Domain renewal is easy to forget, because it happens only once a year or less. Yet a missed renewal can take your website and e-mail offline overnight. In the worst case, someone else registers your name. A few simple settings prevent all of that.
What happens when a domain expires
On the expiry date, the domain stops working. Your website and e-mail go down. Most endings offer a grace period, when you can still renew at the normal price. After that comes a redemption period with a higher restore fee. Finally, the name is released and anyone can register it.
Domain renewal checklist
- Turn on auto-renew for every domain you want to keep.
- Keep a valid payment method or account balance.
- Use a contact e-mail that does not depend on the domain itself.
- Read renewal reminders as soon as they arrive.
- Renew important names for several years at once.
Why your contact e-mail matters
Many people use an address on the same domain they need to renew. When the domain expires, reminders stop reaching them. Add a second address from another provider to your account. That simple step avoids a common trap.
Watch out for fake notices
Scammers send fake renewal invoices that look official. They try to transfer your domain or charge high fees. Always renew from your own client area. If a message looks strange, contact your registrar directly.
Protect valuable names
Turn on registrar lock to prevent unauthorised transfers. Add domain privacy to hide your personal details. For brand names, register common misspellings too.
Check renewal dates for all your names in your dashboard. New names can be registered through our domain search, with clear renewal prices shown before you pay.
Multi-year registration
Registering for several years saves time and protects you from price changes. It also shows commitment, which some businesses value. You can still transfer the domain later if you need to.
