> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://kb.hostcloud.in/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# What happens when a domain expires

> Understand domain expiry, the grace period and the redemption period, and how to avoid losing your domain.

If a domain isn't renewed by its due date, it expires. This guide explains what happens next, and how to get it back before you lose it for good.

> [!WARNING]
>
> Renewing after expiry costs extra, and restoring a domain in its redemption period costs much more. The simplest protection is to turn on auto-renew and pay the renewal invoice before the due date. See [Turn on auto-renew and registrar lock](/domains/auto-renew-and-registrar-lock.md).

## Timeline

| Stage | What happens | Can you get it back? |
| - | - | - |
| **Before the due date** | We email a renewal invoice 14 days before the due date | Yes, at the normal renewal price |
| **Expired (grace period)** | Your website and email stop working | Yes, by renewing. A late renewal fee applies |
| **Redemption period** | The domain is held by the registry and can't be renewed normally | Usually, by paying a higher restore fee |
| **Released** | The domain is deleted and anyone can register it | No |

\[\[TODO: the length of the grace and redemption periods in days (and whether they differ by extension)]]

## Renew an expired domain

**1. Open the domain**

In the Client Area, click **Domains** in the top menu. On the domain's row, click the **⋯** menu and choose **Renew**.

**2. Add it to your cart**

Choose the renewal term and click **Add to Cart**. Any late fee is shown before you pay.

**3. Pay**

Click **Checkout** and pay the invoice. Your website and email start working again once the renewal is processed, though it can take some time for the change to spread.

Domain in its redemption period and not renewing? [Open a ticket](/support/open-a-ticket.md) and we'll tell you the restore cost.

## Free domain with hosting?

A free domain that came with a hosting plan renews automatically only while that hosting is active. If the hosting is cancelled or suspended, the domain can expire. Renew it yourself to keep it.

## Avoid expiry

* Turn on **Auto Renew** for every domain you want to keep.
* Keep your account email address up to date so you receive renewal invoices.
* Renew important domains for several years at a time. You can renew for up to 10 years.

Still stuck? [Open a ticket](/support/open-a-ticket.md) with the domain name.


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