What happens to a website when the domain expires?

Domain names serve as digital addresses, guiding users to their desired online destinations (ie. a website), but what happens when a domain's lease on its name expires? To demystify this process, let's embark on a journey through the life cycle of a domain.

The lifespan of a domain

Every domain comes with a lease, typically lasting one year but sometimes extending to several years. Think of it as renting a space in the digital landscape. As long as you continue to pay the renewal fees, you retain the rights to that digital address.

The grace period
When a domain nears its expiration date, most registrars offer a grace period – a window during which the domain owner can renew the registration without additional charges. This period usually lasts for about 30 days, during which time the website typically remains active and accessible.

The redemption period
If the domain owner fails to renew during the grace period, the domain enters the redemption period, which typically lasts for 30 to 60 days. During this time, the domain is taken offline, and the website becomes inaccessible. However, the owner still has the chance to reclaim the domain by paying a registration fee, which can be significantly higher than the regular renewal fee.

The pending delete period
If the redemption period lapses without renewal, the domain enters the pending delete period, lasting about 5 days. During this phase, the domain is queued for de-registration by the registrar, and it's no longer possible to renew or recover it. It's like watching the sands of time slip away.

The release to the public
Once the pending delete period ends, the domain is finally released to the public, becoming available for anyone to register. It's like the digital real estate going up for auction, and the fastest bidder can claim it. However, there's no guarantee that the previous owner can secure it back.

How does an expired domain impact my website?

Throughout this process, one thing remains consistent: the website hosted on the domain becomes inaccessible once the domain enters the redemption and pending delete periods. It's similar to closing a store's doors in the physical world – visitors attempting to reach the website will encounter error messages or empty digital landscapes.

To prevent the disruption of service and potential loss of an established online presence, it's crucial for domain owners to keep a watchful eye on their domain's expiration date and ensure timely renewals.

The number one reason why we see a business domain name lapse is because of an old or incorrect email address linked to the domain. If your domain renewal is being sent to a previous email address to which you no longer have access to, you’re not going to get the chance to pay to renew your domain, hence it will become available to the public after a time.

Many registrars offer auto-renewal options, making this process seamless and worry-free. Always ensure your payment details are up to date, along with your contact details.

A lesson on how to prevent an expired domain

The fate of a website when its domain expires, is a journey marked by grace periods, redemptions and the whims of the digital market. It underscores the importance of diligent domain management, akin to the maintenance of a physical property.

In the ever-evolving digital realm, a proactive approach to domain renewal is the key to preserving the vitality of your online presence. So, keep a watchful eye on those digital leases, for in the world of domains, timing is everything.