Understanding the Domain Lifecycle

At Vivint Host, it’s important to us that you understand how your domain works from start to finish. Whether you’re managing one domain or several, this guide explains each step your domain goes through - from the moment it’s available to the point where it may expire and be released for others to register.

Please review the image below for a visual overview, then read each section for full details.

Domain Registration and Renewal

When you register a domain, you’re reserving that name for your website and online services. You can use it for web hosting, email, and more.

• Domains can be registered or renewed for 1 to 10 years.
• You can renew your domain anytime before it expires to avoid service interruption.

Renewal keeps your domain active and ensures your website and email stay live.

Auto-Renewal Grace Period

If your domain isn’t renewed before its expiration date, it enters what’s called the Renewal Grace Period. During this time:

• You can still renew the domain at the standard renewal price.
• This period usually lasts from 0 to 45 days, depending on the domain extension.
• Your website and email may stop working until the domain is renewed.

If no action is taken during this time, the domain moves to the next stage.

Redemption Grace Period

If the domain is not renewed during the Renewal Grace Period, it enters the Redemption Period, usually on day 45.

Here’s what happens:

• The domain is removed from your control panel.
• You can only recover it by submitting a restore request.
• There is a restoration fee, plus the regular renewal cost.

Important:

• The Redemption Period lasts for 30 days.
• The standard fee is $99.95 + domain renewal fee, but this may vary based on the domain type.
• If the domain is not recovered during this time, it is considered abandoned.

Registrars may choose to auction the domain or hold it for a limited time before deleting it permanently.

Pending Delete Phase

If no action is taken after the Redemption Period, the domain enters the Pending Delete status, usually around day 75.

What you need to know:

• This phase lasts 5 days.
• The domain cannot be renewed or recovered at this stage.
• After this period, the domain is deleted and made available for public registration.

Please Note:

Once a domain reaches this stage, your only option is to wait until it becomes available again. However, there’s no guarantee you’ll get it back. Many companies monitor and register domains as soon as they are released.

Final Tips from Vivint Host

To keep control of your domain and avoid extra fees or downtime:

• Turn on auto-renewal for your domain.
• Make sure your payment method is up to date.
• Set up renewal reminders if you manage domains manually.

Still have questions? Our support team is here for you 24/7.