Published: 17.10.2026
The .bot zone is a generic extension named after the word bot, a short name for a programme or machine that carries out tasks on its own. A name in .bot tells visitors that the site is about chat assistants, robots, automation tools or software that runs without constant human input. Developers, robotics teams and software firms are typical users of this ending. Use the availability form just below this text to see whether your name in .bot is still available.
Check if a .bot domain is available .bot Check
A short history
The word bot came into common use with computing, first as a short form of robot and later for programmes that repeat a task, such as answering questions in a chat window. The .bot extension is a generic ending, so its meaning comes from the word rather than from any country. Software, robotics and customer support projects are among the groups that have looked for names of this kind.
Who runs it
The registry operator publishes the policy for the zone, and accredited registrars sell names to the public. Rules can change over time, so check the policy in force at the time of the order. If you plan to run a service that users sign in to, read the terms carefully before you point the domain at it.
Rules in practice
- Access: generic zones are usually open to individuals and companies, subject to the operator's conditions on acceptable use.
- Account data: the registrant record should show the company or developer that controls the domain.
- Name format: letters, digits and hyphens are allowed, and a single label can have up to 63 characters.
- Lapsed names: a bot service that goes offline when its domain expires can break integrations, so renew well ahead of the date.
Who uses .bot
- Developers who publish chat assistants, support bots and integration tools.
- Robotics clubs, universities and makers who show their machines and competitions.
- Software companies that document automation products and programming interfaces.
- Consultants who help teams set up workflows and reporting tools.
Strengths
- The word signals the subject clearly, which helps technical visitors find the right product.
- It is short, which is useful in a command line, a configuration file or a link in developer documentation.
- It reads well for a product that will be used by people and by other software alike.
Things to keep in mind
- Automated tools can be misused, so explain what your service does and give users a way to report problems.
- Platforms that host or connect automated tools publish their own terms, so read them before you launch.
- Many technical words are already common, so a product name placed in front of the ending helps it stand out.
- Some users will still type .com, so consider whether you need that address as well.
Tips before you register
- Check the name in .com and on the code and package sites where your project will be listed.
- Publish a privacy notice that explains what data your bot collects and how long it is kept.
- Set up mail authentication before you send alerts, receipts or account messages from the domain.
- Keep the API and status pages on the same domain, so that integrations do not point to an old address.
- Store the registrar credentials in a password manager and enable a second factor on the account.
Frequently asked questions
Is .bot only for chatbots? No. The word covers robots, scripts and automation tools of many kinds, so a robotics club or a software firm can use it as well.
Can an individual developer register a .bot name? Generic zones are usually open to individuals as well as companies, but check the current terms, and keep the contact details accurate.
Does a .bot name help a software page rank in search? It signals the topic, but clear documentation, working examples and useful pages matter more.
