Domain Status Code Decoder

Explain EPP domain status codes like clientTransferProhibited.

Codes you see in WHOIS or your domain dashboard — like clientTransferProhibited, serverHold or pendingDelete — are EPP status codes. Enter a code and this tool explains its meaning, severity and what to do. You can paste an entire WHOIS result; only the codes are read.

It helps when a domain suddenly stops resolving, a transfer is blocked, or you're considering recovery after expiry.

Status codesPaste a full WHOIS result — only the codes are extracted.

clientTransferProhibitedOKTransfer lock (registrar)

A registrar lock that prevents unauthorized transfers. Recommended for security; remove it before transferring.

serverHoldCriticalServer hold

Set by the registry; the domain is deactivated, often due to disputes or legal reasons.

Show all EPP status codes

okOKOK

inactiveWarningNo nameservers

linkedInfoLinked

clientHoldCriticalClient hold

serverHoldCriticalServer hold

clientTransferProhibitedOKTransfer lock (registrar)

serverTransferProhibitedWarningTransfer lock (registry)

clientUpdateProhibitedOKUpdate lock (registrar)

serverUpdateProhibitedWarningUpdate lock (registry)

clientDeleteProhibitedOKDelete lock (registrar)

serverDeleteProhibitedWarningDelete lock (registry)

clientRenewProhibitedWarningRenew lock (registrar)

serverRenewProhibitedWarningRenew lock (registry)

addPeriodInfoAdd grace period

autoRenewPeriodInfoAuto-renew period

renewPeriodInfoRenew grace period

transferPeriodInfoTransfer grace period

pendingCreateInfoPending create

pendingRenewInfoPending renew

pendingTransferWarningPending transfer

pendingUpdateInfoPending update

pendingDeleteCriticalPending delete

pendingRestoreWarningPending restore

redemptionPeriodCriticalRedemption period

client* vs server*

client* codes are set by the registrar and can usually be removed by you; transfer/delete locks are actually recommended. server* codes are set by the registry, often tied to disputes or legal reasons, and are hard to remove yourself.

Red flags needing action

clientHold / serverHold: the domain isn't in DNS, so site and mail stop.
redemptionPeriod: a ~30-day recovery window after expiry — act fast or lose it.
pendingDelete: deletion underway; it will soon be re-registrable by anyone.