Cancelled domain so I could use it elsewhere

  • Unknown's avatar
    asclll · Member ·

    Hi, I purchased a domain and plan through WordPress, but then realized I need to build my site elsewhere (because I don’t have the tech skills to use WordPress). I canceled the subscription and domain minutes after I purchased it, and now the domain is not available through other site-building platforms. Do you know when the domain will be available again? Thank you for any assistance.

    WP.com: Yes
    Correct account: Yes

    The blog I need help with is: (visible only to moderators and staff)

  • staff-doublebassd · Staff ·

    Hey there,

    You canceled the domain within 5 days of registering it, so it should be available again soon. Once a domain name is deleted by the registry at this stage, it is immediately available for registration by any registrant through any Registrar, and that happens shortly after the 5-day grace period.

    We can immediately restore the domain for you within that 5-day period, but after that, we no longer have control over it. So, depending on where you want to register the domain (with us or elsewhere), you should decide ASAP on how you want it re-registered.

    You can always point the domain over to your host from WordPress.com until 60 days of registration hits (where you can transfer the domain anywhere you please). That will at least guarantee you will get it back without any potential complications.

    Let me know how you would like to proceed.

    Thanks,

  • Unknown's avatar
    asclll · Member ·

    Hi there. Thanks for your reply. I’m happy to wait a bit for it to be available again, and I’m not worried about anyone getting it before I do. Are there other risks in waiting for it to become available (as opposed to restoring it and rerouting it to another host)?

    As of now, when I put in the domain name, it takes me to a wordpress.com site that says the address does not exist and cannot be registered. I assume this will change when the WordPress registry deletes it?

    Thank you again for your help!

  • supernovia · Staff ·

    Hi @asclll, with a .com domain that was cancelled within a few days of registration, your only real risk is that someone else will buy it before you do. Assuming it’s not some virally important name, the risk is minimal.

    If the domain is not .com (or another domain under ICANN), or if you cancelled it after more than a few days, things can get a lot more complicated.

  • Unknown's avatar
    asclll · Member ·

    Ok great. I’ll just wait for it to become available again. Thanks for your help!

  • supernovia · Staff ·

    Cheers!

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