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Tap into a billion-dollar market with gTLDs

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Learn more about the .app domain name and buy it right now.

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Find Your Domain

The .app domain extension is a generic top-level domain (TLD) extension. It is a great choice for businesses and individuals who work in the area of web and mobile app development.

What are

domains?

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The .app domain extension was launched to the general public in 2018 as part of ICANN's new gTLD program. It was backed by Google during the application process.

The main purpose of the .app domain extension is to provide a space for web, software and app developers to share their work with the world. It is a great choice for websites of all kinds: from personal portfolios to larger tech companies. Although it is a popular and recognizable new gTLD, there are still plenty of short and unique domain names available with this extension.

domain features:

Where did the 

domain come from?

What is the purpose of the 

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

FAQ about .app domains

Anyone can register a .app domain. The only restriction in place is that it is obligatory to use a SSL certificate for this domain, as is the case with all extensions managed by Google.

You can register .app domains for an initial period of 1-10 years. After this period has passed, you will need to renew the domain to continue using it.

Simply use the domain search bar at the top of this page and enter the name of your choice. A new window will open, and you will immediately see if the name you want is still free. If the name of your choice is not available, our system will automatically show you some options that are still free instead.

Yes, this is possible for this extension. You can enable this option when you purchase a domain through the <a href="https://cp.openprovider.eu/signup?__hstc=3456879.96538b9edcd91ab263550c0517f41c96.1675745756546.1677217667591.1677229378138.39&amp;__hssc=3456879.1.1677229378138&amp;__hsfp=1483251232">Openprovider control panel</a>.

You can easily renew your domain through the <a href="https://cp.openprovider.eu/signup?__hstc=3456879.96538b9edcd91ab263550c0517f41c96.1675745756546.1677217667591.1677229378138.39&amp;__hssc=3456879.1.1677229378138&amp;__hsfp=1483251232">Openprovider control panel</a>. You will receive multiple reminders by email when your domain is due to be renewed. Another option is to turn on the auto-renew feature in the control panel, which ensures that your domain is automatically renewed as long as you have sufficient balance on your account.

.app domain names should be between 3-63 characters in length. They may contain letters (a-z), numbers (0-9) and hyphens. Internationalized domain names are supported for Arabic, Armenian, Bengali, Chinese, Devanagari, Ethiopic, Georgian, Greek, Gurmukhi, Hebrew, Japanese, Kannada, Khmer, Korean, Malayalam, Myanmar, Oriya, Sinhala, Tamil, Telugu, Thai and Tibetan.

Your .app domain will be renewed automatically if you have the <a href="https://support.openprovider.eu/hc/en-us/articles/216649178-Automatic-renewal-of-domains">auto-renew feature</a> turned on and if you have enough balance in your account. If your domain is expired, you will have 40 days to restore your domain for free before it is deleted.

Origins of the .app domain The .app domain was introduced by Google in 2015, following a successful bid to acquire the rights in an ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) auction. Google paid a substantial sum, reportedly around $25 million, to secure the exclusive rights to manage the .app domain. The primary motivation behind the creation of the .app domain was to provide a dedicated and secure namespace for applications and tech services. As part of Google's commitment to security, all .app domains require HTTPS, ensuring that data exchanged between users and websites is encrypted. This focus on security and trustworthiness makes the .app domain particularly appealing to app developers, tech companies, and anyone prioritising online safety. Purpose of the .app domain extension The .app domain was created to serve a specific purpose: providing a dedicated space for applications and services within the tech industry. As a top-level domain within the Internet's Domain Name System, its primary aim is to offer a secure and recognisable domain name extension that signifies a focus on technology and innovation. By using a .app domain, developers and businesses can immediately signal to users that their website is related to applications, whether it be for mobile, web, or other platforms. Moreover, the mandatory HTTPS requirement for .app domains ensures a higher level of security, protecting user data and fostering trust. This makes the .app domain an ideal choice for those prioritising user safety and data integrity. Additionally, the unique nature of the .app domain helps in branding and differentiation, allowing tech companies to create a strong and unique identity. Benefits of using a .app domain The .app top level domain offers several benefits that make it an attractive choice for developers and tech businesses. Firstly, the built-in HTTPS requirement enhances security, ensuring that data exchanged on .app websites is encrypted and secure. This not only protects user information but also builds trust with your audience. Secondly, the .app domain is relatively new and less saturated compared to traditional domains like .com or .net, providing more availability and flexibility in choosing a memorable and relevant domain name. Thirdly, using a .app domain can improve your website’s SEO, as search engines recognise the specialised nature of the domain and can rank it accordingly. Additionally, having a .app domain clearly communicates the nature of your site, making it easier for users to identify your website as related to applications or technology. This can enhance your branding efforts and make your site stand out.

