How to Recover a Domain After Expiration in 2025
Published: 27 May, 2025

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Accidentally let your domain name expire? Don’t panic — it happens more often than you’d think. In 2025, domain registrars give you a grace period to recover your domain after expiry, but acting fast is crucial. If you wait too long, someone else could register it, or it might go to auction.

In this guide, you’ll learn the exact steps to recover an expired domain, how much time you have, and what to expect in each phase.

What Happens When a Domain Expires?

Domains don’t disappear instantly upon expiration. Instead, they go through several stages:

  1. Grace Period (0–30 days after expiry)
    Most registrars offer a grace period (usually 30 days) during which you can renew the domain at the regular price.

  2. Redemption Period (30–60 days after expiry)
    If you miss the grace period, the domain enters a redemption state. You can still recover it, but you’ll need to pay a redemption fee (₹3,000–₹10,000 depending on registrar).

  3. Pending Deletion (60–75 days)
    After the redemption period, the domain is queued for deletion. You can no longer reclaim it through your registrar.

  4. Public Release or Auction (after 75 days)
    Once deleted, the domain is either released for public registration or auctioned by the registrar or third-party marketplace.

How to Recover an Expired Domain

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get your domain back before it’s too late:

Step 1: Log Into Your Registrar Account

Go to your domain registrar’s website and sign in. Most registrars will show expired domains under a "Renew Now" or "Expired Domains" section.

Step 2: Check the Domain Status

Look for the domain’s status:

  • If it’s still in the grace period, you can renew it instantly.

  • If it’s in redemption, check for a recovery option — but be prepared to pay the extra fee.

Step 3: Make the Payment

Proceed with renewal or redemption payment. Once processed, your domain is reinstated and active again.

Step 4: Update DNS Settings (if needed)

After recovery, you might need to:

  • Reconfigure your nameservers

  • Reconnect email services

  • Re-enable WHOIS privacy protection

Can You Recover a Domain After Deletion?

Unfortunately, once a domain reaches the pending deletion or public release stage, you can't reclaim it through your registrar. However, you can try these:

  • Backorder the domain: Some services let you place a backorder to catch the domain the moment it’s released.

  • Monitor auctions: Many expired domains go to auction. If your domain is listed, you can bid to win it back.

  • Check NexGame: Use NexGame’s WHOIS and domain lookup tools to monitor status changes and check availability.

Tips to Avoid Domain Expiry

Losing a domain can mean losing your website, emails, SEO ranking, and brand trust. Here are a few ways to prevent it:

  • Enable auto-renewal on your domain registrar account.

  • Keep your payment method updated to avoid failed transactions.

  • Set calendar reminders a week before expiry.

  • Use NexGame to track expiry dates and check registration details.

  • Register for multiple years if your domain is critical to your brand.

Final Thoughts

Recovering an expired domain in 2025 is possible — but only if you act quickly. The longer you wait, the more expensive and complicated the recovery becomes. With a little awareness and timely action, you can avoid losing your digital identity.

If your domain is important to your business or personal brand, don't take chances. Enable auto-renewal and regularly monitor its status using tools like NexGame.

FAQs

Q1. How much does it cost to recover a domain after expiration?
If it's still in the grace period, you’ll only pay the regular renewal fee. During redemption, expect an additional fee of ₹3,000–₹10,000.

Q2. What happens to my website when my domain expires?
Your website and email services go offline until the domain is renewed.

Q3. Can someone else register my domain if I forget to renew it?
Yes. After the deletion or auction stage, your domain becomes publicly available and anyone can register it.

Q4. How do I check if my domain is still recoverable?
Log in to your domain registrar or use NexGame’s WHOIS lookup tool to check the current domain status.

Q5. Can I recover a domain if I didn’t register it myself?
Only the listed domain owner or someone with access to the registrar account can recover it.