This article explains how domain renewals work and what steps you need to take to keep your domain active.
When Your Domain Needs Renewal
Every domain has an expiry date, typically one year from when you first registered it. You can check your domain expiry dates in your Web60 account dashboard.
Domains don't renew automatically unless you specifically enable auto-renewal. If your domain expires, your website will stop working and visitors will see an error message.
How to Renew Your Domain Manually
- Log into your Web60 account
- Go to the "Domains" section in your dashboard
- Find your domain and click "Renew Now"
- Select how many years you want to renew for (1-10 years)
- Complete the payment process
- You'll receive a confirmation email once renewal is complete
Renewal typically takes effect within a few minutes, but can take up to 24 hours to fully process.
Setting Up Automatic Renewal
Automatic renewal means your domain renews itself before it expires. This prevents your website from going offline due to an expired domain.
To enable auto-renewal:
- Go to your "Domains" section
- Click on your domain name
- Find "Auto-Renewal Settings"
- Toggle auto-renewal to "On"
- Ensure your payment method is current
Your domain will automatically renew 7 days before it expires. You can manage domain auto-renewal settings to change when this happens.
What Happens If Your Domain Expires
When a domain expires, several things happen in stages:
Day 0-30 after expiry: Your website stops working, but you can still renew at the normal price.
Day 30-60: The domain enters "redemption period." Renewal becomes more expensive and can take several days to process.
Day 60+: The domain is deleted and becomes available for anyone to register. You cannot get it back.
Grace Periods and Late Renewals
Most domains have a 30-day grace period after expiry where you can still renew at the standard rate. After this period, late renewal fees apply.
During the grace period, your website won't work, but your domain is still reserved for you. Renewing during this time will restore your website.
Renewal Notifications
Web60 sends renewal reminders via email:
- 60 days before expiry
- 30 days before expiry
- 7 days before expiry
- On the day of expiry
Make sure your account email address is current so you receive these notices. You can change your account email address in your account settings.
Domain Transfer vs Renewal
Renewing keeps your domain with the same registrar (Web60). Transferring moves your domain to a different company. A domain transfer typically includes one year of renewal, but this is different from a standard renewal.
If you're planning to transfer your domain elsewhere, do this well before your expiry date to avoid complications.
If you're still stuck with domain renewal issues, contact Web60 support through your account dashboard. Include your domain name and any error messages you're seeing.
FAQ
Q: How long before my domain expires should I renew it?
A: You can renew your domain at any time, even years in advance. Most people renew 1-2 weeks before expiry to avoid any issues.
Q: Can I get a refund if I renew my domain by mistake?
A: Domain renewals are generally non-refundable once processed, as this extends your registration period immediately.
Q: What happens if my payment fails during auto-renewal?
A: Web60 will try to charge your card several times over a few days. If payment continues to fail, your domain won't renew and will expire as normal.
Q: Can I renew my domain for multiple years at once?
A: Yes, you can renew domains for up to 10 years in advance. This can save you money and ensures you won't forget to renew.
Q: Will my website work immediately after renewal?
A: If you renewed before expiry, yes. If your domain had already expired, it may take a few hours for your website to start working again.
Q: Do I need to update my nameservers after renewal?
A: No, renewal doesn't change any of your domain settings. Your nameservers, DNS records, and other configurations stay the same.
Q: Can someone else buy my domain if it expires?
A: Not immediately. You have a 30-day grace period to renew at normal rates, then a redemption period with higher fees. After about 60-75 days total, it becomes available to the public.
Last updated: 1 March 2026