Published: 17.10.2026
The .mobi extension is a generic top-level zone that was created for content aimed at mobile phones and other handheld devices. Its ending is a short form of the word mobile, so it reads clearly to people who look for phone-friendly pages. Some companies use it for a dedicated phone address, a landing page for an app or a short link printed on posters. Use the availability form just below this text to see whether your name in .mobi is still free.
Check if a .mobi domain is available .mobi Check
A short history
The .mobi zone was introduced in the 2000s, at a time when phones were starting to browse the web and many sites were not built for small screens. The idea was to give mobile content its own recognisable address. Since then responsive design has become common, and many sites now adapt one address to every screen size. For that reason .mobi remains a less common choice, although its purpose is still clear.
Who runs it
Like other generic zones, .mobi is managed by a registry operator under an agreement with ICANN, the body that coordinates the global domain name system. The operator sets the registration policies, and accredited registrars sell names to customers and pass the orders on. Because the policies belong to the operator and may change, read the terms shown at the time of the order.
Rules in practice
- Who may apply: generic zones are usually open to applicants in any country, although the operator may still set rules on acceptable use.
- Purpose: the zone is named for mobile use, so the site behind it should work well on a phone screen.
- Contact data: the holder's details must be accurate, and the registrar may ask you to confirm them.
- Renewal: names must be renewed before they expire, so enable auto-renewal and keep the contact e-mail active.
Who uses .mobi
- Publishers and news sites that run a dedicated version for phone readers.
- Event organisers and ticket sellers who send visitors to a short, phone-friendly page.
- Travel guides and restaurant listings that people open on the go.
- Companies that run a landing page for a mobile app and want a clear address for it.
Strengths
- The ending points directly to phones and tablets, so the purpose of a .mobi address is clear to visitors.
- A short name that reads well on a small screen is easy to type, especially when someone opens it from a QR code or a text message.
- It lets a project keep a separate phone address alongside a main site on .com.
Things to keep in mind
- Most sites now adapt one responsive design to every screen, so a separate mobile address is not needed for most projects.
- Many visitors type .com out of habit, so a .mobi name often works best as a companion to a main address rather than a replacement.
- Search results depend on content and quality, and no ending can promise a position in them.
- Operators can change their policies, so an older registration may need updated details later.
Tips before you register
- Decide first whether you need a separate phone address or whether your main site already works well on a phone.
- Point the .mobi name to the main site with a redirect, or to a page built for phone readers.
- Test the address on several phones and browsers, and check that buttons and fields are easy to use with a thumb.
- Set up SPF, DKIM and DMARC records if the domain will send any e-mail.
- Turn on auto-renewal and keep the registrar login protected.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a .mobi name for a mobile version of my site? Not necessarily. A responsive design on your main address often serves phone visitors well, so a second name is a choice rather than a requirement.
Does .mobi help a site rank better on phones? No ending can promise a ranking. Speed, clear content and a good phone layout matter more.
Can I send .mobi visitors to my .com site? Yes, many registrars let you forward a name to another address. The setup is done in the DNS or forwarding settings of the registrar account.
