You can check the domain name statuses and their descriptions through WHOIS lookup according to this topic. This helps you understand the domain name security information and the reason for domain name unavailability, so that you can take appropriate measures.

  • A newly registered domain name can be in one of the following statuses.
    Domain name statusDescription
    addPeriodThe new registration period set by the domain name registry. This status occurs within five days after the registration and it does not affect the use of the domain name. After five days, the status will be automatically revoked.
    okThe normal state, which indicates that the domain name can be normally used.
    Note When the domain name is in another status, it is not displayed as ok. However, this does not definitely mean that the domain name is abnormal.
  • When a domain name is locked for security reasons, it can be displayed as one of the following statuses.
    Domain name statusDescription
    clientDeleteProhibitedThe deletion prohibition set by the domain name registrar. In this status, the domain name cannot be deleted.
    serverDeleteProhibitedThe deletion prohibition set by the domain name registry.In this status, the domain name cannot be deleted.
    clientUpdateProhibitedThe update prohibition set by the domain name registrar. In this status, you cannot modify the domain name information, including the registrant, administrative contact, technical contact, billing contact, and Domain Name System (DNS) server information. However, you can set or update resolution records.
    serverUpdateProhibitedThe update prohibition set by the domain name registry.In this status, you cannot modify the domain name information, including the registrant, administrative contact, technical contact, billing contact, and Domain Name System (DNS) server information. However, you can set or update resolution records.
    clientTransferProhibitedThe transfer prohibition set by the domain name registrar. In this status, the domain name cannot be transferred to another domain name registrar.
    serverTransferProhibitedThe transfer prohibition set by the domain name registry. In this status, the domain name cannot be transferred to another domain name registrar.The domain name registry may attach this status to some new domain names, prohibiting the domain names from being transferred to other domain name registrars within 60 days. This status will be automatically revoked after the 60 days. The domain name registry also attaches this status to the domain names that are involved in arbitration or litigation. This status will be revoked after the arbitration or litigation ends.
  • The following table describes other statuses that pertain to the resolution prohibition and renewal prohibition.
    Domain name statusDescription
    pendingVerificationThe registration verification period. The domain name has not been approved after registration. You must provide materials for real-name verification within five days after registration. If you do not submit the materials within the five days, the domain name enters the serverHold state.
    clientHoldDomain name resolution is suspended by the domain name registrar. The resolution of domain names in the clientHold state is suspended. You need to contact the domain name registrar to revoke the status.
    serverHoldDomain name resolution is suspended by the domain name registry. The resolution of domain names in the serverHold state is suspended. This status occurs when the real-name verification of a .cn domain name fails. It is revoked if the real-name verification is complete within the validity period.
    inactiveThe domain name is inactive. The domain name cannot be resolved because the DNS server was not specified during registration. You must configure the DNS server at the registrar.
    clientRenewProhibited/serverRenewProhibitedThe renewal prohibition set by the domain name registrar or the domain name registry. Domain names in this state cannot be renewed. The domain names in this state may be in arbitration or disputes. You need to contact the registrar to learn the reason.
    pendingTransferThe pending transfer set by the domain name registry. The domain name is being transferred to another domain name registrar.
    redemptionPeriodThe redemption period set by the domain name registry. When a domain name is in the redemption period, you can contact the domain name registrar to redeem the domain name at a higher price before the end of the redemption period.
    pendingDelete

    The deletion or redemption period set by the domain name registry. The redemption period of an internationalized domain name ends and the domain name is to be deleted. After deletion, the domain name is available for registration again.