Understanding domain name statuses in WHOIS Lookup

Understanding domain name statuses in WHOIS is crucial for managing domain names effectively. The statuses indicate the current state of a domain name in the domain name lifecycle. Below is an explanation of common domain name statuses you might encounter:

Active or OK

• Meaning: The domain is registered and active.
• Implications: The domain can be used for websites, email, or other online services.
• Note: This is the default status for most registered domains.

Registrar Lock or ClientTransferProhibited

• Meaning: The domain is locked to prevent unauthorized transfers.
• Implications: Protects the domain from being transferred to another registrar without the owner’s approval.
• Action Required: If you need to transfer the domain, you must first unlock it via your registrar’s control panel.

Pending Transfer

• Meaning: A domain transfer is in progress.
• Implications: The transfer can take a few days to complete depending on the domain’s TLD and the involved registrars.

Redemption Period

• Meaning: The domain has expired and was not renewed. It is in a grace period before being deleted.
• Implications: The owner can still recover the domain, typically by paying a redemption fee.
• Pending Delete

• Meaning: The domain is in the final stages of deletion after the redemption period.
• Implications: The domain cannot be recovered by the previous owner. It will soon become available for registration by others.
• AddPeriod

• Meaning: The domain name is in the Add Grace Period, which usually lasts 5 days after initial registration (varies by TLD).
• Implications:
  • The domain can be deleted by the registrar, and the registration fee refunded, often less a nominal fee.
  • The domain cannot be transferred to another registrar during this period.
• Purpose: This status helps registrars mitigate accidental registrations or fraud.

Auto-Renew Grace Period

• Meaning: The domain expired but has not yet been deleted due to automatic renewal processes.
• Implications: The owner can renew the domain without penalties during this period.

ServerHold

• Meaning: The registry has put the domain on hold, usually due to legal disputes, non-payment, or other administrative issues.
• Implications: The domain will not resolve to a website or any online services.

Pending Renewal or Deletion

• Meaning: The domain is nearing the end of its expiration grace period and may soon be deleted if not renewed.
• Implications: Immediate action is required to renew the domain.

ClientUpdateProhibited

• Meaning: The domain is locked to prevent updates to its details.
• Implications: Often used for security or administrative reasons. Updates cannot be made until the status is removed.

ClientDeleteProhibited

• Meaning: The domain is protected from deletion by the registrar.
• Implications: Prevents accidental or unauthorized deletion of the domain.

ServerTransferProhibited

• Meaning: The registry has restricted the domain from being transferred.
• Implications: Indicates administrative or legal issues requiring resolution.

ServerUpdateProhibited

• Meaning: The registry has restricted updates to the domain’s information.
• Implications: Often due to disputes or other serious administrative issues.

Registry Lock

• Meaning: The domain is locked at the registry level for extra security.
• Implications: High-level protection; changes require manual intervention by the registry.

Domain Lifecycle Overview

1. Available: The domain is unregistered and can be purchased.
2. Registered: The domain is active and owned by someone.
3. Expired: If not renewed, the domain enters grace periods like Redemption or Pending Delete.
4. Deleted: The domain becomes available for registration again.

If you’re analyzing a WHOIS record, focus on the domain’s current status and expiration date to understand its lifecycle and take appropriate action.