How to Cancel a Domain Registration (2025)

Quick Answer

Table of Contents

Understanding Domain Cancellation

Domain cancellation terminates your registration rights, eventually making the domain available for others to register.

Cancellation vs. Not Renewing

Immediate cancellation/deletion:

• Actively request domain removal
• Domain enters deletion process immediately
• Faster path to public availability
• May qualify for refund (if within grace period)

Letting domain expire (not renewing):

• Disable auto-renewal, wait for expiration
• Domain goes through grace periods first
• Slower process (30-75+ days)
• No refund possible

Types of Domain "Cancellation"

Who Can Cancel a Domain?

Only authorized parties can cancel:

• Registered owner (registrant)
• Account holder at the registrar
• Authorized contacts with appropriate permissions
• Registrar (in cases of fraud, non-payment, or policy violations)

When to Cancel vs. Let Expire

Choose the right approach based on your situation.

Cancel Immediately When:

You just registered and changed your mind:

• Within 5-day Add Grace Period
• Eligible for refund
• Don't want to pay for unwanted domain

The domain was registered in error:

• Typo in registration
• Duplicate purchase
• Wrong TLD selected

Fraud or policy violation:

• Domain was registered fraudulently
• Violates trademark
• Used for abuse

Let Expire When:

You've owned the domain for a while:

• Past refund window
• No benefit to immediate deletion
• Simpler process

You might change your mind:

• Uncertain about need for domain
• Expiration date is months away
• Want time to decide

You want to use it until expiration:

• Already paid through expiration
• Domain hosts active content
• Email still functional

Decision Flowchart

Did you register within the last 5 days?
├── YES → Contact registrar for refund/cancellation
└── NO → Is there urgency to release the domain?
         ├── YES → Delete immediately (no refund)
         └── NO → Disable auto-renewal, let expire

ICANN Policies on Domain Deletion

ICANN establishes the framework for domain lifecycle management.

Add Grace Period (AGP)

The Add Grace Period is a 5-day window after registration where:

• Registrars can delete domains and receive registry credit
• Registrants may receive refunds (at registrar's discretion)
• Original purpose: correct registration errors

Key details:

• Duration: 5 calendar days from registration
• Registry provides credit to registrar
• Registrar decides whether to pass refund to customer
• Applies to new registrations only

AGP Limits Policy

ICANN implemented limits to prevent abuse (domain tasting):

• Registrars can only delete a limited number of domains during AGP
• Threshold: 10% of net new registrations OR 50 domains, whichever is greater
• Excess deletions don't receive registry credit
• This limits registrar willingness to process AGP refunds

Expired Registration Recovery Policy

After expiration, domains follow this ICANN-mandated process:

Phase 1: Auto-Renew Grace Period (up to 45 days)

• Registrar may automatically renew
• Standard renewal fee may apply
• Domain may still function

Phase 2: Redemption Grace Period (30 days)

• Domain is deleted from zone
• Can be restored with fee ($150-200+ typical)
• Domain doesn't resolve

Phase 3: Pending Delete (5 days)

• Domain scheduled for release
• Cannot be recovered
• Becomes available after this period

Domain Deletion Timeline

Per ICANN policy:

"In the absence of extenuating circumstances, a domain name must be deleted within 45 days of either the registrar or the registrant terminating a registration agreement."

This means registrars must process deletions within 45 days.

Refund Policies by Registrar

Refund policies vary significantly between registrars.

General Refund Rules

GoDaddy Refund Policy

New registrations:

• Refund available within first 5 days
• Must contact GoDaddy Guides (phone, chat, or SMS)
• Email requests not processed

Renewals:

• Non-refundable after expiration date
• Manual renewals are non-refundable
• Auto-renewals non-refundable after expiration

Important notes:

• If product included "free domain," domain cost is deducted from refund
• Premium domains are non-refundable
• Refunds take 5-7 business days to process

Namecheap Refund Policy

New registrations:

• May be refundable within 5 days (120 hours)
• At Namecheap's sole discretion
• Must have valid reason
• Some TLDs excluded due to registry restrictions

Renewals:

• May be refundable within 5 days for most TLDs
• At Namecheap's sole discretion
• Some registries don't allow renewal cancellation

Exclusions:

• Premium domains: Not refundable
• Aftermarket domains: Not refundable
• Trademark-related domains: Not refundable
• Domains suspended for cause: Not refundable

How to request: Contact support via Live Chat or [email protected]

Cloudflare Registrar

Registrations:

• Cloudflare sells domains at cost (no markup)
• Refund requests handled case-by-case
• Contact Cloudflare support

Key consideration: Since Cloudflare doesn't mark up domain prices, the "refund" essentially just returns registry fees they paid on your behalf.

