What Is Ethereum Name Service (ENS)?

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Key Takeaways
— Ethereum Name Service (ENS) is a blockchain-based Web3 solution similar to traditional DNS, simplifying access to decentralized resources.
— Built on the Ethereum blockchain, ENS allows users to register secure, private, and censorship-resistant .eth domains.
— These domains can link to crypto wallet addresses or data stored on Web3 infrastructure like IPFS.
— This guide covers ENS fundamentals, fun facts about .eth domains, and step-by-step registration instructions.

👉 Looking for a secure way to manage your .eth domains? Explore hardware wallet options here.

From DNS to ENS: The Evolution of Naming Systems

Did you know early internet users had to type IP addresses (like 104.18.24.74) instead of domain names (like ledger.com)? The Domain Name System (DNS) bridged this gap for Web2—but Web3 demands something more advanced.

Ethereum Name Service (ENS) emerged as the decentralized alternative, transforming complex blockchain identifiers into human-readable names (e.g., yourname.eth). Unlike DNS, ENS operates on Ethereum's blockchain via smart contracts, offering:

How ENS Works: Your Web3 Identity

ENS domains serve three primary purposes:

  1. Simplify Crypto Transactions
    Replace lengthy wallet addresses (0x3b...8iwerb) with simple names (e.g., batman.eth).
  2. Host Decentralized Websites
    Link domains to content stored on IPFS or other Web3 storage solutions.
  3. Create Subdomains
    Generate specialized addresses like pay.batman.eth for specific use cases.

Fun Fact: .eth domains are ERC-721 NFTs, meaning they can be traded on marketplaces like OpenSea.

Acquiring Your .eth Domain: A 5-Step Guide

  1. Connect Your Wallet
    Visit app.ens.domains and link your Ethereum wallet (MetaMask, Ledger, etc.).
  2. Search Availability
    Enter your desired name (e.g., yourname.eth).

  3. Review Registration

    • Pricing depends on name length (3+ characters) and registration period
    • Annual fee: ~$5 in ETH (plus gas fees)
  4. Complete Transaction
    Approve the smart contract interaction via your wallet.

  5. Configure Settings
    Link your domain to:

    • Crypto addresses (BTC, ETH, etc.)
    • Web3 content (IPFS hashes)
    • Social profiles (Twitter, GitHub)

👉 Ready to secure your ENS domain? Start your Web3 journey today.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is ENS the same as DNS?

No. While both resolve names, ENS is blockchain-based, decentralized, and supports crypto-native features like wallet addressing.

2. Can I transfer my .eth domain?

Yes—as an NFT, you can sell it on marketplaces or gift it to another wallet.

3. What happens if my registration expires?

After a 90-day grace period, the domain becomes available for others to register.

4. Are .eth domains case-sensitive?

No. YourName.eth and yourname.eth resolve to the same address.

5. Can I use ENS with non-Ethereum chains?

Yes! ENS supports multi-chain addresses (BTC, SOL, etc.).

The Future of Web3 Naming

With over 300,000 registered domains, ENS is shaping Web3's infrastructure. Just as .com defined Web2, .eth could become the standard for decentralized identity. As adoption grows, these domains may serve as:

Pro Tip: For maximum security, manage your ENS domains with a hardware wallet.

👉 Protect your digital assets—discover secure domain management solutions now.


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