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A .io domain is a country code top-level domain (ccTLD) originally designated for the British Indian Ocean Territory, but now widely popular among technology companies and startups. Here's what you need to know about .io domains:
Domain Renewal Process
- Automatic renewal attempts begin 15 days before expiration
- Multiple charge attempts continue until 3 days before expiration
- Domain locks if payment fails by the deadline
Expiration and Grace Periods
-
Tucows Registrar:
- 40-day renewal grace period after expiration
- 30-day redemption period through Tucows afterward
-
Key-Systems Registrar:
- Approximately 30-day renewal window after expiration
- Contact support for possible reactivation if renewal window passes
Important Considerations
- No 5-day cancellation grace period
- No refunds after registration
- WHOIS privacy is not available
- Not eligible for free domain promotions
- Domain transfers require purchasing 1-year extension
When transferring to a new registrar, your existing registration period remains intact, and the required 1-year extension is added to the total duration.
Before registering an .io domain, carefully verify your domain name choice as there are no refunds for registration errors or typos.
Note: These rules apply to .io domain registration and transfers but not to third-party domain connections.
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