Name.com Refund Policy

New registrations:

• Refundable within first 5 days
• Domain is removed from your possession
• Returned to registry

Renewals:

• Never refundable
• No exceptions

Porkbun Refund Policy

New registrations:

• Request within 72 hours of registration
• Subject to approval
• Some TLDs not eligible

General policy:

• Contact support for refund requests
• Handled on case-by-case basis

Summary Table

How to Cancel at Major Registrars

GoDaddy

To delete a domain:

1. Log into GoDaddy account
2. Go to "My Products" → "Domains"
3. Select the domain to cancel
4. Click "Domain Settings"
5. Scroll to "Additional Settings"
6. Click "Delete Domain"
7. Confirm deletion

For refund (within 5 days):

• Contact GoDaddy Guides via phone or chat
• Request cancellation and refund
• Provide domain name and reason

Namecheap

To disable auto-renewal:

1. Log into Namecheap
2. Go to "Domain List"
3. Click "Manage" next to domain
4. Toggle "Auto-Renew" to OFF
5. Confirm the change

To request deletion/refund:

1. Contact support via Live Chat
2. Or email [email protected]
3. Provide domain name and account info
4. Explain reason for cancellation

Cloudflare

To cancel a domain:

1. Log into Cloudflare dashboard
2. Select the domain
3. Go to "Domain Registration"
4. Find cancellation options
5. Or contact support for assistance

Note: Cloudflare's interface may vary; contacting support is often the most reliable method.

Porkbun

To disable auto-renewal:

1. Log into Porkbun
2. Go to Domain Management
3. Click "Details" for the domain
4. Toggle auto-renewal OFF

To delete immediately:

1. Contact Porkbun support
2. Request domain deletion
3. Note: May not be available for all domains/situations

NameSilo

To cancel auto-renewal:

1. Log into NameSilo
2. Go to Domain Manager
3. Select domain(s)
4. Click "Change Auto-Renew"
5. Set to "Do Not Auto-Renew"

To delete domain:

1. Contact NameSilo support
2. Request domain deletion
3. If within 3 days, may be eligible for refund

General Steps (Any Registrar)

If your registrar isn't listed:

1. Log into registrar account
2. Find domain management section
3. Look for:
   • "Delete domain"
   • "Cancel domain"
   • "Domain settings" → "Delete"
4. If no delete option:
   • Disable auto-renewal
   • Contact support for deletion
5. For refund:
   • Contact support within 5 days of registration
   • Request both cancellation and refund

What Happens After Cancellation

Understanding the deletion process helps set expectations.

Immediate Effects of Cancellation

When you cancel/delete a domain:

DNS stops working:

• Website becomes unreachable
• Email stops working
• All DNS records become invalid

WHOIS changes:

• Status changes to various deletion states
• May show "pendingDelete" or similar

Control lost:

• Cannot make changes to domain
• Cannot transfer the domain
• Cannot restore (except during redemption)

The Deletion Timeline

If deleted immediately:

Day 0: Deletion requested
  ↓
Days 1-30: Redemption Grace Period (RGP)
  - Domain in "redemptionPeriod" status
  - Can be restored with fee ($150-200+)
  - DNS doesn't work
  ↓
Days 31-35: Pending Delete
  - "pendingDelete" status
  - Cannot be recovered by anyone
  - Countdown to release
  ↓
Day 36+: Domain released
  - Available for new registration
  - First-come, first-served

If allowed to expire:

Expiration Date
  ↓
Days 1-45: Auto-Renew/Renewal Grace Period
  - Can renew at normal price (registrar-dependent)
  - Domain may still work (registrar-dependent)
  ↓
Days 46-75: Redemption Grace Period (30 days)
  - Expensive to restore
  - Domain doesn't work
  ↓
Days 76-80: Pending Delete (5 days)
  - Cannot be recovered
  ↓
Day 81+: Released for registration

Note: Timelines vary by TLD and registrar. Some registrars have shorter grace periods.

EPP Status Codes During Deletion

You may see these in WHOIS:

Risks of Domain Cancellation

Before canceling, understand what you might lose.

