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Why is my .eco domain name on serverHold?
Why is my .eco domain name on serverHold?

When your name is first registered, it will show as on hold -- here's why.

Trevor avatar
Written by Trevor
Updated over a week ago

All .eco domains start with a status called serverHold, which is removed from your domain when your .eco profile is completed.

The .eco profile is our way of encouraging transparency in the community, providing a lightweight sustainability reporting framework, and helping you find other like-minded .eco community members.

Before you can use your .eco domain for your website, email, or any other service, you'll first need to create your .eco profile.

How do I create my .eco profile and remove serverHold from my domain?

An activation email with a link to create your .eco profile was sent to you when you registered your domain. If you can't find it, please follow the troubleshooting steps here: How do I get my .eco profile activation email?.

Your .eco profile consists of a couple of simple questions about you and your sustainability priorities, so it should be straightforward to set up.

Once you've successfully created your .eco profile, serverHold will be removed from your .eco domain automatically. Within a few minutes, you'll be ready to start using your new domain.

What is serverHold status?

Simply put, your .eco domain is not ready for use just yet.

In technical terms, your domain is not activated in the Domain Name System (DNS), and it will not resolve. For further information, see EPP Status Codes (ICANN).

Don't worry -- the domain has been registered, and it's in your account at your registrar.

How can I tell if serverHold is applied to my domain?

There are a number of reasons why a domain name may not be resolving on the Internet (meaning that you can't reach it when you type it into a web browser).

If you'd like to see if serverHold is the reason, you can search for your name in the ICANN Lookup tool and see if serverHold appears under Domain Status.

If serverHold does not appear under Domain Status, and you still can't access your domain name, there may be some other issues that need to be addressed. You should contact your registrar (where you paid for your .eco domain) for further assistance.

What happens if I don't remove serverHold from my .eco domain?

Nothing. Literally nothing. You won't be able to:

  • access your .eco domain on the internet

  • configure it to use it with your website, email, or any other services

  • redirect it to any other website that you own or manage

While we encourage you to create your .eco profile, we understand that there may be reasons why you're not ready to activate your domain (for example, you're not planning to use it yet). Having serverHold applied to the domain will not impact your ability to renew or transfer the domain.

Need help?

If you're stuck, just get in touch and we'll be happy to help you get started with your .eco domain. You can chat with us using the message icon in the bottom right of this page, or write to us at support@go.eco.

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