Steps for registration Registering a .app domain is a straightforward process. First, you need to choose a domain registrar that offers .app domains. Reputable registrars include Google Domains, GoDaddy, and Namecheap. Once you have selected a registrar, use their search tool to check the availability of your desired .app domain. If the domain is available, you can proceed to purchase it. During the registration process, you will need to provide some basic information, such as your name, address, and contact details. After completing the registration, you will be required to configure your DNS settings to point your domain to your hosting provider. Finally, ensure that your website is set up with HTTPS, as the .app domain mandates encryption for all sites. This step typically involves obtaining an SSL certificate, which can often be facilitated by your hosting provider. Once these steps are completed, your .app domain will be ready for use. Trusted registrars Choosing a trusted registrar is crucial for a smooth and secure registration process. Some of the most reliable registrars for .app domains include Google Domains, GoDaddy, and Namecheap. Google Domains offers a user-friendly interface and seamless integration with other Google services, making it a popular choice for developers. GoDaddy is one of the largest domain registrars in the world, known for its extensive customer support and variety of additional services, such as web hosting and email. Namecheap is another excellent option, often praised for its competitive pricing and strong emphasis on customer privacy and security. Each of these registrars provides the necessary tools to search for and register your desired .app domain, as well as manage DNS settings and obtain SSL certificates. Selecting a trusted registrar ensures that your domain registration is secure and that you have access to reliable support and additional services if needed. Pricing and renewals The cost of registering a .app domain can vary depending on the registrar and any ongoing promotions or discounts. Generally, the initial registration fee for a .app domain ranges from £10 to £20 per year. Premium domains, which are highly sought after, can be significantly more expensive. It’s important to consider not only the initial cost but also the renewal fees, as these can sometimes be higher. Most registrars offer options for multi-year registrations, which can sometimes provide a discount compared to annual renewals. Additionally, keep an eye out for any hidden fees or additional costs for services such as privacy protection or SSL certificates. Regularly monitoring renewal dates and setting up automatic renewals can prevent your domain from expiring and ensure continuous ownership. Understanding the pricing and renewal structure will help you budget effectively and maintain your .app domain without unexpected costs.

Importance of HTTPS HTTPS, which stands for HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure, is crucial for securing your .app domain. The .app TLD offers a more secure domain by requiring HTTPS on all connections, making it a trustworthy choice for apps. Unlike traditional HTTP, HTTPS encrypts the data exchanged between the user’s browser and your website, providing a secure communication channel. This encryption is essential for protecting sensitive information, such as passwords, credit card numbers, and personal details, from potential cyber threats. The .app domain requires HTTPS for all websites, ensuring a higher level of security across the board. This mandatory encryption helps build trust with your users, as they can be confident that their data is safe when interacting with your site. Furthermore, search engines like Google prioritise HTTPS websites in their rankings, which can improve your SEO performance. Implementing HTTPS is typically done through an SSL certificate, which can be obtained from your domain registrar or hosting provider. Ensuring your .app domain is HTTPS-compliant is not just a requirement but a best practice for online security and trustworthiness. SSL certificates explained SSL certificates are digital certificates that authenticate the identity of a website and enable an encrypted connection. SSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer, a standard technology for keeping internet connections secure and safeguarding sensitive data transmitted between two systems. When a user visits a website with an SSL certificate, their browser will display a padlock icon in the address bar, indicating a secure connection. This encryption is vital for protecting data such as login credentials and payment information from being intercepted by malicious actors. To acquire an SSL certificate, you can typically go through your domain registrar or web hosting provider. Many registrars offer free SSL certificates, while others might charge a fee. Once obtained, the SSL certificate needs to be installed on your server, a process that varies depending on your hosting setup. Ensuring your .app domain has an SSL certificate is essential for meeting HTTPS requirements and maintaining user trust. Best practices for security Maintaining the security of your .app domain involves following several best practices. First, always use strong, unique passwords for your domain registrar and hosting accounts, and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) where possible to add an extra layer of protection. Regularly updating your website's software, plugins, and content management system (CMS) is crucial to protect against vulnerabilities. Implementing a robust firewall can help block malicious traffic and prevent unauthorised access to your site. Additionally, regularly backing up your website ensures that you can quickly restore it in case of a security breach. Monitoring your website for unusual activity or potential threats using security tools and plugins can also help you detect and address issues promptly. Finally, educating your team about security best practices and potential phishing scams can further safeguard your .app domain. By adhering to these best practices, you can significantly enhance the security of your website and protect your users' data.

