The original and still the most widely supported onchain name system. ENS turned a 42 character address into something you can say out loud. Nearly every Ethereum wallet and app resolves .eth names.
What it is
ENS turned a 42 character address into something you can say out loud. Nearly every Ethereum wallet and app resolves .eth names.
| Property | Detail |
|---|---|
| Extension | .eth |
| Blockchain | Ethereum |
| Ownership | Registered and renewed, typically annually |
| Asset type | An NFT held in your wallet |
| Official site | app.ens.domains |
How registration works
Search for an available name
Shorter names cost more and most services price by character count. Check availability before getting attached to one.
Connect a wallet and pay
Registration is an onchain transaction, so you need the network gas token as well as the registration fee.
Set the forward record
This maps the name to your address, so anyone sending to the name reaches you. Usually done automatically at registration.
Set the reverse record
This makes wallets and apps display your name instead of your address. Frequently a separate step and frequently skipped.
Note the renewal date
Set a calendar reminder, or register several years at once. An expired name can be taken by someone else.
More than an address
Most name services store arbitrary records, not just a wallet address. Depending on the service you can attach an avatar, a website, social handles, a description, and addresses for several different chains under one name.
That turns the name into a portable profile any application can read, which is the more interesting long term use.
Things to be aware of
- It lives in your wallet. If the wallet is compromised, the name goes with it.
- Expiry is real. Missing a renewal can mean losing it permanently after a grace period.
- Lookalikes exist. Unicode characters can produce names that render almost identically. Verify before sending large amounts.
- Support is not universal. Apps that do not resolve the name will show only the raw address.
Common questions
How much does a ENS name cost?
Pricing depends on length and the service, with shorter names costing considerably more. Check the official site for current rates, plus network gas for the registration transaction.
Can I lose my name?
Yes, in two ways. If it expires and you do not renew, someone else can register it. If your wallet is compromised, the name can be transferred like any other asset.
Does it work everywhere?
It works wherever apps have implemented resolution for ENS. Support is strongest within its own ecosystem and inconsistent outside it.
Where to go next
Register a ENS name with help
We handle the search, the registration, the reverse record and the profile setup, and make sure the renewal is not going to catch you out.