Understanding when .COM domains drop is crucial for catching expired domains or planning backorder strategies. Unlike some TLDs with variable schedules, .COM domains follow a predictable pattern managed by Verisign registry.
When Do .COM Domains Drop?
.COM domains typically drop around 2:00 PM UTC (7:30 PM IST) daily, though exact timing can vary by 30-60 minutes. Deletions happen in batches throughout a window rather than all at once.
Drop Time by Time Zone
| Time Zone | Drop Window |
|---|---|
| UTC | 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM |
| IST (India) | 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM |
| EST (US East) | 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM |
| PST (US West) | 6:00 AM – 7:00 AM |
Critical Note: These times apply to domains completing their full expiration cycle—not the initial expiration date. Domains must pass through grace period, redemption, and pending delete before dropping.
The Complete .COM Timeline to Drop
| Phase | Duration | Status | What You Can Do |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grace Period | 30-45 days | May function | Renew at standard price ($10-$20) |
| Redemption | 30 days | Completely down | Restore with fee ($100-$200) |
| Pending Delete | 5 days | Locked | Nothing—wait for drop |
| Drop | ~2:00 PM UTC | Available | Register or backorder |
Total Timeline: 75-80 days from expiration to drop.
For complete details on each phase, see our comprehensive guide to domain expiration and deletion.
Calculating Your Domain’s Drop Date
Example: Domain expires October 1, 2025
- Expiration: October 1
- Grace: ~45 days = November 15
- Redemption: 30 days = December 15
- Pending Delete: 5 days = December 20
- Drop Date: ~December 20 at 2:00 PM UTC
Quick Formula: Expiration date + 75-80 days = Drop date
Backorder Services vs. Manual Registration
Professional Drop Catch Services
| Service | Cost | Success Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| SnapNames | $69+ | High | Auction if multiple backorders |
| DropCatch | $59+ | High | Private capture available |
| GoDaddy | $20+ | Medium-High | Large user base, competitive |
| NameJet | $69+ | High | Multiple registrar partnerships |
How they work: Automated systems submit registration attempts every second using direct registry connections, capturing domains within milliseconds of deletion.
Best for: Valuable domains, competitive catches, domains worth $500+
Manual Registration Strategy
For low-competition domains only:
- Start checking at 1:30 PM UTC (30 min early)
- Use registrar’s search tool every 5 minutes
- Peak activity: 2:00-2:30 PM UTC
- Have account funded and ready
- Enable auto-renewal immediately after catch
Success rate: 10-20% for truly low-demand domains. Professional services win 90%+ of competitive drops.
Why Drop Times Vary
While clustering around 2:00 PM UTC, individual domains may drop:
- 1:30 PM UTC: Early batch
- 2:00-2:30 PM UTC: Peak window (most domains)
- 3:00 PM UTC: Late batch
Factors affecting timing: Registry server load, batch processing order, day of week (heavier mid-week volume).
Monitoring Tools
Free Options:
- ExpiredDomains.net: Pending delete lists, drop dates
- DeletedDomains.com: Daily deletion lists
- FreshDrop.com: Newly dropped domains
Paid Services (with backordering):
IST-Specific Strategy
For domain hunters in India, 7:30 PM IST drop time offers advantages:
Pros:
- Evening monitoring after work hours
- Less US competition (morning for them)
- Can dedicate full attention
Strategy: Set reminders for 7:00 PM IST, begin monitoring 7:15 PM, peak activity 7:30-8:00 PM.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Waiting until exact 2:00 PM—start 30 minutes early
- Using single backorder for valuable domains—use 3-5 services
- Forgetting time zone conversion
- Not verifying pending delete status via WHOIS
- Lacking payment method ready
- Expecting instant availability—DNS takes 24-48 hours
Immediate Post-Drop Actions
Within 1 hour of catching domain:
- Lock domain to prevent theft
- Enable privacy protection
- Set auto-renewal
- Verify contact information
Within 24 hours:
- Check backlink profile and history
- Scan for malware associations
- Verify no trademark conflicts
- Review Wayback Machine content
Key Takeaways
Drop Schedule: .COM domains drop daily around 2:00 PM UTC (7:30 PM IST) in 1-2 hour window
Timeline: 75-80 days from expiration to drop (grace + redemption + pending delete)
Best Strategy: Use professional backorder services for valuable domains; manual registration only for low-competition domains
Critical: Start monitoring 30 minutes before drop time, use multiple services for important domains
For complete understanding of grace periods, redemption costs, and recovery strategies, read our full guide to domain expiration and deletion.
Drop Window: 2:00 PM UTC / 7:30 PM IST | Updated: October 2025