Brand and Reputation Risks

Domain squatting:

• Someone else registers your dropped domain
• Uses it for competitor site
• Creates brand confusion

Phishing and fraud:

• Bad actors acquire expired domains
• Impersonate your former business
• Send fraudulent emails from your old domain

Customer confusion:

• Old bookmarks stop working
• Customers can't find you
• Trust diminished

SEO and Traffic Risks

Lost search rankings:

• All SEO value accumulated is lost
• Backlinks become worthless
• Cannot be recovered if domain re-registered by others

Lost traffic:

• Direct traffic (bookmarks, typed URLs) disappears
• Referral traffic from backlinks gone
• Email marketing links break

Recovery Challenges

If you change your mind:

• During redemption: $150-200+ recovery fee
• After pending delete: Must compete with others to register
• Popular domains may be grabbed immediately by domainers

Drop-catching services:

• Automated systems watch for valuable expiring domains
• Can register within milliseconds of release
• You may not be able to get your domain back

Alternatives to Cancellation

Before canceling, consider these options.

Option 1: Sell the Domain

If the domain has value:

• List on aftermarket (Sedo, Afternic, Dan.com)
• Use GoDaddy Auctions
• List on NameSilo marketplace
• Reach out to potential buyers directly

Potential value indicators:

• Short length
• Common words
• Valuable keywords
• Existing traffic
• Memorable/brandable

Even modest domains might sell for $50-100, covering several years of renewal costs.

Option 2: Park the Domain

Keep it registered, minimal effort:

• Point to parking service
• May generate small ad revenue
• Protects against squatters
• Can develop later

Parking options:

• Registrar parking (often default)
• Sedo parking
• Bodis parking
• Custom "Coming Soon" page

Option 3: Forward to Another Domain

If you have a primary domain:

• Redirect traffic to main site
• Preserve some SEO value
• Keep control of the name
• Low maintenance

Setup: Configure URL forwarding at registrar (often free).

Option 4: Keep for Brand Protection

Worth the renewal cost if:

• Domain could be confused with your brand
• Competitors might benefit from it
• Typos of your main domain
• Protects customer trust

Cost-benefit: $10-15/year is cheap insurance against brand damage.

Option 5: Transfer to Someone Else

If you don't want it but someone does:

• Give to friend/colleague who wants it
• Donate to nonprofit
• Transfer instead of canceling

Process: Standard domain transfer (see our transfer guide).

Option 6: Multi-Year Registration Then Don't Renew

If you need the domain temporarily:

• Register for needed period
• Set reminders to not renew
• Get full use during registration
• Let expire when truly done

Special Cases and Exceptions

Premium Domains

Premium/registry-reserved domains:

• Usually non-refundable
• No Add Grace Period applies
• Higher prices, stricter policies
• Contact registrar before purchasing

ccTLDs (Country-Code Domains)

Country-code TLDs often have different rules:

General rule: Check TLD-specific policies before assuming standard ICANN rules apply.

Domains Under Dispute

UDRP proceedings:

• Cannot cancel during active dispute
• Must await resolution
• Contact registrar for guidance

Legal holds:

• Court orders may prevent cancellation
• Subpoenas or legal notices
• Wait for legal resolution

Aftermarket Purchases

Domains purchased on aftermarket (auctions, buy-it-now):

• Usually non-refundable
• No Add Grace Period
• Different return policies
• Check marketplace terms before purchase

Recovering a Canceled Domain

What if you canceled and regret it?

During Redemption Period

You can restore the domain:

• Contact registrar immediately
• Pay redemption fee ($150-200+ typical)
• Domain restored to your account
• Adds 1 year to registration

Timeline: 30 days after deletion.

