Preparing for ICANN 2026: Refunds for Web3 Domains Not Applying to ICANN

At Unstoppable, we’re always looking ahead to where the internet is going and how our community can shape it. One of the biggest milestones on the horizon is the next ICANN (the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) gTLD (generic top-level domains) application round, expected in 2026. This will be the first major expansion since 2012, when hundreds of new domain extensions were introduced.

Securing a gTLD through ICANN unlocks the dual power of Web2 and DNS. For our Web3 TLDs, a successful ICANN application means the domains would resolve natively in browsers (like Chrome or FireFox) while still living onchain for payments, logins, and more. It’s the reverse of what we’ve already done by tokenizing Web2 domains (like .com) onto the blockchain to unlock Web3 functionality. ICANN participation could create a two-way bridge—bringing Web3 domains into Web2 for resolvable sites in Chrome and Bing, just as we’ve brought Web2 into Web3 for crypto payments, login and more.

We have been actively preparing for this next ICANN cycle. Together with our partners, we’ve been evaluating which Web3 TLDs should pursue dual recognition in both the blockchain ecosystem and the ICANN root zone.

After review, several partners have confirmed that their TLDs will not pursue ICANN participation. We are offering refunds in cash or credits for domains tied to these TLDs for a 2-week period of time as users are notified which TLDs are not going through ICANN. If you purchased a domain under a TLD that is not moving ahead with an ICANN application, we are offering the ability to return those domains for a refund.

As we continue to finalize plans with our existing partners, we’ll continue to update the list of partner TLDs not participating. We will notify these customers via email and provide refunds accordingly. You may have noticed we have already begun noting new TLDs that will be Web3-only from the very beginning. Moving forward, any new TLDs launched will continue to be communicated as a Web3-only domain and will have a “not applying to ICANN” label on the Unstoppable website. New TLDs that intend to participate in ICANN will have an “applying to ICANN” label on the website.

While ICANN participation opens the doors for some TLDs, Web3-only domains deliver powerful utility like full ownership forever, seamless crypto payments, onchain websites and interoperability across a growing web3 ecosystem.

The following list of eligible Partner TLDs have confirmed they will not be pursuing ICANN participation and are eligible for refunds. We will continue to add to this list if more partner TLDs decide not to participate in the ICANN process.

Refund-Eligible Partner TLDs, September 10th, 2025:

• .bald
• .basenji (formerly .benji)
• .bay
• .boomer
• .calicoin
• .caw
• .cgai
• .donut
• .mery
• .mumu
• .nibi
• .pendle

The following TLDs have never met the qualifications to be eligible for an ICANN TLD; and we will not be including them in the refund process.

• .u
• .hi
• .x
• .go
• .888
• .og

• Domains associated with Partner TLDs that will not be applying to ICANN, as listed above, are eligible for either a cash or credit refund within a two-week window.
• Domains purchased using credits are eligible for refunds in equivalent credits only, valid for 60 days; cash refunds are not available.
• Refunds for domains purchased on secondary marketplaces are limited to the original amount paid to Unstoppable at the time of first sale.

1. Please do not contact support. We will contact you via email as new TLDs become eligible for refunds.
2. Ensure your domains are in a custody wallet and not in self-custody. Learn how to move them here.
3. If you own domains eligible for a refund, you will receive an email to the account registered to Unstoppable explaining how to move forward with a refund.
4. Fill out the form provided in the email.

You’ll have 2 weeks from the date you receive the email from us to complete the refund request. Once submitted, refunds will typically be processed within 10 business days. Please note that crypto refunds may require additional time.

As we move toward ICANN 2026, our commitment remains the same: to keep our community informed, supported, and ready for the future of the internet.