Pre-requirements
- Access to the email address associated with the domain’s registrant contact information.
- Ability to log in to your domain provider's account to verify or modify the contact data.
- Basic understanding of ICANN policies regarding domain verification.
Introduction
ICANN mandates registrars to verify registrant contact information within 15 days of domain registration or transfer. Failure to verify this information can result in domain suspension. This article explains why domains get suspended due to incomplete ICANN-mandated contact verification and how to resolve it.
Reasons for Domain Suspension
| Reason | Description | Linux Command | Windows Command (via SSH) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Unverified Email Address After Registration | If the registrant email address is not verified within 15 days after domain registration, the domain will be suspended. |
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| 2. Email Address Change | If the registrant email is changed, the new email must be verified, or the domain will be suspended. |
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| 3. Domain Transfer | After a domain transfer, ICANN requires verification of the new registrant’s email address. |
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| 4. WHOIS Accuracy Complaint | If a WHOIS accuracy complaint is made, the registrant’s email must be re-verified. |
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Steps to Reactivate the Suspended Domain
| Step | Description | Linux Command | Windows Command (via SSH) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Click the Verification Link | Click the link provided in the verification email sent by your registrar to verify your email address. | No specific command. Follow the link from your email. | |
| 2. Resend the Verification Email | If you didn’t receive the verification email, request for it to be resent through your domain provider’s dashboard. | No specific command. Use your domain provider’s dashboard to resend the email. | |
| 3. Verify Email Address | Once you receive the verification email, click the link and verify the email address. | No specific command. Follow the link from your email. | |
| 4. Confirm Domain Unsuspension | Once verified, the suspension should be lifted within 30 minutes. Use Whois lookup to confirm. |
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| 5. Contact Support | If the domain remains suspended, contact your registrar’s support team for assistance. | No specific command. Contact support via the registrar’s platform. | |
How to Prevent Future Suspensions
- Verify Your Email Address Promptly: Always complete the verification process within 15 days of registration or transfer.
- Ensure Accurate WHOIS Data: Keep your email address and other WHOIS contact information up to date to avoid future suspensions.
- Monitor Your Spam Folder: If you don’t see the verification email in your inbox, check your spam or junk folder.
Gotchas to Avoid
- Delayed Response: If you delay verifying your email address, your domain will remain suspended until the verification is completed.
- Wrong Email Address: Make sure that your email address is correct and accessible before initiating domain registration or transfer.
- DNS Propagation Delays: Once unsuspended, DNS propagation might take some time (up to 48 hours) depending on your settings.
If your domain is suspended due to incomplete ICANN contact verification, the steps outlined in this article will help you resolve the issue. Always verify your email promptly and ensure your contact information is accurate. For further assistance, don’t hesitate to contact our support team.
For more tutorials and tips on domain management, visit our Knowledge Base.
