⚠️ Important: ServerHold Makes Your Domain Unreachable
When a domain is in serverHold status, it will NOT resolve in DNS. Your website and email will stop working until the issue is resolved. This is not something you can fix yourself—you need to work with your registrar.
What Causes ServerHold?
Unlike clientHold (which is typically a billing issue), serverHold is applied at the registry level for more serious reasons:
🔒 ICANN Verification Failure
As of the August 2025 ICANN Registration Data Policy, domains with unverified registrant information can be placed on serverHold. If you ignored those verification emails, this might be why.
🚨 Abuse Reports
If your domain was used for phishing, spam, malware distribution, or fraud, the registry may suspend it pending investigation.
⚖️ Legal/Court Orders
Law enforcement or court orders can compel a registry to place domains on serverHold. This is common in fraud investigations or IP disputes.
📋 UDRP/URS Proceedings
If someone has filed a trademark dispute against your domain, it may be held pending resolution.
ServerHold vs. ClientHold: Key Differences
| Aspect | ClientHold | ServerHold |
|---|---|---|
| Set By | Registrar | Registry |
| Common Cause | Payment failure, expired card | Abuse, legal, verification failure |
| DNS Resolution | Stops working | Stops working |
| Resolution Path | Update payment, contact registrar | Contact registrar compliance team |
| Typical Resolution Time | Minutes to hours | Days to weeks |
How to Resolve ServerHold
Step 1: Identify the Cause
Log into your registrar account and check for any notices or alerts. Look for emails from your registrar or ICANN that you may have missed. Check your spam folder.
Step 2: Contact Your Registrar's Compliance Team
Standard support won't help with serverHold issues. You need to reach the compliance department or abuse team. Ask specifically about why the registry placed the hold.
Step 3: Complete Required Actions
This could mean verifying your identity, providing documentation, removing malicious content, or responding to a legal notice. Do exactly what they ask.
Step 4: Wait for Registry Processing
Once your registrar submits the request to lift the hold, the registry must process it. This typically takes 24-72 hours but can be longer for legal matters.
ICANN 2025 Verification Requirements
The August 2025 ICANN Registration Data Policy introduced stricter verification requirements. Key changes that can trigger serverHold:
- Organization Field Priority: If you list an organization name, that entity—not you personally—is considered the legal owner. Verification may require business documentation.
- Email Verification: Failure to verify your registrant email within 15 days can result in suspension.
- Data Accuracy: Deliberately false WHOIS data is grounds for suspension under the new policy.
If you received verification emails and ignored them, check if resending verification is available in your registrar dashboard. Complete verification immediately.
What If It's an Abuse Report?
If your domain was flagged for abuse (even falsely), here's what to do:
- Review the allegation — Your registrar should provide details about what triggered the report
- Check your site for compromise — Malware, phishing pages, or spam scripts may have been injected without your knowledge
- Document your innocence — If it's a false positive, gather evidence (security scans, traffic logs, etc.)
- Submit a formal response — Work with your registrar to respond to the registry
- Implement security measures — Show you're taking steps to prevent future issues
Prevention is Better Than Recovery
ServerHold situations are stressful and can cost you business. Prevent them by:
- ✅ Keeping your WHOIS information accurate and verified
- ✅ Responding to all verification emails promptly
- ✅ Monitoring your domain for security issues
- ✅ Using a registrar with good compliance support