Everything to Know About Ethereum Name Service (ENS) & .ETH Domains

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In the early days of the internet, users had to memorize long, complex IP addresses like 192.0.2.1 to access websites. This was not only inconvenient but error-prone. The Domain Name System (DNS) solved this by translating those numeric addresses into easy-to-remember names like "google.com."

Today, blockchain technology faces a similar usability challenge. Ethereum wallet addresses—such as 0xd8dA6BF26964aF9D7eEd9e03E53415D37aA96045—are long, cryptic, and difficult to verify manually. A single typo can result in irreversible fund loss. Enter the Ethereum Name Service (ENS).

👉 Discover how ENS simplifies Web3 interactions with human-readable addresses.

ENS operates on a decentralized model, much like DNS, but with a crucial difference: it runs entirely on the Ethereum blockchain using smart contracts. Instead of relying on centralized authorities like ICANN, ENS gives users full control over their digital identities. It maps machine-readable blockchain data—like wallet addresses or content hashes—to simple, memorable names such as vitalik.eth.

This system not only improves user experience but also enhances security and censorship resistance across Web3 applications.

How ENS Works: Technical Architecture

The Ethereum Name Service is built on a robust, modular architecture designed for transparency and autonomy. Its core components include:

1. Registry

The ENS registry is a smart contract that maintains a global list of all registered .eth domains and subdomains. For each domain, it stores three key pieces of information:

This registry acts as the central directory of ENS, ensuring that every name points to the correct resolver.

2. Resolvers

Resolvers are smart contracts that translate human-readable names (e.g., alice.eth) into machine-readable data such as Ethereum addresses, content hashes, or metadata. When a dApp queries bob.eth, the resolver retrieves the associated address from the blockchain and returns it securely.

Users can update resolver records at any time, giving them dynamic control over what their domain resolves to.

3. Namehash Algorithm

To handle domain names efficiently within Ethereum’s cryptographic framework, ENS uses the namehash algorithm. This recursive hashing function converts hierarchical domain names (like subdomain.example.eth) into unique, fixed-length identifiers compatible with smart contract storage.

Namehash ensures secure, collision-resistant domain processing while supporting unlimited subdomain creation.

Understanding .ETH Domains

A .eth domain is a top-level domain (TLD) native to the Ethereum blockchain. Unlike traditional domains managed by centralized registrars, .eth domains are:

Because they exist on-chain, ownership is transparent and immutable.

Why Are .ETH Domains Unique?

  1. Decentralized Ownership: No central authority can seize or modify your domain.
  2. Cross-Chain Compatibility: Some wallets allow .eth names to receive multiple cryptocurrencies.
  3. Digital Identity Foundation: A single .eth name can represent your wallet, website, email, and social profiles.
  4. NFT Properties: You can buy, sell, or auction your domain just like any other digital asset.

For example, owning mybrand.eth allows you to create subdomains like pay.mybrand.eth for payments or blog.mybrand.eth for decentralized content.

👉 Turn your .ETH domain into a powerful Web3 identity tool today.

Practical Applications of ENS

ENS goes far beyond simplifying wallet addresses. Here are four impactful use cases driving its adoption:

1. Simplified Wallet Addresses

Instead of sharing a 42-character hex string, you can use yourname.eth. This reduces transaction errors and improves trust during peer-to-peer transfers.

Moreover, one .eth name can support multiple blockchain addresses—enabling seamless cross-cryptocurrency payments.

2. Decentralized Websites

By linking your .eth domain to an IPFS or Arweave-hosted site, you can publish censorship-resistant content accessible through Web3 browsers like Brave or MetaMask.

Notably, in 2025, GoDaddy began allowing free integration between traditional DNS domains and ENS names—bridging Web2 and Web3 access seamlessly.

3. Web3 Identities

Users can attach metadata to their .eth domains, including:

This creates a portable, self-owned identity usable across dApps without repeated logins or sign-ups.

4. Integration with dApps and Services

Major platforms now support ENS natively:

This transforms ENS into a universal login layer for the decentralized web.

How to Register and Manage an ENS Domain

Follow these steps to claim your own .eth domain:

Step 1: Set Up a Crypto Wallet

Use a Web3-compatible wallet like MetaMask, Coinbase Wallet, or Trust Wallet. Ensure you have enough ETH to cover registration and gas fees.

Step 2: Visit the ENS App

Go to app.ens.domains and connect your wallet. Use the search bar to check name availability.

Step 3: Register Your .ETH Domain

Pricing varies by name length:

Gas fees apply separately. After initiating registration, confirm two transactions—the second completes the process after a short delay to prevent race conditions.

Step 4: Configure Resolvers and Records

In the ENS Manager under “My Domains,” set up your resolver to link:

You can also create and delegate subdomains.

Step 5: Renew Your Domain Regularly

ENS domains are rented, not owned permanently. Failure to renew means anyone can claim your name. Enable auto-renewal or track expiration dates manually.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is ENS only for Ethereum addresses?
A: No. While primarily used for Ethereum wallets, ENS supports Bitcoin, Litecoin, and other cryptocurrency addresses, along with metadata and content hashes.

Q: Can I sell my .ETH domain?
A: Yes. Since .eth domains are ERC-721 NFTs, they can be listed on NFT marketplaces like OpenSea or LooksRare.

Q: What happens if I lose access to my wallet?
A: If you lose your private key or seed phrase, you lose control of your .eth domain permanently—just like any other blockchain asset.

Q: Are there renewal risks?
A: Yes. Domains expire if not renewed. Once expired, they enter a grace period before becoming available for public registration again.

Q: Can I use ENS without technical knowledge?
A: Absolutely. The ENS app provides a user-friendly interface suitable for beginners.

Q: Does ENS work outside Ethereum?
A: Primarily built on Ethereum, but tools like cross-chain resolvers are expanding its interoperability with other networks.

ENS represents a foundational shift in how we interact with digital identities and decentralized systems. By merging usability with blockchain security, it paves the way for mass Web3 adoption.

Whether you're managing crypto transactions, launching a decentralized blog, or building a unified online identity, .eth domains offer flexibility, ownership, and future-proof utility.

👉 Start building your Web3 identity with a .ETH domain now.