Are Domain Names Case Sensitive? - Domain Facts

byRikaSF

3.2K followers

4 years ago

Are domain names case sensitive? This might seem like a strange question, but at some point (many years ago when I started blogging) I was wondering the exact same thing and I notice people are still asking the same question.

I wanted to buy a domain name and was not sure whether I should use UPPERCASE or lowercase in my domain name. I was under the impression it would make a difference how people will find my website.

I soon realised It doesn't matter whether you use uppercase or lowercase when you buy a domain name. It will always convert back to lowercase.

Domain names are always lowercase.

Are Domain Names Case Sensitive?

NO. Domain names are not case sensitive. The official name for this is CASE INSENSITIVE. This means it does not matter whether someone types a domain name in lowercase or uppercase they will always be directed to the same website. (No 404 page errors).

Domain Name vs Website Name

While you don't have control over how your domain name appears in the address bar, you do have control over what your website name will look like.

Most websites have the same name as the domain name, but there are plenty of businesses using a different website name than the domain name.

Kyle wrote a very interesting post about this: Do I Need a Keyword in My Domain

You Cannot Change a Domain Name

The only way you can change a domain name is to buy another one and transfer your current website to it. Domain names don't have a EDIT button somewhere. Once it is registered it is done.

TIP: When choosing a domain name keep it as short as possible. Keep your keywords (if you are using any) and leave out any extras. I recommend not using more than 2 words in a domain name. The longer your domain name the more difficult for your website visitors and clients to remember it.

A catchy and easy to say and remember domain name is ideal. I know this is not always possible but keep it in mind.

In the image above my domain have 2 words. Insensitive domains. I did not include "for everyone".

You Can Change Your Website Name

Luckily you can change your website name to anything you want as many times as you like. I personally don't recommend you do this too often especially if you have a well-established website. You might just confuse the search engines and your clients.

In the image above the website name is Insensitive Domains for Everyone. This I can change at any time.

Examples of Case Sensitive and Case Insensitive

Four classic examples of case sensitive and case insensitive:

• Passwords - passwords are the only case sensitive example on my list. You need to type it exactly the way you created it. If you created a password as 123PassworD and you type 123password it will not be accepted.
• Usernames - usernames are mostly case insensitive. This means if you created your username as Tom and you type tom or TOM it will still accept it.
• Search engines - no matter whether you use lowercase or uppercase during a search, you will get the same results.
• Domain names - it's the same as search results (case insensitive).

Conclusion

The use of lowercase or uppercase is not going to make a difference when you buy a domain name. It is automatically created in lowercase.

Domain names are case insensitive and your website visitors will always get to your website whether they use lowercase or uppercase.