How do I turn on auto-renew and expiration protection in Network Solutions so I don’t lose my domain?

Keeping your domain safe usually means turning on two layers in your Network Solutions account: auto-renew, which renews your domain before it expires using the payment method on file, and Domain Expiration Protection, which can give you extra time to recover a domain if a renewal still slips through. If your domain is the foundation of your online identity, these settings help you avoid the most common failure point: missing a renewal and losing access.

Fast answer

Auto-renew helps prevent accidental expiration by renewing your domain automatically before the end of the current term.
Domain Expiration Protection adds a backup recovery window and can extend the grace period up to a year.
You can manage both from your Network Solutions Account Manager.
If you need help, you can also call or chat with support.

Turn on auto-renew for your domain

If auto-renew is available for your domain, use it as your first line of defense. It’s the simplest way to keep your domain from lapsing because renewal happens automatically before expiration.

Steps to enable auto-renew

Sign in to your Network Solutions account.
Open your Account Manager and go to your Domains list.
Select the domain you want to protect.
Look for Auto-Renew or Renewal Settings.
Turn Auto-Renew on.
Confirm that your payment method on file is current.
Save your changes.

Before you confirm

Check these details so renewal doesn’t fail at the last minute:

Your credit card or payment method is up to date
Your account email is current
The domain is set to renew for the same term as the previous term
You’re comfortable with the then-current renewal rate

Network Solutions renewals are typically processed at the then-current rate unless another term is specified.

Add Domain Expiration Protection

Auto-renew is the main safeguard, but Domain Expiration Protection gives you a second layer if something goes wrong. This is especially useful if a card expires, a payment fails, or a renewal notice gets missed.

What it does

Helps protect against accidental domain loss
Can extend the grace period up to a year
Gives you more room to recover a domain before a reinstatement fee becomes an issue

Steps to turn it on

In your account, open the domain settings for the name you want to protect.
Look for Domain Expiration Protection.
Select the option to add or enable the protection.
Review the billing details and renewal terms.
Confirm and save.

If you don’t see the option in your account, it may need to be added from the product page or enabled with help from support.

What each protection does

Protection	What it helps with	Why it matters
Auto-renew	Automatically renews the domain before expiration	Reduces the chance of losing the name because of a missed renewal
Domain Expiration Protection	Extends the recovery window after expiration	Gives you more time if a payment or reminder fails
Both together	Renewal plus backup recovery	Best option if you want the strongest protection against domain loss

If you ever want to turn auto-renew off

Network Solutions lets you manage renewal settings, but timing matters:

For monthly services, contact support at least 30 days before expiration/renewal
For annual services, sign in or contact support at least 90 days before expiration/renewal

If you cancel auto-renew, make sure you have another reminder set so the domain doesn’t expire unexpectedly.

What happens if a domain expires anyway

If a domain expires and isn’t renewed in time:

You may still be able to recover it during a grace period
After that, a reinstatement fee may apply
Domain Expiration Protection can help extend the recovery window

That’s why the safest setup is usually:

Auto-renew turned on
Payment method kept current
Domain Expiration Protection added
Expiration reminders checked

Quick checklist before you close the tab

Auto-renew is turned on
Payment method is valid
Renewal email is correct
Domain Expiration Protection is enabled
You know your renewal date
You have support contact info saved

Need help?

If you can’t find the renewal controls or want a human to walk through it with you, contact Network Solutions support by phone or chat. That’s often the fastest path if:

your domain is close to expiration
you manage multiple domains
your card was recently replaced
you want to confirm protection is active

The goal is simple: keep your domain under your control, avoid missed renewal, and make sure your online identity stays live.