Using your .io
A .io works like any other domain, but renewals nearly double after the first year, and the registry bans some uses outright.
Basics
What does .io stand for?
The British Indian Ocean Territory: .io was set up as its country ending, but anyone may register one, and the registry markets it as "the new replacement for .com."[1]
Is a .io domain worth it?
It is if you can budget $51.80 a year after the first year. Whether .io has a long future is covered on the .io checker page.[1, 2]
How much does a .io cost over time?
$28.12 the first year at Porkbun, then $51.80 a year. The registry may also change its terms when you renew.
| Cost at Porkbun | .io | .com |
|---|---|---|
| First year | $28.12 | $11.08 |
| Each year after | $51.80 | $11.08 |
| First 5 years | $235.32 | $55.40 |
If the .com is available, it costs far less to keep. Compare every ending in Which domain ending should I pick?[2, 3]
What rules apply to how you use a .io?
No .io may be used for anything sexual or pornographic, or anything against the laws of any nation. The registry can deactivate a name as soon as it is told of a breach, and it can suspend or delete names used for spam.[4]
Advanced
How do you set up email, DNS and HTTPS on a .io?
The same way as on a .com. The full steps are on Using your .com.
| Step | What to know |
|---|---|
| Nameservers | Turn off DNSSEC at your registrar first; the switch can take up to 24 hours |
| Set up SPF or DKIM before you send; over 5,000 a day to Gmail needs both, plus DMARC | |
| HTTPS | Cloudflare issues free certificates to every domain active on its service, on any plan |
Sources (7)
- Primarynic.io: .IO domain registry (British Indian Ocean Territory; "the new replacement for '.com'")
- PrimaryPorkbun: domain name pricing, the public price list our checker reads daily
- Primarynic.io: Terms and conditions (clause 19, terms may change on renewal)
- Primarynic.io: Rules for domain names (sections 5 and 7)
- PrimaryCloudflare docs: Full setup
- PrimaryGoogle Workspace Admin Help: Email sender guidelines
- PrimaryCloudflare docs: Universal SSL