When you look up a domain, you see one or more status codes such as clientTransferProhibited or serverHold. These are EPP status codes, used by every registry for generic domains. They explain what can and cannot be done with the domain right now. Some are perfectly normal; others mean your domain is not working.
To see your domain's codes, look it up at lookup.icann.org. See Check a Domain’s Expiry Date and Status.
Client and server codes
- client… codes are set by the registrar (on our side, often through options in your client area).
- server… codes are set by the registry, the organisation that runs the extension. They usually relate to policy, disputes or legal matters and can only be removed by the registry.
Normal statuses (no action needed)
| Code | Meaning |
|---|---|
ok or active | No restrictions and nothing pending. |
clientTransferProhibited | Registrar lock is on. Transfers to another registrar are blocked. This is good protection; disable it only when you want to transfer away. |
clientDeleteProhibited, clientUpdateProhibited | Extra protection against deletion or unwanted changes. Often set together with the lock. |
addPeriod | The domain was registered in the last few days. |
renewPeriod, autoRenewPeriod | The domain was recently renewed. |
transferPeriod | The domain was recently transferred. |
Statuses that need attention
| Code | What it means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
pendingTransfer | A transfer to another registrar is in progress. | If you requested it, wait. If you did not, contact us immediately. |
clientHold | The registrar has taken the domain out of DNS. Common reasons: expired, contact email not verified, or an abuse or billing issue. | Check your email for a verification or renewal message, then open a ticket. |
serverHold | The registry has taken the domain out of DNS. | Open a ticket; we will ask the registrar why and what is needed. |
inactive | No nameservers are set, so the domain cannot resolve. | Add nameservers under Nameservers in the client area. |
redemptionPeriod | Expired and deleted; can be restored for about 30 days. | Act now; see How to Restore an Expired Domain. |
pendingDelete | About to be released. Cannot be restored. | Wait for release and register again if needed. |
serverTransferProhibited | The registry blocks transfers, often during a dispute, a legal process, or after a recent registration or transfer. | Ask us for the reason if you need to transfer. |
clientRenewProhibited, serverRenewProhibited | Renewal is blocked, usually because of a dispute or an unresolved issue. | Open a ticket. |
Status shown in your client area
Your client area shows simpler labels such as Active, Pending Transfer, Grace, Redemption or Expired. They are based on the same information but are not EPP codes. If the two ever seem to disagree, the public lookup reflects what the registry currently holds.
Common questions
- My domain shows several prohibited statuses. Is it broken? No.
client…Prohibitedstatuses are locks that protect the domain. They do not affect your website or email. - How do I remove clientTransferProhibited? Disable Registrar Lock on the domain page in your client area. The public lookup updates within a few minutes to a few hours.
- Do country-code domains use the same codes? Many do, but some registries use their own status names.
Need help?
If your domain shows a hold status and you do not know why, open a support ticket from your client area (choose the Support department and include your domain name), or message us on WhatsApp at 01818160926. We are happy to check your domain for you.
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Written by
FimuroHost Team
Technical Writer