Short answer
It means the registrar has locked the domain so it cannot be transferred to another registrar until the lock is removed. It is a normal, good setting that protects against domain theft. Seeing it is not a problem. Not seeing it on a domain you care about is the thing to check.
Free tools for this
The short version
Domain status codes describe what is allowed on a domain. The ones starting with client are set by the registrar, often at your request. The ones starting with server are set by the registry that runs the domain ending.
Most of the common ones are locks, and locks are protective.
The locks, which are good
clientTransferProhibited: the domain cannot be moved to another registrar. This is the lock most owners want on.
clientDeleteProhibited: the domain cannot be deleted, so it cannot be removed by mistake or by someone who gets into the account.
clientUpdateProhibited: changes to contacts and name servers are blocked until the lock is lifted.
The server versions of these are the registry's own locks. They mean the same thing at a higher level, and they are common on big, well known domains.
Try it now: Whois Lookup → · Domain Expiry Checker →
The ones that mean trouble
clientHold or serverHold: the domain is switched off in DNS. The website and email stop working. A registrar often applies it for non-payment or a verification problem.
redemptionPeriod: the domain has expired and is in a last-chance window. It can usually be restored, at an extra fee.
pendingDelete: the domain is about to be released and can be registered by anyone soon. If it is yours, act now.
What happens when a domain expires
For many global domains the pattern is a grace period after expiry, then redemption, then a short pending delete stage, then release. The days in each stage vary by registrar and by ending, and country domains such as .in can differ, so check your registrar's rules rather than relying on a general figure.
The practical rule is simple: renew before expiry, keep auto-renew on and keep the card on the registrar account valid.
How to turn the transfer lock on
Log in to the registrar, open the domain and look for a setting named transfer lock, registrar lock or domain lock. It is usually free. Then look the domain up again and confirm clientTransferProhibited now appears.