Building an online presence for app developers Building an online presence with your .app domain starts with creating a well-designed, user-friendly website that clearly communicates your app’s purpose and value. Begin by optimising your website for search engines (SEO) to increase visibility. Use relevant keywords, such as “.app domain”, in your content, meta tags, and headers. Emphasize the use of the .app domain extension to showcase and promote your applications, making them more noticeable to potential customers and facilitating app downloads. Engaging content, such as blog posts, tutorials, and user testimonials, can attract and retain visitors. Social media platforms are also powerful tools for promoting your .app domain. Regularly posting updates, engaging with your audience, and using targeted ads can drive traffic to your site. Additionally, consider collaborating with influencers or industry experts to expand your reach. Email marketing campaigns can help keep your audience informed about new features, updates, and promotions. Finally, participating in industry forums and communities can establish your credibility and drive interest in your app. By leveraging these strategies, you can effectively build and maintain a robust online presence. SEO Strategies Implementing effective SEO strategies is essential for maximizing the visibility of your .app domain. Domain extensions like .app offer functionality and ease of getting online and managing domains, making them a suitable choice for apps. Start by conducting keyword research to identify terms and phrases that your target audience is searching for. Incorporate these keywords naturally into your website’s content, meta descriptions, headings, and image alt text. Creating high-quality, relevant content that addresses the needs and interests of your users can significantly boost your search engine rankings. Additionally, ensure your website is mobile-friendly and has fast loading times, as these factors are crucial for SEO. Building backlinks from reputable websites can also enhance your domain’s authority and improve your rankings. Utilize internal linking to guide visitors to important pages and distribute link equity throughout your site. Regularly updating your content and keeping it fresh signals to search engines that your site is active and relevant. By following these SEO strategies, you can improve your .app domain’s search engine performance and attract more organic traffic. Case studies of .app success Several companies have successfully leveraged the .app domain to enhance their online presence and brand recognition. For instance, the popular language learning app Duolingo uses the domain duolingo.app to provide users with a dedicated space for accessing their services and resources, including trustworthy download links, release notes, and reviews. This clear and memorable domain name reinforces Duolingo’s focus on app-based learning. Another example is the meditation app Calm, which uses calm.app. This domain helps users quickly identify the app’s purpose and ensures a seamless user experience. Additionally, the fitness app Strava employs strava.app, making it easy for users to find their specific application services. These case studies demonstrate how utilising a .app domain can create a strong, app-focused brand identity and improve user trust through mandatory HTTPS encryption. By examining these successful implementations, businesses can gain insights into how a .app domain can be used effectively to attract and retain users.

Trends to watch As the digital landscape continues to evolve, several trends indicate a promising future for the .app domain. One notable trend is the increasing emphasis on mobile-first development, which aligns perfectly with the .app domain's focus on applications. As more businesses prioritise mobile experiences, the demand for .app domains is expected to rise. Another significant trend is the growing importance of cybersecurity. With .app domains requiring HTTPS, they are well-positioned to meet the increasing user demand for secure online interactions. Additionally, the expansion of the Internet of Things (IoT) and smart devices is likely to drive further adoption of .app domains, as these technologies often rely on specialised applications. Moreover, advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are encouraging the development of more sophisticated and diverse applications, further boosting the relevance of the .app domain. Keeping an eye on these trends can help businesses stay ahead in the competitive tech landscape. Predictions and innovations Looking ahead, the .app domain is poised for significant innovations and developments. One prediction is the increased integration of .app domains with progressive web apps (PWAs). As PWAs bridge the gap between traditional websites and mobile apps, the dedicated .app domain can provide a unified and secure platform for these hybrid solutions. Another prediction is the adoption of .app domains by emerging technologies like augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR). These technologies often require specialised apps, making the .app domain an ideal choice for developers. Additionally, with the continuous advancements in AI and ML, we can expect to see more intelligent and personalised applications hosted on .app domains. The emphasis on cybersecurity will also drive innovations in encryption and data protection, making the .app domain even more attractive. Overall, these predictions and innovations suggest a bright future for the .app domain, with expanding opportunities for developers and tech businesses. Preparing for the future To prepare for the future of the .app domain, businesses and developers should stay informed about emerging trends and technological advancements. Regularly updating and optimising your website for mobile-first experiences will ensure you remain competitive as user preferences shift towards mobile platforms. Investing in robust cybersecurity measures, including advanced encryption and regular security audits, is essential to maintain user trust and meet increasing security standards. Staying engaged with the developer community through forums, webinars, and conferences can provide valuable insights and networking opportunities. Additionally, exploring new technologies such as AI, AR, and VR can open up innovative avenues for app development and utilisation of the .app domain. Finally, continuously monitoring and analysing user feedback will help you adapt and improve your services to meet evolving demands. By proactively embracing these strategies, you can position your .app domain for long-term success and stay ahead in the rapidly changing tech landscape.