Published on TIGM.com — Where Domains Become Headlines
Plain-English guide from expiration to deletion: grace, redemption, Pending Delete (5 days), and realistic drop timing for .COM/.IN/.AI/.IO. Includes FAQs and a recovery checklist.
Key Terms
- Registry: The central operator for a TLD (like .COM or .IN).
- Registrar: The company you buy domains from (GoDaddy, Namecheap, etc.).
- Grace Period: Time after expiry when the registrar can renew the domain at standard cost.
- Redemption (RGP): A last-chance window where recovery is possible but with an added redemption fee.
- Pending Delete: Final 5 days at the registry — no recovery possible.
- Drop: The registry deletes the domain and it becomes available to the public (usually caught by dropcatchers).
For most gTLDs like .COM/.NET, Pending Delete lasts exactly five days. Once that ends, the name drops in batch deletions.
The Universal Flow
Expiry (Day 0): The domain lapses at registrar level.
Auto-Renew Grace: Registrar keeps the domain alive for up to ~45 days; owner can renew normally.
Redemption: The last window (around 30 days) — renewal + redemption fee required.
Pending Delete (5 days): Registry lock-in period; no renewal, no restore.
Drop: Name is deleted and becomes available (usually snapped instantly).
Lifecycle at a Glance
| Stage | Meaning | Duration | Recover? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expiry | Renewal date passes | Day 0 | ✅ Yes |
| Auto-Renew Grace | Registrar keeps active | Up to ~45 days | ✅ Yes (normal fee) |
| Redemption (RGP) | Held before deletion | ~30 days | ⚠️ Yes (extra fee) |
| Pending Delete | Final registry stage | 5 days | ❌ No |
| Drop | Domain deleted → available | Post-Day 5 | — |
TLD-Specific Examples
.COM (Global Default)
- Grace: Up to ~45 days (varies by registrar)
- Redemption: ~30 days
- Pending Delete: 5 days → drop in daily UTC batch
- Tip: Watch for drop on Day 5’s UTC evening. Multi-platform backorders increase odds.
.IN (India)
- Grace: Registrar-managed (shorter than gTLDs).
- Redemption: ~30 days.
- Pending Delete: 5 days, then drop in UTC batch.
- Tip: Drops appear in India early morning hours.
.IO (Tech TLD)
- Grace/Redemption: Present, but shorter at many registrars.
- Pending Delete: 5-day final stage typical.
- Tip: Renewal fees may be premium — check before recovery vs wait.
.AI (Anguilla)
- Grace/Redemption: Varies across registrars.
- Pending Delete: Final window before deletion.
- Tip: Drops act like .COM — batch releases, not minute-precise.
Drops occur in batches, not exact seconds — success depends on multi-platform coverage rather than timing guesswork.
Visual Timeline
Expiry (Day 0) │ ├── Auto-Renew Grace (~45d) │ ├── Redemption (~30d) │ └── Pending Delete (5d) ↓ Drop (deletion)How to Predict a Drop
- Check WHOIS: Look for
Pending Delete. - Count 5 full days.
- Watch UTC window on Day 5.
- Set backorders early across multiple catchers.
- Monitor notifications — successful catches often move straight to auction.
Recover or Wait?
| Situation | Best Option |
|---|---|
| Brand or project domain | Recover immediately (avoid downtime risk) |
| Investment / speculative | Wait for drop (set up multiple backorders) |
| Registrar auction visible | Bid early — it might never reach Pending Delete |
Troubleshooting & Edge Cases
- Didn’t drop? → Registrar auctioned it before PD.
- Different expiry dates? → Marketplaces show auction timers, not registry states.
- High fees? → Redemption costs differ — check both renewal & restore fees.
- Faster/slower timelines? → Registrar policies vary; always confirm live WHOIS data.
Quick FAQs
Q1. Is Pending Delete always five days?
Yes — for .COM/.NET and most gTLDs.
Q2. Can I restore during Pending Delete?
No. You must act before it enters PD.
Q3. Is there a precise drop time?
No. Drops occur in daily UTC batches.
Q4. Why did my expired name go to auction?
Registrars often sell expired names internally before they hit PD.
Q5. Do all TLDs follow this?
Broadly yes, but day counts and fees vary.
