ICANN mandates that all registrars verify the email address of a new domain registrant. If you fail to click the verification link sent to your email within 15 days of registration or contact modification, your domain is automatically suspended and taken offline. To fix this, resend the verification email from your registrar dashboard and click the link.
What Is the ICANN Verification Mandate?
ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) requires every domain registrar to verify registrant contact information. This is a global policy, not a NameSilo rule or punishment.
When you register a domain, transfer one, or update your WHOIS contact details, a verification email is sent to the registrant email address. You have 15 days to click the link. Failure to verify triggers automatic suspension.
This policy exists to reduce domain abuse, spam, and fraudulent registrations. Every registrar worldwide must enforce it.
The clientHold Status: Why Everything Stopped
When verification fails, your domain enters clientHold status. This removes your domain from DNS resolution entirely.
- Your website goes offline
- All subdomains become unreachable
- Any service relying on your domain fails
The domain still belongs to you, it's not deleted or transferred. DNS is simply disabled until you verify. Check your domain status via WHOIS lookup to confirm clientHold is the issue. Decision Framework: What Triggered This?
Three actions require verification:
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Domain transfer to new registrar | |
WHOIS registrant email change | |
If you recently performed any of these and ignored or missed an email, that's your cause. Check spam folders, verification emails often land there.
Implementation Steps: Lifting the Suspension
Step 1: Log into NameSilo Access your account dashboard.
Step 2: Go to Contact Manager Navigate to Contact Manager from your account menu. Step 4: Resend the Verification Email Click the envelope icon next to the unverified contact to resend the verification email.
Step 5: Click the Link Open your email, find the verification message, and click the confirmation link.
Step 6: Wait for DNS Propagation Once verified, the clientHold is removed. DNS typically restores within 1-4 hours, though it may take up to 24 hours.
Common Mistakes
Using fake email addresses: Privacy concerns lead some users to enter invalid emails. This guarantees suspension after 15 days.
Unmonitored inboxes: Using an old email you never check means missing the verification entirely.
Spam folder blindness: Verification emails frequently get filtered. Check spam and promotions folders.
Ignoring "from registrar" emails: Some users assume registrar emails are marketing and delete them unread.
Changing email without verifying: Updating your WHOIS contact triggers a new verification cycle. The new address must be verified.
What This Means for You
This is an ICANN-mandated process, every registrar enforces it identically. NameSilo isn't penalizing you; we're complying with global domain policy.
To prevent future suspensions:
- Use a real, monitored email address for domain registration
- Whitelist verification emails from your registrar
- Act within 15 days of any registration, transfer, or contact change
- Check spam folders if you don't see the email
Your domain will restore quickly once verified. The fix takes minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my domain suspended?
You didn't verify your registrant email within 15 days.
What does clientHold mean?
A status removing your domain from DNS, taking your site offline.
How long does ICANN verification take?
Clicking the link is instant. DNS restores in 1-24 hours.
What happens if I ignore the ICANN email?
Your domain is suspended after 15 days until verified.
Will my website come back online after I verify?
Yes, typically within 1-4 hours.
How do I change my registrant email?
Update in Contact Manager, then verify the new address.
Does WHOIS privacy block the verification email?
No. Verification goes to your actual email, not the proxy.
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