Buy & Register Your .io Domain
The definitive domain extension for software engineers, SaaS startups, AI innovators, and web developers. Establish your cutting-edge tech credentials instantly with .io.
Why Register a .io Domain Extension?
Discover why thousands of modern businesses, developers, and global innovators choose .io.
The Badge of Tech Excellence
In computer science, I/O stands for Input/Output. Owning a .io instantly communicates that your product is developer-centric, tech-forward, and modern.
Shorter, Highly Brandable Names
While good .com names are frequently taken, .io offers vast availability for punchy, short, single-word names and catchy domain hacks.
VC & Startup Ecosystem Standard
Top venture capital firms, Y Combinator startups, and Silicon Valley innovators recognize .io as a premier badge of product innovation.
Global gTLD Treatment by Google
Although technically a ccTLD, Google officially treats .io as a generic top-level domain (gTLD), ensuring your site ranks worldwide without regional geotargeting penalties.
Ideal for APIs, Games & Web Apps
From multiplayer web games to developer documentation and API endpoints, .io is the natural home for interactive web applications.
Instant Developer Recognition
Engineers and early tech adopters naturally gravitate toward .io websites, driving high engagement and tech-savvy traffic.
.io Domain Registration & Renewal Pricing
Straightforward pricing with zero hidden fees. All registrations include ICANN fees and free WHOIS privacy.
New Registration
Register a brand-new .io domain name
- Instant domain activation
- Free WHOIS privacy protection
- Free Anycast Cloud DNS manager
- Free domain & email forwarding
- Registrar lock security
Domain Transfer
Move your .io to EskHosting with zero downtime
- +1 Year extension included
- Zero website or email downtime
- Free WHOIS privacy on transfer
- Easy step-by-step transfer wizard
- 24/7 transfer assistance
Annual Renewal
Lock in reliable renewal rates with no surprises
- Predictable annual pricing
- Automated renewal protection
- 30-Day grace period guarantee
- Free privacy stays free forever
- Multi-year renewals available
Everything Included with Every .io Domain
We never nickel-and-dime you for essential domain utilities. All the enterprise-grade tools you need come standard.
Free Lifetime WHOIS Privacy
Mask your real name, personal address, phone number, and email from public WHOIS directories. Stop spam and scrapers without paying an extra dime.
High-Performance Anycast DNS
Manage A, AAAA, CNAME, MX, TXT, SRV, and CAA records directly in our control panel. Powered by global Anycast DNS nodes for near-instant resolution worldwide.
Free Domain & URL Forwarding
Redirect your visitors to any target URL, social media page, or existing website with 301 (Permanent) or 302 (Temporary) redirects at no additional cost.
Free Email Forwarding
Create custom professional email addresses (e.g., hello@yourbrand.io) and automatically forward incoming messages straight to your personal Gmail or Outlook inbox.
Registrar Lock & Theft Protection
Prevent unauthorized domain transfers and hijacking with automated domain locking. Unlock only when you explicitly verify via two-factor authentication.
24/7 Human Technical Support
Need help configuring nameservers, setting up DNSSEC, or linking your domain to hosting? Our expert engineers are available 24/7/365 via ticket and live chat.
How to Register a .io Domain in 3 Steps
Getting your dream .io domain online takes less than 2 minutes from search to activation.
Search Your Name
Use our real-time domain availability search to check if your desired .io name is available for registration.
Choose Add-Ons & Term
Select your registration term. Enjoy automatic free WHOIS privacy and optionally bundle with high-speed NVMe hosting.
Instant Activation
Complete checkout with secure payment. Your .io domain is instantly registered and ready to point to your website and email.
.io Domain Technical Information
Full registry rules, character allowances, and lifecycle details for the .io top-level domain.
| Registry Operator | Identity Digital / Internet Computer Bureau |
|---|---|
| Launch Year | 1997 |
| Registration Period | 1 to 5 Years |
| Character Length | 1 to 63 alphanumeric characters |
| Allowed Characters | Letters (a–z), numbers (0–9), hyphens (-) (cannot start or end with a hyphen) |
| IDN Support (Internationalized) | Supported |
| WHOIS Privacy Protection | Supported & 100% Free Lifetime Privacy |
| DNSSEC Support | Supported |
| Renewal Grace Period | 30 Days |
| Redemption Grace Period | 30 Days |
| Transfer Lock Period | 60 Days post-registration |
| Registration Eligibility | Unrestricted (Open to any developer, company, or individual worldwide) |
Frequently Asked Questions About .io Domains
Everything you need to know about purchasing, managing, and transferring your .io domain name.
Ready to Claim Your .io Domain?
Your dream online brand begins with the right domain name. Register your .io with EskHosting today and enjoy instant activation, free lifetime WHOIS privacy, and 24/7 technical support.