How long after a domain expires will a website remain inaccessible? Is it necessary to redeem an expired domain?

Domain expiration is an inevitable process after domain purchase. Many people wonder how long it takes for an expired domain to become inaccessible, and whether it's necessary to redeem an expired domain. Below, we'll briefly address these questions to help you decide if you encounter similar situations in the future.

I. How Long After Expiration Does a Domain Become Inaccessible?

Generally, once a domain expires, the website becomes inaccessible. However, to restore website operation, you can renew the domain based on its current expiration stage. Typically, domain expiration goes through four stages: protection period, redemption period, deletion period, and open registration. In the first two stages, the protection and redemption periods, the original domain holder can regain ownership of the domain through renewal or redemption. Once the deletion period begins, the original holder loses control of the domain and must wait for it to be deleted and re-registered.

II. Is it Necessary to Redeem an Expired Domain?

There's no definitive answer to whether redeeming an expired domain is necessary; it depends on individual needs. If the domain name itself is of high quality, considered a premium domain, then even if it requires some payment to redeem, it's well worth it. However, if the domain is already used for a website and the website owner doesn't intend to abandon it, then redeeming the domain upon expiration is absolutely necessary. Otherwise, the website will become inaccessible, and all previous work will be lost.

In short, if the domain holder believes the domain has value, they can choose to redeem it. Conversely, if the holder feels the domain has no investment potential for website building and is dispensable, then we don't recommend paying to redeem it.