What is WHOIS?
WHOIS is a public lookup service for domain names. You type a domain and it shows facts about it, like the registrar, dates and name servers. A registrar is a company that sells domain names.
The status codes show what a domain is allowed to do right now. They are also called EPP status codes.
How to check
- Open a free WHOIS lookup website.
- Type your domain name.
- Press Search.
- Find the line named Domain Status.
You can also run whois example.com in a Linux terminal. It prints the same details.
Common codes
| Code | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ok (active) | Normal. The domain works and has no special limits. |
| clientTransferProhibited | The registrar lock is on. The domain cannot be moved. This keeps it safe. |
| clientUpdateProhibited | Changes to the domain details are blocked. |
| clientDeleteProhibited | The domain cannot be deleted by mistake. |
| clientHold | The registrar has paused the domain. It will not work online. |
| serverTransferProhibited, serverUpdateProhibited, serverDeleteProhibited, serverHold | The same limits, but set by the registry (the company that runs the domain ending). |
| addPeriod | The domain is newly registered. A short grace time applies. |
| autoRenewPeriod | The domain was renewed automatically. A short window applies. |
| renewPeriod | The domain was just renewed by hand. |
| transferPeriod | The domain was just transferred. |
| pendingTransfer | A transfer is in progress. |
| pendingDelete | The domain is going to be deleted soon. |
| redemptionPeriod | The domain expired and is held back. You may still be able to get it back, often with an extra fee. |
Client or server?
Codes that start with client come from the registrar. Codes that start with server come from the registry. The registry is higher up, so only it can remove its own codes.
What should you do?
- If you want to move the domain, turn off the registrar lock (clientTransferProhibited) first.
- If you see clientHold or redemptionPeriod, contact your registrar at once.
- If you see pendingDelete, the domain may be lost soon. Act quickly.
Tip: For a Hostvento domain, open a support ticket if a status looks wrong.
Quick recap
- Status codes show what a domain may or may not do.
- "ok" is normal. "Prohibited" codes are safety locks.
- Hold, redemption and pendingDelete need quick attention.