During Pending Delete

Too late to restore:

• No recovery option during pending delete
• Must wait for release
• Prepare to register immediately upon release

After Release

Competing for re-registration:

• Set up backorder services (multiple services recommended)
• SnapNames, NameJet, Pool.com, DropCatch
• Be ready to register manually at exact release time
• No guarantee of success

Prevention Is Better

Before canceling any domain:

• Wait 24-48 hours to reconsider
• Ask: "Would I pay $150+ to get this back?"
• Consider alternatives to cancellation
• Document the decision

Best Practices Before Canceling

Pre-Cancellation Checklist

Before canceling any domain:

• Verify no active use: No website, email, or services depend on it
• Check DNS records: Ensure nothing important is configured
• Review email accounts: No email addresses using this domain
• Search for integrations: APIs, OAuth callbacks, verification TXT records
• Consider brand implications: Could it be used against you?
• Check for backlinks: Any valuable incoming links?
• Verify refund eligibility: Within grace period?
• Document the decision: Record why you're canceling
• Notify affected parties: If anyone else used it

Data Backup

Before domain stops working:

1. Download website content (if any)
2. Export email (if domain email exists)
3. Save DNS records (screenshot or export)
4. Archive any domain-verified accounts

Notification Steps

If the domain was public:

1. Update any references to the domain
2. Change links on social media profiles
3. Update business cards and materials
4. Inform regular contacts/customers

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a refund for a domain I no longer want?

Only within the Add Grace Period (typically 5 days from registration). After that, refunds are almost never available. Renewals are generally non-refundable at any time.

How long until a canceled domain becomes available again?

30-80+ days depending on method:

• Immediate deletion: ~35 days (30-day redemption + 5-day pending delete)
• Let expire: ~80 days (45-day grace + 30-day redemption + 5-day pending delete)
• Timelines vary by registrar and TLD.

Can I cancel just one year of a multi-year registration?

No. Domain registrations are sold in full terms. You cannot cancel partial years. You could transfer to another registrar (which typically adds a year) but cannot get refunds on prepaid years.

What if I accidentally deleted my domain?

Act immediately:

1. Contact registrar support right away
2. If still in account: may be able to reverse
3. If in redemption: pay fee to restore
4. If pending delete: usually cannot recover

Speed is critical—the sooner you act, the better your chances.

Will I still own the domain during redemption period?

Technically, yes, but functionally no. You have first right to restore it (for a fee), but you cannot use it, transfer it, or make any changes to it during redemption.

Can someone else register my domain during redemption?

No. The redemption period protects your recovery rights. Only you (the former registrant) can restore the domain during this period. Others must wait until after pending delete.

Do I need to cancel if I want to transfer to another registrar?

No—transfers are different from cancellation. A transfer moves the domain to another registrar while maintaining your registration. See How to Transfer a Domain.

What happens to email after domain cancellation?

Email stops working immediately when the domain is deleted or DNS stops resolving. Any email addresses @yourdomain.com become non-functional. Make sure to backup emails and notify contacts before canceling.

Key Takeaways

• Refunds are only possible within 5 days of registration (Add Grace Period)—renewals are almost never refundable
• Two cancellation methods: Delete immediately (faster but no refund after 5 days) or disable auto-renewal and let expire (simpler, no action needed)
• Canceled domains become public after redemption (30 days) and pending delete (5 days) periods—anyone can register them
• Risks include: Brand damage from squatters, lost SEO value, phishing/fraud using your old domain
• Consider alternatives first: Selling, parking, forwarding, or keeping for brand protection often make more sense than canceling
• Recovery is expensive: $150-200+ during redemption, impossible after pending delete

Next Steps

If You're Canceling for a Refund

1. Check registration date: Must be within 5 days
2. Contact registrar: Phone/chat often required
3. Request both cancellation and refund
4. Verify refund is processed

If You're Letting a Domain Expire

1. Disable auto-renewal in registrar settings
2. Verify setting change (check confirmation)
3. Set reminder before expiration to reconsider
4. Remove any sensitive content before expiration

If You're Deleting Immediately

1. Complete pre-cancellation checklist
2. Backup any important data
3. Initiate deletion through registrar
4. Note the date in case you change your mind (30 days to restore)

Related Guides

• Domain Grace Period and Redemption - Full timeline explanation
• Domain Auto-Renewal - How to enable/disable
• Recover an Expired Domain - If you change your mind
• How to Transfer a Domain - Move instead of cancel

Research Sources

Information in this article was compiled from:

• ICANN FAQs for Registrants on Domain Expiration and Renewal
• ICANN Add Grace Period (AGP) Limits Policy documentation
• ICANN Expired Registration Recovery Policy (updated February 2024)
• GoDaddy refund policy documentation
• Namecheap refund policy and knowledge base
• Name.com official refund policy
• Porkbun support documentation
• NameSilo help resources
• Squarespace domain cancellation guide
• Amazon Route 53 domain deletion documentation
• DNSimple domain management guides
• Openprovider domain cancellation documentation