Undoing the cancellation of a domain name

For forty days after you cancel a domain name, it can't be re-registered by anyone except you. It's 'in quarantine'. So, if your name's cancelled by mistake, or you change your mind, you can get your name back. 

Cancelling your domain name Requesting registrant details

Step-by-step instructions for undoing a cancellation

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1. Ask your registrar to undo the cancellation.

Your quarantined domain name can be reinstated by the same registrar (hosting service provider) you had before, or by a new one. The registrar will arrange things with us.

Important: only you – the old registrant – can get your quarantined domain name reinstated. If you're not sure whose name you registered the domain name in, use the Whois.

2. We'll reactivate the domain name.

We'll send confirmation to the administrative contact's mailbox and to your registrar. Reactivation takes effect immediately.

3. You settle up with your registrar.

We'll charge your registrar for reactivating your quarantined domain name. What you pay is between you and your registrar.

Frequently asked questions

Why is my domain name in quarantine?

When a domain name is cancelled, we aren't told the reason, so we can't tell you. You'll need to ask your registrar. The advantage of quarantine is that, if a name's cancelled by mistake, you can always get it back.

One common reason is that the contract between you and your registrar says you've got to renew the registration every year. If you haven't set up automatic renewal and you don't renew manually, the registration will expire.

My domain name has been cancelled without my consent. What can I do?

Contact your registrar. The contract between you and your registrar might allow your registrar to cancel your domain name.