why Grace Periods Matter
If a domain passes its grace period, you should consider it at serious risk of being lost.
Expired domains do not always become available to register again straight away. A domain may be held by the registrar or registry before it is released, and another party may try to register or back order it.
If the domain is important, renew it before the expiry date.
ICANN Domains
This usually includes domains such as .com, .net, .org, .info, .biz, and many newer domain extensions such as .shop.
These domains normally stop working immediately when they expire.
You normally have a 30 day grace period after expiry when renewal may still be possible.
After the 30 day grace period, the domain may enter redemption for up to 90 days.
Once a domain enters redemption, it can be more expensive to recover and recovery is not guaranteed.
Pricing note: the original article mentioned a fixed redemption fee. This needs checking before we publish a specific current price.
Nominet Domains
This usually includes UK domains such as .uk, .co.uk, .org.uk, .me.uk, and .ltd.uk.
UK domains normally have a different expiry process from many international domains.
These domains normally stop working 30 days after expiry.
They are normally deleted after a further 60 days.
During that 60 day period, renewal may still be possible without a redemption charge.
You should still renew before the expiry date. If the domain has already expired, renew it as soon as possible or contact us if you are unsure.
CentralNic Domains
This usually includes domains such as .gb.com, .gb.net, .uk.com, .uk.net, and .eu.com.
These domains do not normally have a grace period.
They normally stop working immediately when they expire and may enter redemption at the registrar.
Pricing note: the original article mentioned a fixed reactivation fee. This needs checking before we publish a specific current price.
If Your Domain Has Expired
- Log in to your 4UHosting customer account.
- Check whether there is an unpaid renewal invoice.
- Pay the invoice if the renewal is still available.
- If there is no invoice, or the renewal does not work, open a support ticket straight away.
If the Domain Is in Redemption
If a domain has passed its normal renewal period, it may enter redemption.
Redemption can cost more than a normal renewal and recovery is not always guaranteed.
Open a support ticket before paying anything if you are unsure whether the domain can still be renewed.
Important Notes
- Domains can stop working when they expire.
- Website, email, and DNS services connected to the domain may also stop working.
- Grace periods depend on the domain extension and the current registry rules.
- Do not rely on a grace period if the domain is important.
- Some domains may not have a normal grace period.