How to Reactivate a Domain After It’s Been Deleted

 

Introduction

When a domain expires and is not renewed in time, it enters a series of stages before it is permanently deleted. Many domain owners are under the misconception that once a domain is deleted, it is gone forever. While it's true that domains can eventually be lost, there are opportunities to reactivate or re-register them if you act quickly.

In this article, we'll walk you through the different stages of the domain lifecycle, how to reactivate a domain during each stage, and what to do if your domain is already deleted. Understanding these stages will help you manage your domains proactively and prevent the frustration of losing a valuable domain.

Understanding the Domain Lifecycle

Every domain goes through several stages after expiration:

1. Grace Period: This is the initial period, typically around 30 days, after the domain expires. During this time, the domain can still be renewed at the standard price without any additional fees.

2. Redemption Period: If the domain isn't renewed during the grace period, it enters the redemption period, which typically lasts for 30 days. During this phase, the domain can still be recovered but at a higher redemption fee.

3. Pending Delete: After the redemption period, the domain enters the pending delete phase, usually lasting around 5–7 days. At this point, the domain is no longer recoverable.

4. Available for Registration: Once the domain is fully deleted, it is released back into the public domain pool and is available for re-registration on a first-come, first-served basis.

If your domain is already deleted, you will need to wait for it to become available again and re-register it.

Reactivating a Domain During Grace and Redemption Periods

If your domain is still in the Grace Period or Redemption Period, you may still be able to recover it:

Grace Period Recovery

• What is the Grace Period?

  The grace period is a 30-day window following domain expiration during which you can restore your domain by simply paying the renewal fee—no extra charges.

• How to Reactivate:

  During this time, you can renew your domain at the normal rate. Contact your registrar and make sure to complete the renewal process before the grace period ends to avoid additional fees or further complications.
  Tip: Regularly check your domain's expiration date and ensure your payment method is up to date to avoid accidental expiration.

Redemption Period Recovery

• What is the Redemption Period?

  After the grace period ends, the domain enters the Redemption Period, which lasts around 30 days. During this time, the domain is still technically yours, but you will need to pay a redemption fee in addition to the regular renewal fee.

• How to Reactivate:

  If your domain is in the redemption period, you can contact your registrar to initiate the restoration process. The registrar will help you pay the higher redemption fee and restore your domain, usually within a few days.
  Tip: The redemption fee is often considerably higher than the standard renewal fee, so be prepared for the additional cost.

  
  

After Deletion: Re-Registration Is the Only Option

Once your domain has passed through the Pending Delete stage, it is permanently deleted from the registry and can no longer be restored by the original owner. The only option is to wait for the domain to become available for re-registration.

What Happens After a Domain Is Deleted?

Once a domain is deleted, it enters the Available for Registration stage. At this point, it is open to the public, and anyone can register it on a first-come, first-served basis.

How to Reactivate After Deletion:
Monitor the domain's availability using domain availability tools. Some registrars offer backordering services, which help you secure the domain as soon as it becomes available for registration.
Tip: Popular domains can be snapped up quickly once they’re released. Make sure to act fast if you want to reclaim your domain.

Best Practices to Ensure a Smooth Domain Recovery Process

Here are a few tips to help you reactivate or re-register your domain successfully:

1. Set Up Auto-Renewal

To prevent your domain from entering these phases, consider setting up auto-renewal with your registrar. Make sure your payment information is up to date so the domain can be renewed automatically before it expires.

2.Monitor Expiration Dates

Even if you have auto-renewal set up, it’s a good idea to monitor the expiration date and set up multiple reminders (calendar alerts, email, phone reminders). This will help you stay proactive about renewing your domain.

3.Use Domain Availability Tools

If your domain is already deleted, you can use domain availability tools to monitor when it becomes available for re-registration. Many registrars offer backordering services that allow you to place a bid on a domain before it’s publicly available.

4. Act Quickly

Once the domain is released, you must act fast to re-register it. Popular domain names can be taken by others immediately once they drop. Therefore, using backordering services or setting up alerts for when the domain becomes available can give you an edge.

Common Misunderstandings and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I recover a domain after it has been fully deleted?
A: No, once a domain has been fully deleted and is released for public registration, it cannot be recovered. You can only try to re-register it once it becomes available again.

Q: What happens to my website and email if my domain is deleted?
A: If your domain is deleted, your website and email services will stop working. However, if the domain is restored during the redemption period, these services should resume once the domain is reactivated.

Q: How do I know if my domain is in the redemption period?
A: You can check the status of your domain by doing a WHOIS lookup or by contacting your registrar. If it’s in the redemption period, they can assist you with the restoration process.

Conclusion

Understanding the stages your domain goes through after it expires is essential for managing your domain effectively. While reactivating a domain after it's been deleted is often not possible, knowing when your domain enters the grace or redemption periods can help you save it before it's too late.

For assistance with domain renewals, restoration, or re-registration, contact Nicenic today. We're here to help you ensure your domains stay secure and your services stay online.

Nicenic stands as that trusted partner for brands, developers, entrepreneurs, and businesses worldwide.

As an ICANN-accredited registrar, we provide the tools, resources, and support you need to manage your domain effectively. Whether you're looking to reactivate a domain during the grace period, or re-register a domain after it's been deleted, our expert support team is here to help you through every step of the process.