--- title: "Domain Status Codes in WHOIS: clientTransferProhibited, clientHold and pendingDelete Explained" description: "**In short**A domain status is a code shown in a WHOIS lookup that tells you whether the domain works, is locked against transfer, is suspended, or is about to be deleted. Most are normal, such as clientTransferProhibited. clientHold, redemptionPeriod and…" url: "https://www.hyyat.com/en/knowledgebase/domain-status-codes-whois/" updated: "2026-11-09" category: Internet Domains --- # Domain Status Codes in WHOIS: clientTransferProhibited, clientHold and pendingDelete Explained **In short**A domain status is a code shown in a WHOIS lookup that tells you whether the domain works, is locked against transfer, is suspended, or is about to be deleted. Most are normal, such as clientTransferProhibited. clientHold, redemptionPeriod and pendingDelete need quick action. ![WHOIS domain status card showing clientTransferProhibited, clientHold and pendingDelete](https://www.hyyat.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/11/hkb-domain-hero-status-en.webp) You looked up your domain in a WHOIS tool and saw strange English words under **Domain Status**. Or the company you are moving your domain to says its status is **clientTransferProhibited**. These are standard codes used worldwide, and each has a clear meaning. ![WHOIS domain status card showing clientTransferProhibited, clientHold and pendingDelete](https://www.hyyat.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/11/hkb-domain-status-card-en.webp) ## Where does the domain status appear? It appears in any WHOIS lookup result under **Domain Status**. A domain can have more than one status at the same time. Codes that start with **client** are set by the registrar, and codes that start with **server** are set by the registry that runs the extension. ## The most common statuses | Status | Meaning | | --- | --- | | **ok / active** | The domain works normally with no restrictions. | | **clientTransferProhibited** | Transfer lock set by the registrar, so it cannot move until unlocked. A normal, protective status. | | **clientUpdateProhibited / clientDeleteProhibited** | Prevents changes or deletion without your request. Extra protection. | | **clientHold** | The registrar has stopped the domain resolving, so the website and email stop. Usually because the owner email is not verified, or the domain expired. | | **serverHold** | The registry has stopped the domain, for a legal reason or a violation. Needs support. | | **serverTransferProhibited** | The registry blocks transfers for a time, such as right after registration or an owner change. | | **autoRenewPeriod** | The domain was just auto-renewed at the registry, and this can still be reversed for a short time. | | **redemptionPeriod** | The domain is in the redemption period after expiry and needs a redemption fee. | | **pendingDelete** | The domain will be deleted within days and cannot be recovered. | | **pendingTransfer** | A transfer request is in progress. | ## Which are normal, and which need action? *✓***Normal**ok, clientTransferProhibited, clientUpdateProhibited, clientDeleteProhibited and autoRenewPeriod. *!***Needs action**clientHold and redemptionPeriod: the domain is stopped and needs email verification or renewal. *✖***Very urgent**pendingDelete: the domain will be deleted and cannot be recovered. serverHold: contact support. ## Moving your domain and it says clientTransferProhibited? This is the transfer lock, and it protects you from your domain being moved without your knowledge. Unlock it in the client area as in [Domain registrar lock](https://www.hyyat.com/en/knowledgebase/domain-lock/), then get the transfer code as in [Getting the domain transfer code (EPP code)](https://www.hyyat.com/en/knowledgebase/get-the-domain-code-epp-code/). Lock it again if you cancel the transfer. If the domain was registered recently or its owner changed recently, the registry may block transfers for a time even when you unlock it. This is a general security rule, not a problem with your account. ## Status clientHold and the website is down? 1. **Look for the verification email:** the most common cause is an unverified owner email. Follow [Domain owner email verification](https://www.hyyat.com/en/knowledgebase/pending-icann-verification/). 2. **Check the expiry date:** if the domain has expired, renew it as in [What happens after a domain expires](https://www.hyyat.com/en/knowledgebase/domain-expiry-grace-redemption-period/). 3. **Still not sure?** open a [support ticket](https://www.hyyat.com/en/knowledgebase/open-support-ticket/) with the domain name and the status you saw. ## Quick summary - A status is a standard code, and a domain can have several. - client = set by the registrar, server = set by the registry. - clientTransferProhibited is normal and protective, unlock it only to transfer. To find an available new domain, use the [domain availability check](https://www.hyyat.com/en/domain-availability-check/) page. ## Frequently asked questions What does clientTransferProhibited mean? The registrar transfer lock is on, so the domain cannot move to another company until it is unlocked. It is a normal, protective status. What does clientHold mean? The registrar has stopped the domain resolving, so the website and email stop. Usually because the owner email is not verified or the domain expired. What is the difference between client and server statuses? Statuses starting with client are set by the registrar, and those starting with server are set by the registry of the extension. Can a domain in pendingDelete be recovered? No. It is deleted within days and then becomes available for registration again. **Related guides** - [Domain Registrar Lock: Protect Your Domain from Unauthorized Transfer](https://www.hyyat.com/en/knowledgebase/domain-lock/) - [How to Get Your Domain EPP Code](https://www.hyyat.com/en/knowledgebase/get-the-domain-code-epp-code/) - [Domain Owner Email Verification and “Pending ICANN Verification”: What to Do](https://www.hyyat.com/en/knowledgebase/pending-icann-verification/) - [What Happens After a Domain Expires? Grace Period, Redemption Period and Fees](https://www.hyyat.com/en/knowledgebase/domain-expiry-grace-redemption-period/) - [How to Transfer Your Domain to Hyyat Host](https://www.hyyat.com/en/knowledgebase/transfer-domain-to-hyyat-host/) [All internet domain guides →](https://www.hyyat.com/en/kb/internet-domains/) **Need this service from Hyyat Host?**Our team handles it for you, with support replying to tickets within 24 hours at most.[Saudi domain reservation](https://www.hyyat.com/en/saudi-domain-reservation/)[Domain Availability Check](https://www.hyyat.com/en/domain-availability-check/)