If you’ve been active on Twitter lately, you’ve likely noticed the growing number of users with .eth usernames. Ready to claim your own ENS domain? This guide walks you through the process step-by-step, covering costs, expiration policies, and advanced setups like linking to wallets and social handles.
Step-by-Step Guide to Buying an ENS Domain
1. Visit the Official ENS Website
Navigate to ens.domains (the official Ethereum Name Service site) to avoid scams.
2. Launch the ENS App
Click Launch App on the homepage—no downloads required.
3. Search for Your Desired Name
- Available names: Proceed to registration.
- Unavailable names: Click Remind Me to get notifications when the domain nears expiration.
4. Connect Your Crypto Wallet
- Use MetaMask or another Ethereum-compatible wallet.
- Approve the ENS dApp to interact with your wallet (standard security practice).
5. Select Registration Period
- Minimum: 1 year.
- No maximum limit.
- Costs vary:
| Name Length | Annual Cost (ETH) |
|-------------|-------------------|
| 5+ chars | $5 |
| 4 chars | $160 |
| 3 chars | $640 |
👉 Gas fees apply—register for multiple years to save.
6. Request Registration
- Approve the transaction via your wallet.
- Wait ~1 minute for blockchain confirmation.
7. Complete Registration
- Click Register and pay a second gas fee.
- Deadline: Complete within 7 days or restart the process.
Advanced ENS Setup
Link Your ENS to a Wallet
- Go to My Account on ens.domains.
- Set a Primary ENS Name (reverse record) to display your ENS instead of your wallet address.
Add Social Handles & Crypto Addresses
Edit records under My Account to add:
- Twitter handles
- Cryptocurrency addresses
- Avatars (NFT-based)
Key Questions Answered
Do ENS Domains Expire?
Yes, but you get a 90-day grace period to renew. After that, the domain becomes publicly available.
Can You Sell an ENS Domain?
Yes! List it on OpenSea as an ERC-721 NFT. Transfer ownership via any NFT-compatible marketplace.
Are ENS Domains Worth It?
- Simplify transactions: Replace complex addresses with a readable name.
- Web3 identity: Brands and influencers use .eth names for credibility.
- Investment potential: High-value sales (e.g., Paradigm.eth for 420 ETH).
Pro Tips
- Monitor expiration dates: Use Remind Me alerts.
- Bundle records: Save gas fees by updating multiple records in one transaction.
👉 Start your ENS journey today—own your Web3 identity in minutes!
FAQ
Q: How do I transfer an ENS domain?
A: Transfer the NFT via OpenSea or another marketplace. Update records beforehand for smoother handover.
Q: What if my ENS domain expires?
A: Renew within 90 days to retain ownership. After that, it’s auctioned with a decreasing premium over 28 days.
Q: Can I use ENS for non-ETH cryptocurrencies?
A: Yes! Add addresses for BTC, DOGE, etc., in the Records section.
Q: Why are 3-4 character names more expensive?
A: Scarcity—there are fewer short names available.