Maybe this section isn't appropriate? However, I couldn't locate a more fitting one. The main point of the inquiry is regarding a particular service that offers free domains in *tk, *ml, *ga... I registered several domains almost a year ago and they are still functioning. However, the deadline for renewing them is getting close.

I would like to know how difficult it would be to renew them again for free. According to the rules, it should be possible 15 days before the deadline. Have any of you gone through this already?

Yes, you can only renew for 15 days before deadline . Expiration date can be checked in your account.
If you forget to renew, you will have to pay from $10.

Renewing these domains for free is possible, but it can be a bit tricky. From what I've seen and dealt with, the process isn't exactly smooth all the time. The good news is, according to the rules, you're right—you should be able to renew them 15 days before the expiration date without any problems.

Here's what you need to do:

Log in Early: Don't wait until the last minute. Log into your domain control panel at least 15 days before the expiration date. Sometimes these free services can be a bit finicky, so give yourself plenty of time.

Check for Changes: These free domain providers sometimes change their rules or interfaces without much notice. Make sure you're familiar with any recent updates, especially if you haven't logged in for a while.

Renewal Process: When you log in, look for the option to renew the domain. In most cases, it's as simple as clicking a button to extend the registration for another year. If you're lucky, it'll be straightforward.

Beware of Paid Options: Sometimes these platforms try to upsell you on premium services or paid renewals. If you're sticking with the free option, just make sure you're selecting the right one and not accidentally opting for a paid renewal.

Confirm the Renewal: Once you've completed the renewal, double-check that the expiration date has updated correctly in your account. It's not uncommon for glitches to happen, and you definitely don't want your domains to accidentally slip away because of a technical issue.

Now, here's the tricky part: some users have reported that the free renewal process doesn't always go smoothly. In some cases, the domain provider might start blocking free renewals if they think the domain has significant value, or they might push you towards a paid renewal plan.

If that happens, you might need to get a little creative. For example, you could try reaching out to their support team, but in my experience, getting a timely response from these free domain providers can be hit or miss. If you run into trouble, you might consider transferring the domains to a different registrar, though that could come with some costs.

Renewing free ccTLDs like .tk, .ml, .ga can be a mixed bag. The registries behind these domains (mostly run by Freenom) do allow free renewals within a 15-day window before expiration, but the process isn't always smooth. Sometimes the control panel glitches or the domains get flagged as inactive if your traffic dips, which can lead to unexpected expiration or forced premium upsells.

If you've been running legit projects with decent traffic, you're likely fine to renew for free again, but if the domains look dormant or spammy, Freenom might try to monetize your renewals. Pro tip: keep some minimal traffic or DNS activity to avoid "dead domain" status.