ClientHold / ServerHold

ClientHold and serverHold are [[domain-status-codes|EPP status codes]] that cause a domain's DNS records to be removed from the registry zone, effectively taking the domain offline even if its registration remains active. ClientHold is set by the sponsoring [[registrar|registrar]]—typically for non-payment, abuse reports, or legal holds—and can be lifted by the registrar once the underlying issue is resolved. ServerHold is placed by the registry itself, often in response to ICANN compliance actions, court orders, or violations of registry policies, and requires direct engagement with the registry to remove. Both statuses appear in WHOIS lookups and will cause 'domain not resolving' errors regardless of DNS configuration.