When you run a WHOIS lookup, you will see one or more status codes. They are standard EPP codes and describe locks and the state of the domain. Here is what they mean.
Normal and protective statuses
| Status | Meaning | Action |
|---|---|---|
| ok / active | Normal, no restrictions | None |
| clientTransferProhibited | Registrar lock: the domain cannot be transferred away | Good for security. Unlock only to transfer. |
| clientUpdateProhibited | Changes to the record are blocked by the registrar | Unlock if you need to change details. |
| clientDeleteProhibited | Deletion is blocked | None |
| serverTransferProhibited / serverUpdateProhibited / serverDeleteProhibited | Locks set by the registry | Contact your registrar if unexpected. |
Problem statuses
| Status | Meaning | Action |
|---|---|---|
| clientHold / serverHold | Domain removed from DNS, so the website stops working | Contact your registrar. Often caused by unpaid renewal, abuse reports or unverified contact details. |
| redemptionPeriod | Expired and deleted, recoverable for a fee | Restore immediately. See expiry timeline. |
| pendingDelete | Final days before release | Cannot be recovered; it will drop soon. |
| pendingTransfer | A transfer is in progress | Approve or reject it. See transfer guide. |
| pendingVerification | Registrant contact needs to be verified | Click the link in the verification email. |
Why this matters when buying a domain
If a domain shows pendingDelete, it will be released shortly and may become available. If it is in redemptionPeriod, the owner can still recover it. Use domain search to check availability later.
Registrar vs registry statuses
Statuses starting with client are set by the registrar (often at your request or by default). Those starting with server are set by the registry. You can usually change client statuses in your registrar account; server statuses need the registrar to ask the registry. This explains why you can unlock a transfer lock yourself but cannot remove a hold placed by the registry.
How to unlock a domain for transfer
- Log in to your registrar and open the domain.
- Turn off the registrar lock (this removes clientTransferProhibited).
- Request the authorisation code.
- Give both to your new registrar.
Why a hold happens
- Unpaid renewal or unpaid registrar invoice.
- Registrant email not verified after registration or a change of contact data.
- Abuse or legal complaints.
- Court or registry orders.
FAQ
Is clientTransferProhibited bad?
No. It is a normal security lock that most registrars enable by default.
My site is down and status shows clientHold. What now?
Contact your registrar. The usual causes are an unpaid invoice or unverified WHOIS contact email.
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