Recovering a deleted domain

  • Unknown's avatar
    zack2build · Member ·

    I deleted my domain perfectviewhomservices.com in an attempt to transfer it elsewhere. I’m realizing now that was probably a mistake as it’s taking a long time to unlock. Can I see how much longer until it’s unlocked and potentially recover it with wordpress.com if it’s going to take longer than a few more days?

  • Unknown's avatar
    iamnelsonnnn1 · Member ·

    Hello @zack2build I hope this message finds you well. I can only imagine how frustrating that must feel to delete your domain accidentally. I put together a few instructions for you to follow as the first initial steps

    So to answer your question:

    1. Is it actually “unlocked” or “deleted”?

    If you clicked “Delete Domain” in the dashboard to try and move it, you didn’t just unlock it—you technically canceled your ownership.

    • If you just deleted it: You have a very small window (usually 5 days) where you can get it back for the normal renewal price.
    • If it’s past 5 days: It enters the Redemption Period. At that point, WordPress.com (and the registry) will charge a “Redemption Fee” (usually around $80 USD / €75) on top of the renewal price to pull it back.

    2. How to see the “Unlock” status

    If you didn’t delete it but just initiated a transfer, you can check the status here:

    • Go to Upgrades → Domains.
    • Click on your domain.
    • Look for the Transfer tab. It should show if the “Transfer Lock” is off.
    • Important: Standard .com transfers take 5 to 7 days. If you just unlocked it and haven’t given the “Auth Code” to your new registrar yet, nothing will happen.

    3. How to recover it

    If you realize you made a mistake and want to stay with WordPress.com to avoid the headache:

    • Step 1: Check your “Purchases” page. Go to Upgrades → Purchases. If you see the domain there with a “Restore” or “Renew” button, click it immediately.
    • Step 2: Contact Support ASAP. This is the most important step. Use the WordPress.com Contact form. Tell them: “I accidentally deleted perfectviewhomservices.com while trying to transfer it. I want to reverse the deletion and restore it to my account.”

    My Advice

    If you just started the transfer a day or two ago, it’s going to feel like it’s “stuck.” But if you actually deleted/canceled the subscription, you need to contact support now. Once it leaves that 5-day grace window, the price to get it back jumps significantly.

    Hope this helps,

    Best regards

    Nelson

  • sagin12 · Staff ·

    Hi @zack2build,

    I’ve successfully restored your domain perfectviewhomeservices.com to your account. You can now transfer it to another registrar by following this guide here.

    Before you move ahead, I’d love to understand a bit more—what’s prompting you to transfer the domain? Were you running into anything while setting up or working on your site on WordPress.com? If something isn’t clicking for you, let me know and I’ll support you from there.

    Looking forward to your update.

  • Unknown's avatar
    zack2build · Member ·

    Hey Nelson,

    The domain was originally purchased last year, and then deleted on Friday, Jan. 9th when I was trying to migrate elsewhere. Are you able to see on the backend how long it’ll be until it’s unlocked and I can repurchase it? Either through another domain registrar or WP.com

    Thanks,
    Zack

  • Unknown's avatar
    zack2build · Member ·

    Thanks @sagin12!!!!

    I’ve migrated the site to Hostinger since it’s cheaper and I’m able to control the plugins there. I might keep the domain with WordPress.com but I was trying to consolidate and misunderstood the transfer process.

    Appreciate the help.

    Zack

  • Unknown's avatar
    zack2build · Member ·

    @sagin12 are you able to unlock the domain for transfer? Thanks

  • dhruvikmalaviya · Staff ·

    Hi @zack2build! 👋

    I’m glad to hear the domain has been restored, thanks for confirming that, and I appreciate your patience while everything got sorted out.

    Regarding unlocking the domain for transfer: you can do this directly from your WordPress.com dashboard. This guide walks through the exact steps, including where to find the transfer lock and authorization code:

    https://wordpress.com/support/domains/transfer-domain-registration#step-1-prepare-the-domain-transfer

  • Unknown's avatar
    zack2build · Member ·

    Hey @dhruvikmalaviya it says the domain is locked for 60 days. Any insights?

  • Unknown's avatar
    themagicrobot · Member ·

    Rather than transferring it you could keep the domain at WordPress.com for now and map it to a site at Hostinger

    The WordPress.com ICANN 60-day lock is a mandatory security measure preventing domain transfers within 60 days of registration or a previous transfer, or after registrant contact changes, to stop fraud, with WordPress.com following these rules but offering ways to manage your domain, like changing nameservers or updating info to avoid locks. Recently, ICANN voted to change this, potentially moving towards a 30-day lock, but the current rule for WordPress users remains the 60-day restriction on new domains and transfers. 

  • kavillarosa121896 · Staff ·

    Hi Zack!
     
    You probably have attempted to transfer your domain just recently. In this case, you’ll have to wait for 60 days before you can do another domain transfer.
     
    Please refer to this doc for reference – https://wordpress.com/support/domains/incoming-domain-transfer/#step-1-verify-your-domain-is-eligible-for-transfer
     
    Thank you for your understanding.

Log in or create an account to reply