pendingUpdate status

A request to update the domain, such as a contact or name server change, has been received and is waiting to be completed.

pendingUpdate at a glance
EPP status codependingUpdate
RDAP statuspending update (per RFC 8056)
Set byRegistry
CategoryLifecycle and pending status
Defined inRFC 5731
ICANN referenceicann.org/epp#pendingUpdate

What pendingUpdate means

pendingUpdate means the registry has received a request to change the domain, for example its contacts, name servers or other details, but has not completed it yet. In RDAP it appears as pending update.

Most registries apply updates immediately, so this status is uncommon. RFC 5731 allows a registry to hold an update for human review or for an action by a third party before applying it.

RFC 5731 does not allow pendingUpdate to be combined with clientUpdateProhibited or serverUpdateProhibited. When the update is complete, the registry removes the status.

Official definition: ICANN, EPP Status Codes: What Do They Mean, and Why Should I Know? (pendingUpdate)

Why a domain has this status

  • Your registrar submitted a change and the registry is still processing it.
  • The registry reviews certain changes, such as a change of registrant, before applying them.

What you should do

  • If you made a change, wait for the status to clear and check the result with a new lookup.
  • If it lingers for several days, ask your registrar whether the registry needs anything else from you.
  • If nobody on your side asked for a change, contact your registrar right away.

Check a domain's status

Look up any domain to see its current status codes, registrar, expiration date and name servers from the registry's RDAP or WHOIS service.

  • clientUpdateProhibited: The registrar has locked the domain against changes, so its name servers, contacts and DNSSEC data can't be updated.
  • serverUpdateProhibited: The registry has locked the domain against changes such as new name servers or contacts; only the registry can lift the lock.
  • pendingTransfer: A transfer of the domain to a new registrar has been requested and is waiting to be approved, rejected or completed automatically.
  • pendingCreate: A request to register the domain has been received but not completed yet, typically during a TLD launch phase or a manual registry review.

Frequently asked questions

Is pendingUpdate a problem?

Usually not. It means a requested change is still being processed. It only needs attention if nobody on your side asked for a change, or if it doesn't clear after several days.

Does my domain keep working during pendingUpdate?

Yes. The domain keeps working with its current settings until the update is completed.

Further reading