An expired domain name can lead to service interruptions, such as an inaccessible website or email downtime. It also risks another party registering the domain, permanently harming your brand and business. This topic describes how to use renewal to keep your domain name active and outlines strategies for each stage after a domain name expires.
Domain name lifecycle and renewal strategy
A domain name goes through several stages from registration to deletion. Each stage has a different timeframe and cost. As a best practice, renew your domain name before it expires.
Stage | Time window | Domain status | Actions and cost |
Active | Within the domain's validity period | Resolves normally | Perform manual renewal. The fee is the standard renewal price. |
Renewal grace period | Approximately 0 to 30 days after expiration Note
| Resolution may be suspended | You can still renew at the standard price. |
Redemption period | Typically 31 to 60 days after expiration Note The redemption period for CNNIC domain names such as | Resolution suspended | You must pay a redemption fee, which is significantly higher than the standard renewal fee. |
Pending deletion period | After the redemption period ends | Pending deletion | The registry deletes the domain, making it available for public registration. At this point, the original owner can no longer recover it. |
The console displays the actual stage and renewal deadline for your domain name.
If you transfer a domain name away from Alibaba Cloud within 45 days of a successful renewal or redemption, the renewed term is voided and the fee is non-refundable. To avoid this, schedule your renewal and transfer activities accordingly. For more information, see Transfer a domain name away from Alibaba Cloud.
Renewal procedure
Log on to the Domain List page with the Alibaba Cloud account that owns the domain name.
Make sure you are logged on with the Alibaba Cloud account that owns the domain name or a RAM user with domain management permissions.
Single renewal: Find the target domain and click Renew in the Actions column.
Batch renewal: Select the checkboxes for the domains you want to renew and click the Renew Domains button at the bottom of the list.
On the order confirmation page, select a renewal period for each domain name and click Buy Now.
DNS resolution recovery time
After you successfully renew a domain name during its renewal grace period, the time for DNS resolution to resume depends on DNS cache refresh cycles.
DNS provider | Recovery time |
Alibaba Cloud DNS | Typically within 10 minutes, but can take up to 24 hours |
Other DNS providers | 24 to 48 hours |
Troubleshoot renewal failures
Problem type | Check | Solution |
Payment issue | Insufficient account balance | Add funds to your account and try again. |
The linked payment method (such as a credit card) is invalid. | Update to a valid payment method. | |
Your account has overdue payments. | Pay the overdue amount before renewing. | |
Domain Name Status Issues | The domain name is in an abnormal status (such as | Contact the registrar to identify the cause and remove the restriction |
Domain name real-name verification failed ( | You must first complete the real-name verification process. |
FAQ
Q: Does Alibaba Cloud support automatic renewal for domain names?
A: The international site does not support automatic renewal. We send renewal reminders by email before your domain name expires, but you must log on to the console to renew it manually before the expiration date.
Q: What should I do if I see an error message such as "Failed to get product" or "An unpaid order exists" when I try to renew?
A: Go to Order Management to check for unpaid orders. Pay for or cancel the unpaid orders and then try again. Alternatively, you can empty your shopping cart and re-add the renewal order.
Q: Can I use Alipay to renew a domain name on the international site?
A: The international site only supports international payment methods, such as Visa, Mastercard, and PayPal. Alipay is not supported. Domain names registered on the china site must be renewed on the china site.