What to do if the domain is not renewed on time?
If the domain is not renewed on time, it expires, so that's why if you want to continue using the domain, you should renew it on time.
However, if you do not do this, this is what happens with the domain.
1. Expired domain - Grace period
Typical duration: 0–30 days (varies by registrar and TLD)
What happens:
The domain stops resolving (website goes down, email stops).
The domain is not released to the public yet.
You can still renew it at the regular renewal price, but you must contact Time4VPS support team (Human Support) as quickly as possible and request the domain renewal. The team will check the domain status.
Note: every domain has a different grace period duration, so you should not wait to lose the domain at all.
When the domain is renewed from the grace period, it is done manually, so it might take some time (usually up to 24 hours) for the domain to start working (DNS propagation).
2. Redemption Grace Period
Typical duration: 15-30 days
What happens:
The domain is in “Redemption” status with the registry.
You can still get it back, but:
It usually costs a higher redemption fee- the fee is provided from the registry side.
Renewal + redemption fee must be paid to restore the domain.
Why the fee?
The registry (not the registrar - Time4VPS) charges this because they pull the domain from the active pool and must restore it manually.
Note: this takes some time as well because there is a manual restoration, and after this, the domain's DNS propagation.
3. Pending Delete
Duration: 5 days
What happens:
The domain cannot be renewed or recovered anymore.
It is scheduled for deletion.
After 5 days, the domain is released back to the public and anyone can register it again.
4. Domain Becomes Available
Anyone can register it again on a first-come, first-served basis.
High-value domains may be captured by drop-catch services (e.g., DropCatch, SnapNames, NameJet).
So make sure not to wait for this period because you might lose the domain for good.
Tips to Avoid Losing a Domain
Turn on auto-renew.
Keep your payment methods updated.
Keep your contact email up to date (so renewal notices reach you).
For important domains, renew multiple years ahead.
Make sure that you get the payment confirmation for the domain in your email inbox.