How to check when your domain name expires

If your domain name expires, your website goes offline. Visitors will see an error page instead of your site. This guide shows you how to check your domain's expiry date and what to do if it is coming up soon.

Why domain expiry matters

When a domain expires, it does not get deleted immediately. Most registrars provide a grace period of around 30 days during which you can still renew at the normal price. After that, the domain may enter a redemption period where renewal is possible but much more expensive. If you do not act during either period, the domain is released and anyone can register it.

For a business, losing your domain means losing your web address, your email, and any search ranking you have built up. It is worth checking your expiry date regularly.

How to check your domain expiry date

There are three ways to find out when your domain expires.

Method 1: In your Web60 dashboard

If your domain was registered through SmartHost or Web60, the expiry date is shown in your dashboard.

1. Sign in to your Web60 dashboard at app.web60.ie.
2. Click My Website in the sidebar.
3. Go to the Domain tab.
4. Your domain's expiry date is displayed alongside the domain name.

This is the quickest way to check if your domain is managed by Web60.

Method 2: At your domain registrar's website

If you bought your domain somewhere else (for example, Blacknight, Register365, or GoDaddy), log in to that provider's website and look for your domain's renewal or expiry date. It is usually found under Domain Management or My Domains.

If you are not sure who your registrar is, use the WHOIS method below to find out.

Method 3: Using a WHOIS lookup

WHOIS is a public directory that shows registration details for domain names, including the expiry date and the registrar.

For international domains (.com, .net, .org, etc.):

1. Go to lookup.icann.org.
2. Type in your domain name and press search.
3. Look for the field labelled Registry Expiry Date or Expiration Date.

For .ie domains specifically:

1. Go to whois.iedr.ie.
2. Type in your .ie domain and search.
3. The expiry date is shown in the results.

You can also use whodis.ie as an alternative for .ie domains.

What to do if your domain is expiring soon

If your domain expires in the next 30 days, take action now:

1. Renew before the expiry date. Log in to your domain registrar and renew for at least one year.
2. Enable auto-renewal. Most registrars offer this option. It means your domain renews automatically each year, so you never have to worry about it lapsing.
3. Check your payment details. Auto-renewal only works if the card on file is valid and not expired.
4. If your domain has already expired, contact your registrar immediately. During the grace period (typically 30 days), you can still renew at the normal price. After that, recovery becomes expensive and is not guaranteed.

.ie domain specifics

All .ie domains are managed by the IE Domain Registry (IEDR). The IEDR sends renewal reminders to the email address on file for the domain. If you have changed your email address since you registered the domain, update it with your registrar so you do not miss renewal notices.

You can check and update your .ie domain contact details through your registrar or directly through the IEDR's website.

Need help?

If you are unsure about your domain's status or need help with renewal, visit our support page and we will help you sort it out.