This document describes how to redeem a domain name after its grace period expires. By paying the required fee during the redemption period set by the registry, you can reclaim your domain and prevent it from being deleted or registered by others.
Domain name lifecycle
After a domain name expires, it goes through a grace period, a redemption period, and a pending delete period before it is permanently deleted. Once the redemption period ends, the original registrant can no longer redeem the domain name.
|
Top-level domain |
Grace period |
Redemption period |
Pending delete period |
Notes |
|
.com/.net/.org |
30 days |
30 days |
5 days |
These TLDs follow ICANN policies and support high-priced redemption. They share the same lifecycle, making them common primary and backup choices for brand domains. |
|
.cn/.China |
30 days |
14 days |
Can be deleted at any time |
Subject to strict identity verification. The short redemption period requires prompt action. |
|
.hk/.com.hk |
28 days |
— |
— |
No redemption is available. The domain is deleted immediately after the grace period and cannot be redeemed. You must renew it beforehand. |
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The start and end times of the redemption period may vary by up to 24 hours due to registry processing queues and time zone differences. Always refer to the domain status in the console for the most accurate information.
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The domain status in the console is the definitive source for determining if a domain is in its redemption period. WHOIS data can be delayed and should only be used as a reference.
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The exact time a domain is fully deleted and released for public registration is determined by the registry and cannot be predicted.
Billing
Redeeming a domain name is significantly more expensive than a standard renewal. Total redemption fee = Redemption fee + 1-year renewal fee.
Redemption and renewal fees vary by TLD, resulting in different total costs. For final pricing, refer to the Domain Prices page.
Redemption eligibility
You cannot redeem a domain name in the following situations:
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.hk domain names: These TLDs do not have a redemption period. They are deleted immediately after the 28-day grace period and cannot be redeemed.
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Incomplete identity verification: According to registry regulations, domain names with incomplete identity verification cannot be redeemed.
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Judicial freeze: Domain names under a judicial freeze or arbitration cannot be redeemed.
Procedure
Step 1: Confirm domain status and eligibility
On the Domain Names page, filter by domain status to find domains listed under Domain Names to Be Redeemed.
If the domain name is not listed, possible reasons include:
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The domain has passed its redemption period and has been deleted by the registry.
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The domain name is not registered under the current Alibaba Cloud account.
Step 2: Initiate redemption and track status
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In the Domain Names to Be Redeemed list, find the target domain and click Redeem in the Actions column.
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On the order confirmation page, select the I have read, understood, and accepted the Domain Name Service Agreement checkbox, and then click Proceed to Payment.
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In the Please confirm this operation dialog box, click OK.
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After you confirm that all information is correct, select a payment method on the order page and complete the payment.
After the payment is successful, the system begins to process the redemption request. Processing times vary by registry. You can track the progress of the redemption order in My Order.
After a successful redemption:
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The domain status returns to Active.
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The domain's DNS resolution is automatically restored.
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The domain's expiration date is extended by one year from the original expiration date.
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Best practices
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Enable auto-renewal: For business-critical domains, enable auto-renewal and ensure your account has a sufficient balance.
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Keep contact information updated: Ensure the registrant's email and phone number are current. The system sends expiration notices before the domain expires. Outdated contact information may cause you to miss these important alerts.
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Perform regular checks: Even if you have enabled auto-renewal, log in to the console quarterly or semi-annually to check the expiration status of your core domains and auto-renewal settings.
FAQ
Can I proactively delete a domain name during its redemption period if I no longer want it?
You cannot proactively delete a domain name during its redemption period. If you do not intend to redeem it, no action is required. After the redemption period ends, the domain automatically enters the pending delete period and is removed from your account.
What can I do if my domain is registered by someone else after the redemption period ends?
Once a domain passes the redemption period, it is deleted by the registry and released for public registration. If the domain has been registered by another party, you cannot redeem it through Alibaba Cloud. However, you can try the following methods to acquire it:
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Find the current registrar: Use the Alibaba Cloud WHOIS service to look up the domain. This provides information about the current registrar, registration date, and expiration date. You can then contact the current registrar to ask about purchasing the domain.
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Purchase on a trading platform: Visit the Alibaba Cloud Domain Trading Platform and search for the domain to see if it is listed for sale at a fixed price. If it is, you can purchase it directly.
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Use the domain buy service: Provide the target domain name and your contact information, and pay the consultation fee. A domain expert will then contact the current registrant to negotiate a purchase on your behalf.
The domain buy service does not guarantee a successful acquisition. The outcome depends on the current registrant's willingness to sell and on reaching a mutual agreement.