⚡ Quick Answer
"Inactive" means your domain has no nameservers associated with it. The domain exists, but there's no DNS configuration telling the internet where to find your website or email. Fix: Add nameservers in your registrar's dashboard.
What Does "Inactive" Actually Mean?
Unlike status codes like "clientHold" or "serverHold," inactive isn't technically an EPP status code—it's a descriptive state that some registrars and WHOIS tools display when:
- • No nameservers are set — Most common cause
- • Domain was just registered — Default state before DNS setup
- • Nameservers were deleted — Accidental or intentional removal
- • Registry hasn't propagated changes — Temporary state
Your domain is registered and owned by you—it's just not "doing" anything on the internet yet.
How to Fix Inactive Status
Step-by-Step Fix
- Log into your registrar — Go to your domain management dashboard
- Find DNS/Nameserver settings — Usually under "DNS," "Nameservers," or "Domain Settings"
- Add nameservers — Either use your registrar's default nameservers or custom ones from your host
- Save changes — Hit update/save
- Wait for propagation — Usually 15 minutes to 24 hours
Which Nameservers Should You Use?
Option 1: Registrar's Nameservers
Use these if you want to manage DNS through your registrar.
ns1.registrar.com
ns2.registrar.com
Then add A records, CNAME, etc. in your registrar's DNS panel.
Option 2: Host's Nameservers
Use these if your web host manages your DNS.
ns1.yourhost.com
ns2.yourhost.com
Your host will provide specific nameservers when you sign up.
Common Hosting Nameservers
- Cloudflare: assigned per account (e.g., aria.ns.cloudflare.com)
- AWS Route53: assigned per hosted zone
- Vercel: ns1.vercel-dns.com, ns2.vercel-dns.com
- Netlify: dns1.p01.nsone.net, dns2.p01.nsone.net
Just Registered? This Is Normal
When you first register a domain, it often shows as inactive because:
- The registration goes through
- WHOIS data is created
- But no DNS is configured yet (this is your job)
Some registrars automatically set their default nameservers; others leave it blank. Check your registrar's settings and add nameservers if needed.
Inactive vs. Other Status Codes
| Status | Meaning | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| inactive | No nameservers configured | Add nameservers |
| clientHold | Suspended by registrar (billing) | Update payment |
| serverHold | Suspended by registry (abuse/legal) | Contact compliance |
| pendingDelete | About to be deleted (5 days) | Cannot recover |
Need Help Setting Up DNS?
If you're confused about DNS configuration, check out our guides on A records, CNAME records, and nameserver setup. Or compare registrars—some have much easier DNS interfaces than others.
Compare Registrar DNS Tools →