A domain is a lease, not a purchase. It expires on a fixed date every year and an expired domain takes your website and your email down with it. This is one of the few failures that cannot be fixed by us at speed, because the registry controls the timeline.
The expiry timeline
- Before expiry. Renewal notices go out. This is the only cheap, simple, guaranteed window. Renew here.
- At expiry. The domain stops resolving. Your website goes offline and email on that domain stops immediately. Nothing about your files or mailboxes is deleted, but the world cannot reach them.
- Grace period. Most registries allow renewal at normal price for a period after expiry. Length varies by extension.
- Redemption. After grace, the domain enters a redemption phase where recovery is possible but carries a substantial registry fee on top of the renewal.
- Release. After redemption, the name is deleted and anyone can register it. Recovery at that point is a matter of luck and possibly a much larger sum.
Why domains lapse
Almost always because the renewal notice went to a former employee, a personal Gmail nobody checks, or an address that no longer exists. Keep the registrant email current, and use a role address such as a shared company inbox rather than an individual.
Practical protection
- Put the expiry date in a shared company calendar with a reminder a month ahead.
- Consider registering for multiple years at once. It costs the same per year and removes several annual failure points.
- Keep the registrant details accurate. Registries can suspend a domain for inaccurate contact data.
- For .my domains, keep your SSM information current, since eligibility can be rechecked.
Domains we manage
If we manage your domain, we invoice you ahead of expiry through the portal at crm.zylax.com.my. Payment is by bank transfer or DuitNow QR.
If you are unsure when your domain expires, reply to your email thread or contact [email protected] and we will look it up.
