Extension
.mobi
.mobi in short
The .mobi domain is an open generic top-level domain (gTLD) created in 2005 for mobile-optimised websites. With responsive design now universal, its original purpose has faded, but it remains an available, mobile-themed extension.
.mobi at a glance
Type
gTLD — Generic top-level domain
Registry
Identity Digital
Launched
2005
Country / scope
Generic — no country
Restrictions
Open to anyone
Typical price
$18/yr
Example sites
legacy mobile sites
Source: IANA root zone database & registry data · methodology
Where to register a .mobi domain
Prices are indicative and set by each registrar; renewal rates may differ from first-year promotions. Links may be sponsored. tldlist.us is an independent reference and not a registrar.
What does .mobi mean?
The .mobi extension is short for mobile. It launched in 2005, backed by a consortium of mobile and technology companies, to mark websites that were specifically built for the small screens and limited bandwidth of early mobile phones. At the time, a separate “mobile version” of a site was common, and .mobi was meant to be its home.
The world moved on. Once responsive web design arrived, a single site could adapt to any screen, and the need for a dedicated mobile address largely disappeared. As a result .mobi is best understood today as a legacy extension: still perfectly functional and registrable, but no longer serving the technical role it was created for. It is now administered within the Identity Digital portfolio.
Who uses .mobi?
.mobi is used mostly by long-standing registrants who adopted it during its mid-2000s push, plus a smaller number of brands that like its explicit “mobile” connotation for an app or on-the-go service. It can still make sense as a memorable, themed address for a mobile-first product or a redirect, and some owners hold .mobi names defensively alongside their main domain.
For a new project, though, the technical reason to choose .mobi is gone — any modern site is mobile-friendly by default on a plain .com. Brands wanting an app feel are more likely to reach for .app today, which carries built-in HTTPS security and fresher associations.
.mobi registration rules and requirements
.mobi is a fully open gTLD: anyone, anywhere can register an available name with no documentation, licence or local presence. Registration is first-come, first-served through any accredited registrar under standard ICANN rules. Early .mobi guidelines once encouraged mobile-friendly formatting, but those technical expectations are no longer enforced in practice.
How much does .mobi cost?
A .mobi domain typically runs about $18 per year at mainstream registrars, though rates vary by registrar and any introductory promotion. Always confirm the renewal price — not just the first-year offer — before you register.
| Registrar | Typical .mobi price (per year) |
|---|---|
| Identity Digital accredited registrars | ~$15–20/yr |
| Namecheap | ~$18/yr |
| Porkbun | ~$18/yr |
.mobi pros and cons
Pros
- Explicit 'mobile' meaning for an app or on-the-go service.
- Open to anyone with no restrictions or paperwork.
- Useful as a memorable redirect or defensive registration.
- Some shorter names are more available than on .com.
Cons
- Its original technical purpose is obsolete in the responsive era.
- Seen as a dated, legacy extension by many users.
- Pricier than budget generics like .online or .xyz.
- Newer .app conveys 'mobile/app' with better security and image.
Example .mobi websites
- Legacy mobile portals from the mid-2000s still resolve on .mobi addresses.
- Some brands keep a brand.mobi as a defensive or redirect domain.
- Occasional mobile-first services adopt name.mobi for its explicit theme.
.mobi — frequently asked questions
What is the .mobi domain?
The .mobi domain is an open generic top-level domain created in 2005 for mobile-optimised websites. Responsive design has since made a separate mobile address unnecessary, so .mobi is now a legacy extension — still registrable, but rarely needed technically.
Who can register a .mobi domain?
Anyone, anywhere. .mobi is fully open with no restrictions, documentation or local-presence requirement — registration is first-come, first-served through any accredited registrar.
Is .mobi still useful in 2026?
Its original technical purpose is gone, since modern sites are mobile-friendly by default. .mobi can still work as a themed, memorable or defensive domain, but most new mobile-first brands choose .app or a plain .com instead.
How much does a .mobi domain cost?
A .mobi domain typically costs around $18 per year, with most registrars in the $15–$20 range. Confirm the renewal rate before registering, as it can differ from any first-year promotion.