Understanding Domain Not Available Errors and How to Fix Them

You’ve got the perfect domain name in mind for your business or personal brand. It’s creative, easy to remember, and you’re excited to make it yours. But, as soon as you type it into a domain registrar, you see the frustrating message: “Domain not available.”

It’s a common issue as more than 350 million domain names are registered worldwide. The competition for a great domain name is fierce. Not all hope is lost, though, as this article will help you understand what “domain not available” means, why it happens, and, most importantly, how to fix it so you can secure the ideal web address for your needs.

What Does “Domain Not Available” Actually Mean?

A “domain not available” error occurs when the domain name you want cannot currently be registered. But this doesn’t always mean the domain is permanently out of reach.

Here are the common reasons you might see this message:

• Already Registered by Another User
  Someone else claimed the domain.
• Reserved by the Registry
  Certain domains are blocked from public registration.
• In Redemption Period
  The domain is expired but is still retrievable by the original owner.
• Under Legal Dispute
  Legal conflicts, such as trademark issues, may restrict registration.
• Technical Restrictions
  There are technical barriers that prevent registration.

Each situation has different causes and solutions. To address the issue effectively, you first need to verify the domain name’s status.

Common Reasons for Domain Unavailability

1. Domain Already Registered

This is by far the most common reason for unavailability. Someone else owns the domain name you want, and it’s either:

• Being used for an active website.
• Parked (registered but not in use).
• Listed for sale at a premium price.

How to Check Current Ownership

If the domain is registered, you can find out who owns it using a WHOIS lookup tool. In Australia, you can use the auDA WHOIS tool for .com.au and .au domains.

Australian WHOIS Tool:

• Visit https://whois.auda.org.au/.
• Enter the domain name to view ownership and registration details.
• Information you can find includes:
  • The current owner (unless privacy protection is enabled).
  • Registrar details.
  • Expiration date.

Other WHOIS Tools for Non-Australian Domains:

• ICANN WHOIS
• Whois.net

The owner’s contact details may be hidden if privacy protection is active, but the registrar can often facilitate communication.

2. Domain in Grace Period

If a domain’s registration expires, it doesn’t immediately become available for others. Instead, it enters a grace period where the original owner can renew it. If they fail to renew during this period, the domain moves to the redemption period before becoming available for public registration.

Key Points to Note:

• Grace Period Length:
  Typically, 30–45 days, depending on the registrar.
• Redemption Period:
  If the grace period lapses, the redemption period allows the owner to recover the domain at a higher cost.
• Drop Period:
  If the domain isn’t renewed during redemption, it becomes available for others to register.

You can track the domain’s status with a WHOIS lookup to determine where it is in this process.

3. Legal or Registry Restrictions

Certain domains are unavailable because of specific rules or legal disputes.

• Reserved Domains:
  Some domains, such as .gov.au or .edu.au, are reserved for government and educational institutions.
• Trademark Conflicts:
  If the domain name infringes on a registered trademark, it may be restricted or involved in a dispute.
• Geographic Limitations:
  Some country-code domains, including Australia, have registration rules requiring local presence or eligibility, such as an ABN or ACN.

4. Technical Restrictions

Technical issues like DNS configuration errors or registrar restrictions can block domain registration. If this occurs, contact the registrar or hosting provider for assistance.

Verifying Domain Status

If you’re unsure why the domain is unavailable, verifying its current status can provide clarity.

Using the auDA WHOIS Tool for Australian Domains

1. Go to https://whois.auda.org.au/.
2. Enter the .com.au or .au domain name you’re researching.
3. Review the results for information on ownership, registrar, and expiration.

Checking Domain History for Non-Australian Domains

If the domain isn’t Australian or you want additional information:

• Use tools like DomainTools or Wayback Machine to check the domain’s past content and usage.
• Investigate its age and whether it has a history of spammy activity, which could harm your branding efforts.

Solutions and Alternatives

If your desired domain name isn’t available, there are still plenty of options to explore, such as:

Contacting the Current Domain Owner

If the domain is registered but not actively used, you can contact the owner to inquire about purchasing it.

Example Email Template:

Subject: Inquiry About Purchasing [YourDomainName.au]    
Dear [Owner’s Name],    
I hope this message finds you well. My name is [Your Name], and I am interested in purchasing the domain [YourDomainName.com.au], which I noticed is currently registered under your name.    
If you’re open to selling it, I’d be happy to discuss a fair price that works for both of us. 
Please let me know your thoughts, and we can move forward from there.    Thank you for your time and consideration.    
Warm regards,   
[Your Name]   
[Your Contact Information]   

Tips for Negotiation:

• Check the domain’s estimated value using tools like GoDaddy Appraisals.
• Be realistic with your offer.
• Use an escrow service to ensure a secure transaction.

Finding Alternative Domain Names

If the current owner doesn’t wish to sell or the price is too high, consider these alternatives:

• Add Keywords or Modifiers:
  Add words like “get”, “my”, or “official” to your domain. For example, if example.com is taken, try getexample.com or exampleofficial.com.
• Use a Different TLD:
  Explore extensions beyond .com, such as .co, .net, or .design. For Australian businesses .com.au and .au is a trusted and professional option.
• Create Brandable Names:
  Opt for a creative, unique domain name that isn’t already registered. For example, if you’re a cafe, use .cafe or a store, you could use .store

Using Domain Monitoring Services

If the domain you want is in a grace or redemption period, monitoring services can help you claim it when it becomes available.

• Backorder Services:
  Reserve the domain with a backorder service like GoDaddy or NameJet.
• Watchlist Tools:
  Get notified of status changes through a domain watchlist or monitoring tool.

Protecting Your Domain Name

Once you’ve secured your domain, take steps to ensure you don’t lose it:

• Enable Auto-Renewal:
  Avoid accidental expiry by enabling auto-renewal through your registrar.
• Register for Multiple Years:
  Secure your domain for several years to reduce renewal hassle.
• Manage Your DNS Properly:
  Familiarise yourself with DNS basics to keep your domain settings secure.

What To Do When Your Perfect Domain Isn’t Available

If your dream domain isn’t available, don’t panic.

Here’s a recap of your options:

• Use tools like the auDA WHOIS lookup to verify the domain’s status.
• Reach out to the current owner to negotiate a purchase.
• Consider alternatives, including variations, new TLDs, or creative names.
• Use domain monitoring services to keep an eye on availability.

Ready to find the perfect domain name?

Don’t wait to secure your domain! Visit our Domain Services page to check domain availability or explore alternative TLDs. With over 250+ domain extensions, finding the perfect web address has never been easier.

If you’re ready to buy your domain immediately, contact us now and let our team assist you in securing the ideal domain name for your business or brand.