What is a domain backorder?
A backorder is a request to register a domain the moment it becomes available. When the owner of a domain does not renew it, the domain is eventually deleted by the registry. A backorder service watches that domain and sends a registration request at the exact second it drops, much faster than anyone could do by hand.
With most backorder services you only pay when the backorder succeeds. If the domain is renewed by its owner, or caught by someone else, the backorder is not used.
When do expired domains drop?
For generic domains such as .com, .net and .org, an expired domain goes through several stages before it is released:
- Expiration date. The domain stops working, but the owner can still renew it at the normal price.
- Grace period (up to 45 days). Many registrars use this time to auction the domain. If it sells, it never drops.
- Redemption period (30 days). The owner can still restore the domain, usually for a higher fee.
- Pending delete (5 days). Nobody can renew or transfer the domain anymore. This is when it appears on drop lists like ours.
- Delete. The registry releases the domain. Good domains are caught within seconds by backorder services.
Country-code domains (.uk, .de, .eu and others) have their own rules and timelines, so drop times can differ.
How to backorder an expiring domain, step by step
- Find a domain. Browse the expiring domains list, domains expiring today or high DR expired domains. Use the search box to find names in your niche.
- Check its history. Look at referring domains, the Wayback Machine archive and anchor texts. The metrics on our list come from third-party tools, so verify them yourself before you order.
- Click Backorder. The button next to each domain opens the Continental Network order form.
- Place the backorder before the delete date. The earlier you order, the better. Once the domain is deleted it is too late.
- Wait for the drop. If the backorder catches the domain, it is registered to your account. If several people backorder the same domain, it usually goes to a short auction.
Missed the drop?
Not every expired domain is caught. We check every deleted domain the day after it drops. The ones nobody registered are listed on expired domains available to register now, where you can register them at the normal price.
Tips for choosing a good expired domain
- Prefer many referring domains over a high backlink count from a few sites.
- Check that the domain's past website fits your project. An unrelated history can work against you.
- Avoid domains with links from spam networks, adult, casino or pharma sites unless that is your niche.
- Use Ahrefs Domain Rating as a first filter, then look at the links behind it.
Strongest domains you can backorder right now
- DR 77 templateshub.net Backorder
- DR 72 amazingtruelifestories.com Backorder
- DR 71 arigoldquotes.com Backorder
- DR 68 hairstylesvip.com Backorder
- DR 67 magentothemesworld.com Backorder
- DR 64 joomlabamboo.com Backorder
- DR 62 themecot.com Backorder
- DR 62 themesindep.com Backorder
- DR 61 a77suitesbyandronis.com Backorder
- DR 60 svtc.org Backorder
See the full expiring domains list →
Frequently asked questions
How much does a domain backorder cost?
It depends on the domain extension and the service. With most backorder services you only pay if the domain is actually caught and registered to you. See the order form for current prices and terms.
Can I backorder a domain that is still registered?
Yes. You can place a backorder at any time before the domain is deleted. If the owner renews it, the backorder is simply not used.
What happens if several people backorder the same domain?
If more than one person backorders a domain and it is caught, it usually goes to a short private auction between them. The highest bid wins the domain.
When does an expired domain become available?
For .com and .net, roughly 75 to 80 days after the expiration date: up to 45 days of grace period, 30 days of redemption and 5 days of pending delete. Then it is deleted and released.
What if nobody catches the domain?
Then it can be registered by anyone at the normal price. We check every dropped domain and list the free ones on our available-now page.