How Do I Backorder a Domain Name?

Thousands of domain names expire daily and become available for others to claim. If the domain name you want has already been taken, one of the best ways to secure it is to backorder a domain. Backordering gives you the opportunity to reserve a domain as soon as it becomes available, increasing your chances of ownership.

In this article, we will discuss:

• How Do Domains Expire?
• Understanding Domain Expiration
• Partnering with NameJet®
• How to Place a Backorder
• Review

How Do Domains Expire?

Domains often expire when registrants fail to renew them, either due to missed payments or loss of interest. Once a registration lapses, the domain is released and becomes available for others to register.

Understanding Domain Expiration

​​​If a domain is not renewed on its expiration date, the domain goes into an expired status, which means the services associated with the domain are shut off. From the expiration date, Network Solutions® strives to provide a 35-day grace period, during which time the current holder can still renew the domain for a standard renewal fee.

​If the expired domain is still not renewed after the grace period, the expired domain enters the redemption period. During this period, all WHOIS information is erased, and the expired domain now costs the current holder an additional fee to reactivate and renew the domain registration. When a domain enters this phase, the registrant may have already decided not to renew, and you can place a backorder at any time during this process to ensure you are first in line when the domain registration becomes available.​​

Partnering with NameJet®

​​​​​​Network Solutions® has partnered with NameJet®, the premier auction platform for expired and deleted domain names, to bring you more options for back-ordering domain names. By placing a backorder through your Network Solutions® account, your request is seamlessly submitted to NameJet®, which manages the process of acquiring expired domains. This partnership allows you to take advantage of NameJet®'s powerful auction platform while enjoying the convenience and integration provided through Network Solutions®.

If you’d like more information about backorders through NameJet®, please visit their FAQ page. Should you choose not to utilize NameJet®'s services, you can contact the current domain owner directly.

How to Place a Backorder

1. Log in to your Account Manager via https://www.networksolutions.com/my-account/login.
    
2. In the left menu, select Domains. Then, click Add a Domain and choose the Buy a Domain button.
   
   
    
3. The page will route on Network Solution’s page, where you can search for the domain that you want to place a backorder on. Enter the desired domain in the search bar and click the SEARCH button once done.
   
   
    
4. The page will then inform you that the domain has already been taken. Click the BACKORDER button.
   
   
    
5. A pop-up window will appear. Click BACKORDER. Once done, the domain will be added to your cart. Click CONTINUE to check out and process the purchase.
   
   
    
6. Once your order is processed, you can manage your backordered domains from your Account Manager. In the left-hand menu, select Domains and then click Backorders.
   
   
    
7. You will be directed to the Backordered Domain Names page.
   
   
    

Review

Backordering a domain is a proactive way to secure a name that may soon become available. While it does not guarantee ownership, it improves your chances and gives you a clear path to monitor the domain’s status through your Network Solutions® account. Partnering with NameJet® further increases opportunities by connecting you to their auction platform for expired domains.