Domain Renewal: A Guide to Avoid Domain Expiration 

When your Netflix subscription expires, you usually see a message prompt like “Payment Required” before you can use it again. The same thing is true when domain registration reaches its expiration date.  

When your domain expires, your website will no longer be accessible on the internet, which affects your user experience. That’s why domain registrars send email notices before expiration dates happen.  

If you’ve missed the expiration date, don’t panic because there’s still time to renew your domain. Here, we’ll explore how domain renewals are done, explain what happens after it expires, and share tips on how to keep your domain safe and active online.   

Step-by-step guide to renew domain names 

1. Login to your account 

Login to your current registrar or hosting provider, where your domain registration is managed. Access your account dashboard to view your domain’s expiration date. From there, you can initiate the renewal process.   

2. Find the domain management section. 

Once logged in, look for your account’s “Domain Management” or “My Domains” section. This is where you can find all your domains, including its details like expiration date and renewal status.  

3. Select your domain  

Find the domain you want to renew from the list displayed on the domain management page. Most registrars give you the option to do a standard renewal (for individual domains) or bulk renewal (for renewing multiple domains at once). All you need to do is click on the domain name or tick a box to begin the renewal process. Then, follow the instructions that appear on the next page to complete the process.  

4. Choose renewal settings  

After choosing the domain or domains you want to renew, select the renewal period. Several registrars have flexible renewal options which span from one year to ten years. Selecting a longer term reduces the frequency of renewing your domain and lowers the chances of having it expire unexpectedly.  

5. Confirm renewal  

Review the domain renewal details, including your payment method and billing information, then confirm your renewal. Once you complete everything, you will receive an email confirming that your renewal was successful. 

6. Enable auto-renew (optional)  

To keep your domain up and running, you might want to consider enabling an auto-renewal. With auto-renewal, you will be ensured that your domain is safe from the risks of accidental expiration and maintaining its accessibility.  Once you enable the auto-renewal, you will be charged automatically, which is why it’s important to keep your account details (billing information and contact email) up to date. Following these steps will help ensure your domain stays active without the need to manually renew it each term. 

How often do you need to renew your domain?  

The domain renewal process is flexible. Typically, domains are registered for up to ten (10) years, with renewal options available at different terms. Here’s an overview to help you select the best domain renewal frequency:   

Short-term renewal (1-2 years)  

This type of renewal is ideal for those who are testing out a website or handling multiple domains on a tighter budget. Opting for this option means you have to renew your domain more frequently.  

Long-term renewal (5-10 years)  

This option is best if you want to maintain a long-term online presence. Additionally, several domain registrars offer discounts for multi-year renewals.   

What happens if you don’t renew?  

To prevent your domain from an unexpected expiration, it’s best to understand the domain lifecycle. Here are the various stages a domain undergoes when it’s not renewed. 

1. Renewal period (30 days before the expiry date) 

When your domain registration is about to expire, you are still within the regular renewal period. As you approach the domain expiration date, your domain provider will send you notifications to remind you to renew your domain.   

2. Renewal grace period (Up to 45 days after the expiry date) 

After your domain expires, most registrars give you a short grace period (usually for a few days to a month) to renew it without penalty. However, your website and email’s functionality can be affected until you’ve completed the renewal process. Your services will cease to function, and you can’t make any updates, which is why it’s advisable to have the domain renewal done immediately to prevent further complications.   

3. Redemption period (Up to 30 days after the renewal grace period) 

If you haven’t done the domain renewal during the grace period, it will enter a redemption period which often lasts for 30 days. During this period, your domain is temporarily held by the registrar. Your domain will be inactive, and additional fees will apply upon renewal. This is a final warning, as waiting any longer could lead to the permanent loss of domain ownership.  

4. Pending delete (Up to 5 days after the redemption period) 

After the redemption period ends, your domain enters a brief “pending delete” period which only spans for five (5) days. On this phase, your expired domain is queued for deletion and can no longer be reclaimed. Once you’ve reached this stage, your chances of recovering your domain are very slim.   

5. Release (Immediately after the domain is deleted) 

Finally, after the pending delete period, your expired domain is released back to the open market. Once released, anyone can register it, including competitors or domain buyers. If your domain is vital to your brand, buying it once it’s released can be an expensive and complicated process.   

Tips for smooth domain renewal  

Keeping track of your domain renewals doesn’t have to be a headache. By following these simple tips, you can ensure your domain stays active and avoid further problems:  

  • Enable auto-renew. Set your domain to renew automatically by the enabling auto-renewal feature. This will ensure that you won’t lose access due to an expired domain, preventing further problems for your website.   
  • Update payment information. Regularly check your billing details, especially if you’re relying on auto-renewal. An outdated payment method is prone to a missed domain renewal.   
  • Set calendar reminders. If you don’t want to enable an auto-renewal and prefer to renew it manually, make sure to set a calendar reminder a few weeks before your expiration date. Remember that after domain renewal, your domain will become active again within 24 hours. It would be best to renew it earlier to avoid last-minute rushes.   
  • Use a reliable contact email. Renewal notifications and reminders are sent to the email address listed on your registrar account. Ensure this email is the one you check regularly to stay updated with your domain status and avoid missing important reminders.   

Purchase a domain expiration protection for your domain. By purchasing a domain expiration protection, you are assured that your domain is safe from expiring. Your domain is guaranteed to stay active after expiration, protecting your investment and domain from failed payments.   

Keep your domain active and secure 

Domain renewal is a quick and straightforward process, and it’s important to do it on time to avoid a gap in your online performance. Following these steps and enabling the auto-renewal will keep your domain active and your website secure.   

Make your domain renewal smooth and effortless. Stay proactive in managing your domains with Domain.com today. 


Gabrielle Suazo
Gabrielle Suazo

Gabrielle is a Content Marketing Writer at Domain.com. Her goal is to write and produce engaging blogs that can assist brands and businesses in expanding their online ventures. On her free time, she loves to watch documentary films and create short stories.

Gabrielle Suazo
Gabrielle Suazo

Gabrielle is a Content Marketing Writer at Domain.com. Her goal is to write and produce engaging blogs that can assist brands and businesses in expanding their online ventures. On her free time, she loves to watch documentary films and create short stories.