Published: 17.10.2026
The .help zone is a generic extension, so it is not linked to a country. The English word help means assistance, guidance or support, and the ending makes that purpose visible in the address itself. Support portals, knowledge bases, volunteer helpers and independent advisers sometimes choose a .help name for exactly this reason. Use the availability form that sits just below this text to see whether your name in .help is still free.
Check if a .help domain is available .help Check
A short history
The .help extension came with the group of new generic endings added in the 2010s. Its name is a plain English word, which made it an appealing choice for organisations that wanted the address to match the service behind it. Software teams, community projects and independent helpers are among the groups that find the word a clear fit, although the zone is still less widely known than older endings such as .com.
Who runs it
The zone is run by a registry operator under a contract with ICANN, the body that coordinates the global domain name system. The operator defines the registration policies, and accredited registrars take orders from customers and pass them to the registry. Policies can change over time, so when you order, read the terms in force on that day rather than an older guide or forum post.
Rules in practice
- Open registration: the zone is usually open to any applicant, but the operator may set limits on what a site can be used for.
- Contact details: the holder information must be correct, and it may be checked at registration or at renewal.
- Characters: letters, digits and hyphens are allowed, and a single label can run to 63 characters.
- Renewal: turn on auto-renewal and check the expiry date at least once a year, because a lapsed name can be taken by someone else.
Who uses .help
- Software and app teams that publish user guides, troubleshooting pages and help centres.
- Community groups and volunteer networks that answer practical questions for their members.
- Independent consultants and tutors who offer advice, coaching or hands-on support.
- Local services that want a short address for a contact page or a support area.
Strengths
- The word states the purpose of the site at once, which helps on a leaflet, a sign or a card.
- The name is short, familiar in English and easy to spell, so people can remember it after hearing it once.
- Because the zone is generic, it can serve visitors in many countries without suggesting a single home market.
Things to keep in mind
- A help address can look like an official support channel, so state clearly who runs the site and who is responsible for its content.
- A name that promises help sets expectations, and a thin site with few answers will disappoint visitors.
- Many simple words are already registered, so prepare alternatives that describe your subject more precisely.
- The zone is less familiar than .com to many visitors, so show the full address on every page and printed item.
Tips before you register
- Check the same name in .com and decide whether a second address is worth owning.
- Describe the service in one sentence and build the name around that sentence.
- Publish a contact page and a statement of responsibility before the site goes live.
- Add SPF, DKIM and DMARC records before you send support e-mails from the domain.
- Protect the registrar account with two-factor login, since a taken-over support domain can damage trust quickly.
Frequently asked questions
Is a .help name only for official support pages? No. Independent helpers, volunteer groups and tutors can use it as well, provided the site makes clear who is behind it.
Should a .help site show who runs it? Yes. Visitors should always know the operator of the site, because a help address can be mistaken for an official channel of another business.
Can I move a .help domain to another registrar? Transfers are usually possible, but the timing and lock rules set by the registry apply, so plan the move in advance.
