What does .in mean?
Registry operator: National Internet Exchange of India — per the IANA root database.
Source: IANA root zone database, checked August 23, 2026.
What .in is actually used for
Two distinct plays: Indian-market businesses (obvious), and English word-hack domains where 'in' completes a phrase. linked.in walked so everyone else could run.
Is .in a country code or generic domain?
.in is technically a country-code TLD (the ccTLD for India), but it's widely marketed and used as a general-purpose extension. Google treats several such ccTLDs — including this one where applicable — as generic rather than geo-targeted.
Who runs .in?
.in is operated by National Internet Exchange of India, the registry for India. It has been live in the official IANA DNS root since 1989.
Can anyone register a .in domain?
Yes — .in is open for public registration through accredited registrars. Availability of a specific name still depends on whether someone already owns it, and some ccTLDs add local-presence or ID requirements. Here’s how to check whether a specific name is taken.
Should you use it?
Our short answer: India's TLD, riding the world's fastest-growing internet market. Also quietly great for word hacks (log.in, jump.in). For the full pros, cons, and rating, read the complete .in review.