What does .zip mean?
Registry operator: Charleston Road Registry Inc. — per the IANA root database.
Source: IANA root zone database, checked August 23, 2026.
What .zip is actually used for
Google launched .zip in 2023 and the security community immediately demonstrated convincing phishing lures. Some orgs block .zip links wholesale. Fun for a hacker joke domain; wrong for a product users must trust.
Is .zip a country code or generic domain?
.zip is a generic top-level domain (gTLD), not tied to any country. It's available to register through accredited registrars worldwide.
Who runs .zip?
.zip is operated by Charleston Road Registry Inc.. It has been live in the official IANA DNS root since 2023.
Can anyone register a .zip domain?
Yes — .zip is open for public registration through accredited registrars. Availability of a specific name still depends on whether someone already owns it. Here’s how to check whether a specific name is taken.
Should you use it?
Our short answer: The controversial one. Every .zip domain looks like a file attachment — security researchers hate it for good reason. For the full pros, cons, and rating, read the complete .zip review.