When managing a domain name, especially under the .IN or .CO.IN extension, encountering the ServerHold status can be concerning. This article explains what ServerHold means, why it appears in WHOIS, and how to resolve it effectively to restore your domain's functionality.
📌 What is the ServerHold Status?
ServerHold is a status code used by the domain registry (in this case, INRegistry/NIXI) to suspend a domain name from the DNS. When a domain is on ServerHold, it is:
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Still registered to the domain owner,
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NOT resolving on the internet (website and email will not work),
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Typically hidden from global DNS (not published in root zone files).
🔍 How Does It Appear in WHOIS?
When you perform a WHOIS lookup for a .IN or .CO.IN domain on ServerHold, you'll typically see:
Domain Status: serverHold https://icann.org/epp#serverHold
Additionally, the DNS records (Name Servers) may be removed or ignored during this state.
⚠️ Common Reasons for ServerHold in .IN Domains
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KYC / e-KYC Non-Compliance
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Failure to submit valid documents (PAN, Aadhaar, Passport, etc.) within the 7-day timeframe mandated by NIXI.
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Foreign registrants failing to provide a declaration of business/personal connection to India.
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False WHOIS Information
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Mismatched or incorrect Registrant Name, Email ID, or Address.
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Invalid or non-verifiable contact details.
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Abuse Reports
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Phishing, malware, or fraudulent activity associated with the domain.
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Non-Responsive to Registry Notices
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Ignoring registry emails requesting information, verification, or clarification.
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🧩 Impact of ServerHold on Your Domain
| Impact Area | Description |
|---|---|
| 🌐 Website Access | Your website will not load |
| 📧 Email Delivery | All email services associated will stop working |
| 🔒 DNS Resolution | Domain is removed from root zone |
| 📝 WHOIS Status | Clearly shows serverHold flag |
| ⛔ SSL/TLS Status | HTTPS will fail due to unreachable domain |
✅ How to Remove ServerHold from .IN / .CO.IN Domains
Step-by-Step Resolution Process:
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Update Contact Details at Your Registrar
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Log in to the platform where your domain is registered (your domain registrar’s client portal).
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Ensure your Registrant Name, Email Address, and Phone Number are accurate and match your KYC documents.
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For domains registered through Domain India, log in here: https://www.domainindia.com/login/login
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Submit KYC Documents Immediately
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Visit our 📤 KYC Submission Portal
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Upload valid identity proof:
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🇮🇳 Indian Registrants: PAN Card, Aadhaar, Voter ID, Passport
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🌍 Foreign Registrants: Passport + Declaration of India business/personal connection
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Respond to Registry/Registrar Notices
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Check your email inbox (including spam/junk) for messages from your registrar or INRegistry.
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Provide requested information without delay.
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Follow Up if Needed
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If you’ve submitted everything but the issue persists, open a support ticket with your registrar.
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For Domain India clients: https://www.domainindia.com/support
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📅 How Long Does it Take to Lift ServerHold?
Once valid documents are submitted:
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✅ Typically lifted within 1 to 2 business days.
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⏳ Delays may occur if submitted documents are not clear or don't match WHOIS.
📁 Sample Use Cases
| Case | Resolution Path |
|---|---|
| Indian domain suspended | Submit PAN + update contact info |
Foreign user with .CO.IN |
Provide passport + India-connection declaration |
| Wrong registrant email address | Update WHOIS email + upload matching ID |
🔒 How to Avoid ServerHold in Future
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Always complete e-KYC within 7 days of domain registration.
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Keep WHOIS information up to date and accurate.
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Respond to any verification emails promptly.
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Use a trusted registrar like Domain India for timely guidance and compliance support.
🧑💼 Need Assistance?
If your domain is under ServerHold, contact our support team immediately. We will guide you through the compliance process and help reinstate your domain’s functionality.
