What happens when your domain expires — and how to avoid it
An expired domain takes your website and email offline, and you can lose the name for good. Here is the timeline and a simple prevention plan.
Domains are rented, usually by the year. If the renewal is missed, the effects come in stages.
The usual timeline
- On the expiry date: the website and company email can stop working.
- Grace period: for a limited time you can usually renew at the normal price.
- Redemption period: recovery becomes possible only with an extra fee.
- Release: the name becomes available to anyone, including competitors.
The exact periods depend on the domain extension and registrar.
How to make sure it never happens
- Keep the domain registered with an email you check every day.
- Renew for two or more years for important domains.
- Keep a list of every domain, hosting and SSL with expiry dates.
- Use a provider that reminds you well before expiry.
RiAn IT clients receive email and SMS reminders 60, 30, 15, 7 and 1 day before any domain, hosting or SSL expires, with an online payment link. See our domain and hosting plans.
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