Deleted and cancelled my domain name, but domain name not released yet

  • Unknown's avatar
    rebeccaschuman · Member ·

    I deleted and cancelled my domain on WordPress to use it for my new website. I went through the full process of deletion and cancellation, including my subscription and got confirmation of its removal. But when I try to use this domain for my new website via a different site provider, it says this domain is already in use and unavailable. How do I get this domain released for my use as soon as possible? What can I do to expedite this process?

    The blog I need help with is: (visible only to logged in users)

  • Unknown's avatar
    staartmees · Member ·

    The baddest thing to do when you want to use a custom domain elsewhere, is cancelling and deleting it. A deleted domain sometimes can be recovered, but there is no guarantee.

    When you cancel a domain, it does not immediately become available for the public to re-register. It enters a holding period at the registry level so you can recover it if the cancellation was a mistake. Grace Period (0–45 Days): The domain remains yours and can still be renewed or restored.

  • Unknown's avatar
    guilhermerodias · Member ·

    Hi Becky,

    Thanks for reaching out, and I can see why this is confusing. You did everything right on your end, so it’s frustrating that the domain isn’t available yet at your new provider!

    Here’s what’s happening: even after a domain is cancelled and deleted, it doesn’t become immediately available for re-registration. It goes through a standard grace/holding period at the domain registry level, which can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks depending on the domain extension (.com, .net, etc.). This is an industry-wide process, not specific to WordPress.com, and unfortunately it can’t be fully bypassed.

    That said, here’s what you can do:

    • Keep checking availability at your new provider — the domain should become available for registration once the holding period ends
    • Contact WordPress.com support at https://wordpress.com/help/contact and ask them to confirm the domain has been fully released on their end, and whether they can expedite the process at all
    • Monitor the domain using a free tool like https://www.whois.com — once it shows no active registrant, your new provider should be able to register it

    The good news is that since you’re the previous owner and have confirmation of cancellation, you’re in a strong position to act quickly the moment it becomes available.

    Hang tight — it should resolve itself soon! 🙂

    Kind regards

    Guilherme

  • elcristofue · Staff ·

    Hi @rebeccaschuman!

    I see that you’ve received help with this via email, and your domain has been restored, so I’ll be closing this thread. 🙂

  • The topic ‘Deleted and cancelled my domain name, but domain name not released yet’ is closed to new replies.