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Domain Status Code Decoder
What clientTransferProhibited, redemptionPeriod and the rest mean.
How it works
Domain status code decoder: what clientTransferProhibited and the rest mean
Every WHOIS or RDAP record lists EPP status codes such as clientTransferProhibited, serverHold, redemptionPeriod or pendingDelete. Enter a domain and we fetch its live codes from the registry, or paste the codes you were shown. Each one is translated into plain English with who set it (registrar or registry), what it blocks, and what to do about it. The full reference table of all 25 standard codes is included.
Results appear here after you click Decode status.
How this works
- 1
Fetch or parse codes
With a domain we read the live status array from the registry's RDAP record; with pasted text we extract any recognisable EPP codes.
- 2
Match the standard list
Each code is matched against the 25 EPP statuses from RFC 5731 and ICANN's status-code page, including who sets it.
- 3
Rank and advise
Codes are ranked by severity so the headline shows the most urgent condition, followed by concrete next steps.
Frequently asked questions
- What does clientTransferProhibited mean?
- It is a transfer lock set by your registrar, usually because you (or the default settings) turned on 'domain lock'. Transfer requests from another registrar are refused while it is present. It is good protection; just remember to unlock before you move the domain.
- What is the difference between client and server status codes?
- 'client' codes are set by the registrar, the company you pay; 'server' codes are set by the registry that runs the extension. You can usually change client locks yourself in the registrar panel, but only the registrar can ask the registry to change a server status.
- What does serverHold mean and how do I fix it?
- serverHold means the registry has removed the domain from DNS, so the site and email stop. The usual cause for gTLDs is a failed registrant-email verification required by ICANN; abuse and legal complaints are the other reasons. Contact your registrar; clicking the verification link typically restores the domain within hours.
- What does redemptionPeriod mean?
- The domain expired and the registrar deleted it, but for about 30 days the original owner can still restore it for a redemption fee (often $80 to $200) plus a renewal. Nobody else can register it during this time; after it comes a five-day pendingDelete and then the drop.
- Is 'ok' better than clientTransferProhibited?
- No. 'ok' simply means no locks and no pending operations; it also means a stolen password is enough to transfer the domain away. The recommended healthy state is clientTransferProhibited together with clientDeleteProhibited and clientUpdateProhibited.
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