This topic answers frequently asked questions about domain name renewal and redemption.
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Category | Question |
Renewal rules and pricing | |
Grace period | |
Redemption period | |
Pending deletion period | Why can't I find my domain name in my account after it expires? |
Renewal rules and pricing
What is the renewal price of a domain name?
Renewal prices vary by top-level domain (TLD), such as .com or .cn. Renewal prices are determined by the rates listed at the time of renewal. For current pricing, see the official Domain Name Pricing page.
Why does the renewal price of a domain name change?
Renewal prices can differ from the initial registration price. This is often because the initial purchase included a promotional discount that does not apply to renewals, or because the registry for that TLD has adjusted its fees.
You can check the current renewal price by logging on to the Domain Names console and clicking Renew for your domain. For more information about the renewal process, see Renew a domain name.
Grace period
Can I renew an expired domain name?
Yes. After a domain name expires, it enters a grace period where you can still renew it at the standard renewal price. This period is typically 30 days for most TLDs, but 28 days for .hk domain names. For more information about the renewal process, see Renew a domain name.
When a domain name expires, its DNS resolution is suspended, making your website inaccessible. Typically, the domain name is then pointed to a renewal reminder page.
After you successfully renew the domain name, its DNS resolution is restored. If you use Alibaba Cloud DNS, this process typically completes within 24 hours. If you use a third-party DNS provider, the restoration time depends on their DNS propagation speed, but it usually completes within 24 to 48 hours.
Why does my website still show an expiration page after the domain name is renewed?
After renewing an expired domain name, you might need to update its DNS server settings to restore access to your website. This is because the registrar may have changed the settings to point to an expiration page when the domain name expired.
If the DNS settings are correct, try clearing your browser cache and accessing the website again.
Redemption period
What is the redemption price of a domain name?
The redemption price is typically much higher than the standard renewal fee and varies by TLD. For current pricing, see the official Domain Name Pricing page.
Does redeeming a domain name also renew it?
Yes, in most cases, the redemption process includes a one-year renewal. However, for certain TLDs, the redemption fee only restores the domain name, and you must also pay a separate one-year renewal fee. After redeeming, always check the console to confirm that the domain name's expiration date has been updated.
Why does my website still show an expiration page after the domain name is redeemed?
This can occur for the same reasons as after a standard renewal. After redeeming a domain name, verify that your DNS server settings are correctly pointing to your website.
If the DNS settings are correct, try clearing your browser cache and accessing the website again.
Pending deletion period
Why can't I find my domain name in my account after it expires?
This happens when the domain name enters the pending deletion period. If a domain name is not renewed during its grace period or redeemed during its redemption period, it is removed from your account and enters this final stage. During the pending deletion period, the domain name cannot be managed or restored. Once the registry deletes it, it becomes available again for public registration.