
Technical Alert: .IO Domain Registration Requirements and Limitations
Registering, transferring, and managing .io domains requires understanding several key features and limitations specific to this domain extension.
The .io extension is a country code top-level domain (ccTLD) originally designated for the British Indian Ocean Territory, but now widely used by technology companies worldwide.
Key Features and Rules:
Domain Renewal
- Automatic renewal attempt occurs 15 days before expiration
- Multiple charge attempts up to 3 days before expiration
- Domain locks if renewal fails
Grace Periods After Expiration:
- Tucows registrar: 40-day grace period followed by 30-day redemption period
- Key-Systems registrar: approximately 30-day renewal period
Important Restrictions:
- No five-day cooling-off period
- No refunds available for cancellations
- Not eligible for free domain offers
- Whois protection unavailable
Domain Transfer Information:
- Transfers include one-year extension
- You keep remaining time on current registration
- Additional year added to registration period
Before Registration:
- Verify domain name spelling
- Confirm your intent to keep the domain
- Check current pricing through domain search
Note: These rules apply only to .io domain registration and transfers. Different guidelines may apply when connecting existing .io domains from third-party providers.
Remember to maintain valid payment information to avoid domain expiration and potential loss of registration rights.
Related Articles

Why Domain Changes Take Up to 48 Hours to Propagate Worldwide
