Understanding Domain Statuses: ServerHold, ClientHold, and More

Domains are assigned various statuses that define their current state in the domain name system (DNS) and the actions that can be performed on them. These statuses are part of the Extensible Provisioning Protocol (EPP), which is used to manage domain registrations.

In this article, we will explain common domain statuses such as ServerHold, ClientHold, and others, their meanings, causes, and how to resolve them if needed.

What Are Domain Statuses?

Domain statuses are codes that indicate the current operational status of a domain. These statuses help domain registrars, registries, and users understand the domain’s functionality and restrictions.

Types of Domain Statuses

Domain statuses fall into two categories:

1. Registry-level statuses: Managed by the domain registry (e.g., Verisign for .com domains).
2. Registrar-level statuses: Managed by the registrar where the domain is registered.

Common Domain Statuses Explained

1. serverHold

• Meaning:
  This status is set by the domain registry, which prevents the domain from resolving to a website or email services.
• Causes:
  • Domain has expired.
  • Registry policy violations.
  • Involvement in malicious activities (e.g., phishing, spam).
• How to Resolve:
  • Contact your registrar to determine the reason for the status.
  • Renew the domain if it has expired.
  • Resolve any policy violations with the registry.

2. clientHold

• Meaning:
  This status is applied by the registrar, and like serverHold, it prevents the domain from resolving to a website or email services.
• Causes:
  • Unpaid registration or renewal fees.
  • Registrar policy violations.
  • Domain suspension due to disputes or legal issues.
• How to Resolve:
  • Ensure all fees are paid.
  • Contact your registrar to lift the hold status.

3. clientTransferProhibited

• Meaning:
  This status prevents the domain from being transferred to another registrar. It is typically set by the registrar for security reasons.
• Causes:
  • The domain was recently registered or transferred.
  • The domain owner manually enabled transfer lock.
• How to Resolve:
  • Log in to your registrar account and disable the transfer lock (if allowed).
  • Contact your registrar for assistance.

4. serverTransferProhibited

• Meaning:
  This status is applied by the registry and prevents the domain from being transferred to another registrar.
• Causes:
  • Registry-level restrictions (e.g., ongoing disputes).
• How to Resolve:
  • Contact your registrar to understand the reason for the restriction.

5. clientUpdateProhibited

• Meaning:
  This status prevents the domain owner from making updates to the domain's details (e.g., nameservers, WHOIS information).
• Causes:
  • Registrar-applied restrictions.
  • Account or domain security measures.
• How to Resolve:
  • Contact your registrar to lift the restriction.

6. serverUpdateProhibited

• Meaning:
  This status is set by the registry and prevents updates to the domain.
• Causes:
  • Registry policy violations or ongoing investigations.
• How to Resolve:
  • Contact your registrar to address the issue.

7. redemptionPeriod

• Meaning:
  This status indicates that the domain has expired but can still be recovered (usually within 30 days).
• Causes:
  • Failure to renew the domain before its expiration date.
• How to Resolve:
  • Pay the redemption fee and renew the domain through your registrar.

8. pendingDelete

• Meaning:
  The domain is scheduled for deletion after the redemption period ends.
• Causes:
  • Domain expiration without renewal.
• How to Resolve:
  • Once the domain enters pendingDelete, recovery is no longer possible. Wait for the domain to be released and attempt to register it again.

9. ok

• Meaning:
  This is the default status for a domain with no restrictions. It means the domain is active and functioning normally.
• Actions Needed:
  None. This is the desired state for most domains.

Checking Your Domain's Status

To check your domain's status:

1. Use a WHOIS lookup tool (e.g., your registrar's WHOIS search or third-party tools).
2. Review the Domain Status section in the WHOIS output.

Example WHOIS Output:

Domain Status: clientTransferProhibited  
Domain Status: ok  
Domain Status: serverHold  

FAQ on Domain Statuses

Q1. Can multiple statuses be applied to a domain?

Yes, a domain can have multiple statuses simultaneously (e.g., clientTransferProhibited and serverHold).

Q2. Why can’t I resolve my website even though the domain is active?

Check for serverHold or clientHold statuses in your WHOIS output. These statuses prevent resolution.

Q3. Can I fix registry-level statuses myself?

No, registry-level statuses (e.g., serverHold) require intervention from the registrar or registry.

Q4. What happens if I don’t renew my domain in time?

The domain will enter the redemptionPeriod, during which you can recover it by paying a redemption fee. If not recovered, the domain enters pendingDelete and will eventually become available for registration by others.

Q5. How long does it take to lift a status like clientHold?

The time varies. Contact your registrar, and the status can typically be lifted within a few hours to 48 hours.

Conclusion

Understanding domain statuses is crucial for managing your domain effectively. Whether it’s ensuring timely renewal to avoid redemptionPeriod or resolving issues like clientHold, knowing the meaning of these statuses empowers you to maintain your domain's functionality.

If you encounter any domain status issues or need assistance, contact our support team for quick and reliable help.