This topic answers frequently asked questions about domain name registration.
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Domain name selection and rules | |
Domain name management and status | |
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Domain name selection and rules
Can I register multiple domain names for one website?
Yes. There is no limit to the number of domain names an individual or organization can register. You can register multiple domain names and point them all to the same website. Registering variations of your primary domain name (such as with different TLDs or common misspellings) offers several benefits:
Brand protection: Registering your brand with multiple TLDs (such as
your-brand.comandyour-brand.net) helps protect your brand identity and prevent cybersquatting.Improved discoverability: Redirecting common misspellings of your domain name to your website makes it easier for users to find you.
Marketing campaigns: Use separate, memorable domain names for specific promotions, events, or ad campaigns.
Professional email: Using a custom domain name for your email address (such as
contact@your-brand.com) projects a more professional image than a generic email service.
What should I do if the domain name I want is already registered?
Domain names must be unique. If your desired domain name is already taken, you can try registering the same name with a different TLD. For example, if example.com is unavailable, you could try registering example.net or example.org.
Alternatively, you can use the WHOIS information to find the current owner and inquire about purchasing the domain name from them.
What is the maximum registration period for a domain name?
The maximum registration period for a .co domain name is 5 years. For other common TLDs, such as .com, .net, and .cn, the maximum registration period is 10 years.
How can I check if my domain name was registered successfully?
You can log on to the Alibaba Cloud Domain Names registration home page and search for your registered domain name.
If the search result shows the domain is Taken and its information appears in the WHOIS database, your registration was successful. Verify that the WHOIS information is correct. If you find any errors, log on to the Alibaba Cloud account that owns the domain name to modify the information. For more information, see Modify registrant information.
Domain name management and status
What should I do if my domain name registration is stuck in the "Processing" state?
A domain name registration order may remain in the "Processing" state for several reasons:
Incorrect domain name registration information
If the information you entered does not pass the registry's review, the registration will be delayed. Our team reviews "Processing" orders daily. If we identify incorrect information, we will attempt to correct it and resubmit the registration to the registry. This process is typically completed within one business day.
A temporary system issue may have occurred during registration. Our system will automatically resubmit the order. Please wait 30 minutes and check the status again.
Can a registered domain name be modified or refunded?
No. Once a domain name is successfully registered, the name itself cannot be modified. Registration fees are non-refundable. If you registered the wrong domain name, you must register the correct one as a new domain name.
Can I immediately delete a domain name that I registered but do not want?
Yes, for some TLDs. If you register a domain name by mistake, you may be eligible to delete it on the batch deletionpage within a short grace period and receive a full refund. This is a paid service and a deletion fee applies.
Can I delete a domain name after its deletion grace period has passed?
No. The paid deletion service is only available during the brief grace period immediately following registration.
This grace period is typically five days but varies by TLD. To see the specific grace period and associated fees for a TLD, click View Deletion Fee Detailsin the console.
Deleting a .gov.cn domain name follows a different process. You must submit a valid deletion application and identity documents to your registrar, such as Alibaba Cloud. The domain name will be deleted only after the registrar reviews and approves the application.
.hk domain names
How are disputes over registered .hk domain names handled?
The registry for .hk domain names is the Hong Kong Domain Name Registration Company Limited (HKDNR). Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. Any disputes over domain name ownership must be submitted to the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre.
The dispute resolution process is the same for both English and Chinese .hk domain names. Because of the variations in traditional Chinese characters, arbitration decisions apply to all possible character combinations.