Domain suspension due to the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN)
Whois verification process typically occurs because the contact information associated with your domain registration has not been verified. The Whois verification process ensures that the contact details (such as email address, phone number, etc.) provided during domain registration are accurate and up-to-date.
Why was my domain suspended?
ICANN requires domain registrants of generic TLDs (gTLDs) to verify their contact information within 15 days of the domain registration and registrant contact information changes (First Name, Last Name, email address) on existing domains. If this information is not verified within the given timeframe, ICANN mandates the suspension of the domain.
When your domain is suspended:
- DNS will change to verification nameservers, which means your website, email, and other domain-related services will be inaccessible.
- Visitors to your website will see a default page indicating that the domain is suspended.
This is what a suspended domain name will look like in your account:
Steps to lift the suspension
To lift the suspension and reactivate your domain, make sure your registrant email is valid and up-to-date.
Log in to your Namecheap account, select Domain List from the left sidebar and click on the arrow next to 'Contact Support' and then on the Manage button next to your domain. Scroll down to the Domain Contacts section to view and edit contact information if needed:
If the registrant email address is correct and valid, please follow these steps:
1. Check your email for the verification request
Look for an email from Namecheap with the subject line "IMMEDIATE VERIFICATION required for [your domain name]". This email contains a link to verify your contact information.
If you can't find the email, check your spam or junk folder. You can also search your inbox using keywords like "Namecheap" or "Whois verification."
2. Click the verification link
Once you locate the email, click the verification link provided. This action confirms that your contact details are accurate and up-to-date.
3. Wait for the domain to be reactivated
After you verify your information, the suspension will typically be lifted in several minutes. You will receive a confirmation email once your domain has been verified.
Your website and email services should become accessible again shortly after the suspension is lifted, and the propagation process is completed.
If the registrant email address is incorrect or invalid, please update it, and a verification email will be sent to your new registrant email address.
Verify the email address by clicking on the link, and it will lift the suspension and make your domain active.
What if the verification link doesn’t work?
If you cannot find the verification email or the link is not working, you can request a new one:
1. Insert the suspended domain name into the new browser tab and resolve it.
2. You will see the ICANN suspension page.
3. Scroll to the bottom and press on the 'Resend my verification email' button:
Once you receive the new email, complete the verification process as described above.
Preventing future suspensions
To avoid future suspensions, make sure:
- Your contact information is always up-to-date. If you change your email address, phone number, or other contact details, promptly update them in your Namecheap account and verify the changes via the link sent to your registrant email address.
- You monitor your email regularly. Ensure that emails from Namecheap are not marked as spam, so you receive important notifications about your domain.
Need further assistance?
If you encounter any issues during the verification process or if your domain is not reactivated after following the steps above, contact the Domain support team via chat for assistance. Alternatively, you can send an email to domainsupport@namecheap.com describing your request/issue.
They are available 24/7 and can help you resolve any issues related to your domain suspension.
