An internationalized domain name (IDN) lets you register a domain using non-Latin characters or Latin characters with accents, such as münchen or names in Cyrillic, Greek, Arabic, or Chinese script. This article explains how IDNs work and how to register one at Enom.
Note: Enom supports .COM and .NET IDNs only.
About IDNs and Punycode
The Domain Name System was built for a limited set of ASCII characters (letters a–z, digits 0–9, and hyphens). IDNs let domains use a much wider range of characters while staying compatible with that system.
To do this, an IDN is converted to an ASCII-compatible form called Punycode. A Punycode label always begins with the prefix xn--. For example, a domain you type in your own script is stored and resolved in DNS as its xn-- equivalent. Registrars typically perform this conversion automatically when you enter the name in its native script.
Not every character or script is valid for every TLD. Each registry publishes its own IDN tables defining which languages and scripts it accepts, so the same script may be allowed for one TLD and not another.
Before you begin
- Decide on the exact name in its native script, including any accents or diacritics.
- Confirm the TLD you want supports IDNs and supports your specific script or language.
- If you already have the Punycode (xn--) form of the name, have it ready as well.
Step 1: Register an IDN
- Sign in to your Enom account.
- Search for the domain you want. Where supported, enter the name in its native script; the system converts it to Punycode for you. If native-script entry is not available, enter the xn-- form.
- If the TLD requires it, select the language or script associated with the registration.
- Complete checkout as you would for any other domain.
Per-TLD script and language rules. Some TLDs restrict a single registration to one script and prohibit mixing scripts within a label to reduce the risk of look-alike domains. Confirm the rules for your chosen TLD before registering.
Next steps
Questions? Contact Enom Support.
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