Can I use DNSimple for drop catching?

Table of Contents

• What is drop catching?
• Can I use DNSimple for drop catching?
• Why does DNSimple not allow drop catching?
• What happens if I try to drop catch?
• Have more questions?

No. DNSimple does not allow drop catching, and accounts that attempt it are disabled. Drop catching uses up domain availability checks that every DNSimple customer shares.

What is drop catching?

From Wikipedia:

Domain drop catching, also known as domain sniping, is the practice of registering a domain name once registration has lapsed, immediately after expiration.

Can I use DNSimple for drop catching?

No, you may not use DNSimple for drop catching domains.

Why does DNSimple not allow drop catching?

Drop catching depends on checking a domain’s availability over and over until it expires. The upstream registration providers DNSimple works with limit how many availability checks DNSimple can run. Every DNSimple customer shares that limit, so drop catching by one account affects all customers.

To protect that shared capacity, the DNSimple API limits domain availability checks to 60 per hour per account, separate from the account’s overall API rate limit.

What happens if I try to drop catch?

If we observe drop catching, we will disable your account to avoid impacting all DNSimple customers.

Have more questions?

If you have any questions about drop catching or DNSimple’s policy, just contact support, and we will be happy to help.