Your domain might not be active due to incomplete verification, configuration issues, or a registry hold.
Case 1: Your domain is suspended because verification is incomplete
ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) regulations require all domain owners to verify their email addresses to confirm domain ownership.
When you register a new domain or update contact details for an existing domain, a verification email is sent to your registered email address. You must complete the verification process within 14 days to keep your domain active.
Why does verification matter?
If you don’t verify your email address within 14 days of registering your domain or updating contact details, your domain may be suspended. A suspended domain will not function until the verification process is complete.
How to resolve this issue
Check your inbox (and spam folder) for the domain verification email.
Click the link in the email to verify your email address.
Wait a few hours for your domain to reactivate.
For more details, refer to our article on How to Verify Your Domain Name.
Case 2: DNS, web hosting, or other services are not configured properly
Even if your domain is registered and verified, it won’t go live until DNS and hosting are correctly set up.
What to check if your domain is not configured properly
DNS records
If you use our Default nameservers, ensure your domain points to the correct server by updating the A Record.
If you use Custom nameservers, update them to the nameservers provided by your hosting or DNS provider.
For more details, see our article on How to add, edit, and delete an A Record.
Web hosting
If you have a hosting plan, make sure your domain is added or “pointed” in the hosting account.
Confirm the setup in your hosting provider’s control panel or contact their support team for assistance.
Email services
If you’re trying to set up your email, verify that your MX Records are correct. For more details, see our article on How to Set DNS Records for Your Email.
Case 3: A registry hold is preventing activation
A registry hold can temporarily suspend your domain at the registry level, making it inactive.
Why might a registry hold be applied?
Domain ownership disputes
Payment or renewal issues (e.g., chargebacks or unpaid invoices)
Legal or policy-based actions (e.g., abuse or non-compliance with ICANN rules)
How to resolve this issue
Check your email for a notification from the registry explaining the reason for the hold
Contact our Support team if you’re unsure why your domain is on hold
Depending on the situation, you may need to:
Provide additional documentation
Resolve outstanding issues, such as completing a payment or resolving a dispute
Once the hold is lifted, your domain will be reactivated.
For details on how to unsuspend your domain, see our article on How to Unsuspend Your Domain Name.