What Can I Do About Redemption?

Domain redemption provides a valuable window of opportunity to reclaim your expired domain before it's snatched up by someone else. This process allows you to regain control of your online identity and minimize disruption to your website and its visitors.

Here are the topics discussed in this article.

• What is Domain Redemption? ⤵
• How Domain Redemption Works ⤵
• Options when Dealing with Redemption ⤵
• Understanding the Problem at Hand ⤵
• How to Prevent a Domain from Entering the Redemption Status ⤵

What is Domain Redemption?

Domain redemption, also known as the domain grace period, is a service offered by domain registrars, which provides a limited timeframe (typically around 30 days, although the duration can vary by registrar) during which you can renew your expired domain name by paying an additional fee. This redemption period represents your final opportunity to retain your domain before it becomes available to the general public.

How Domain Redemption Works

Domain names transition through several phases, known as the "domain lifecycle." These phases are registration, active, expiration, redemption period, and pending deletion.

An active domain is important for keeping your website and email running. Renewing your domain name keeps it active. If you don't renew your domain before it expires, it will go into an expiration phase. During this time, you can renew it at its regular renewal price. Most domains have a grace period of 0 to 45 days (depending on the domain registrar). If you still haven't renewed it after that period, the domain will enter its redemption phase.

To learn more about the domain lifecycle, please visit the following support guide.

• Understanding Domain Life Cycle

Options when Dealing with Redemption

If your domain enters redemption, you have the following options:

• Retrieve your domain from Redemption - If your domain is currently in redemption, you may be invoiced $99.95 plus the normal renewal fees to retrieve it.
• Accept a refund for the amount paid for the domain name - This option is only applicable if you paid late without realizing your domain was in redemption or if you paid on time but failed to notify HostGator.
• Register a different domain name - HostGator will be glad to help you find domain names with different TLDs or similar domain names. If you have already submitted payment to renew your domain, HostGator may apply the amount paid to the new domain.
• Wait for the domain to be released to the public for purchase - Unfortunately, HostGator does not know when a domain will be released, nor will we be notified when this happens. You will simply need to attempt to register the domain name until you notice it is available. This could be any time from the day the domain goes into redemption up until the next expiration date.

Understanding the Problem at Hand

When a domain enters the Redemption Period, which lasts up to 30 days, you can renew it by contacting our Support team. In addition to the regular domain renewal fee, there is a $99.95 redemption fee.

After the redemption period ends, the domain name will enter the Pending Deletion phase for approximately five days. During this time, the domain cannot be redeemed or altered in any way.

How to Prevent a Domain from Entering the Redemption Status

Here are some tips to keep your domain from entering the redemption phase.

• Make it a habit to regularly check your account to ensure your email address on file is correct and active.
• Check your Spam or Junk folder regularly to see if notifications regarding your account are going there.
• Review emails and alerts regarding your account as soon as possible.
• Be sure the billing information on file is correct and working properly.
• Turn on Auto-Renewal for the domains in your account.
• Select longer terms when you renew so your domain is active for extended periods.