How to Register a .ETH Domain Using ENS

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The world of Web3 is evolving rapidly, and one of the most impactful innovations for user experience on the blockchain is the Ethereum Name Service (ENS). Much like early internet adopters who secured memorable domain names, those registering .ETH domains today are positioning themselves at the forefront of digital identity in the decentralized web. Recently, ENS rewarded early adopters with an $ENS token airdrop, highlighting the value placed on being first.

If you haven’t claimed your .ETH domain yet, now is still an ideal time. A .ETH name isn’t just a vanity address—it’s your permanent, human-readable identity on the Ethereum blockchain. This guide walks you through what ENS is, why it matters, and how to register your first .ETH domain in simple steps.

What Is Ethereum Name Service (ENS)?

The Ethereum Name Service (ENS), launched on May 4, 2017, by Alex Van de Sande and Nick Johnson of the Ethereum Foundation, serves as a naming system for Ethereum addresses and other resources. Think of it as the DNS (Domain Name System) for Ethereum—just as DNS translates complex IP addresses like 192.0.2.1 into readable URLs such as example.com, ENS converts long, error-prone wallet addresses into simple, memorable names.

For example, instead of sharing this:

0x2faf487a4414fe77e2327f0bf4ae2a264a776ad2

You can use:

yourname.eth

This not only makes transactions easier but drastically reduces the risk of sending funds to the wrong address due to a typo. Imagine sending cryptocurrency to friend.eth instead of copying and pasting a 42-character string. That’s the power of ENS.

Even major brands have embraced this technology—Budweiser, for instance, owns beer.eth, reinforcing its presence in the Web3 space.

👉 Secure your unique digital identity today with a .ETH domain.

Why Should You Register a .ETH Domain?

1. Human-Readable Addresses

No more copying and pasting complex wallet addresses. With ENS, you send and receive crypto using easy-to-remember names.

2. Reduced Transaction Errors

One wrong character in a wallet address means lost funds—forever. ENS eliminates this risk.

3. Ownership and Identity

Your .ETH domain is yours forever (as long as you renew it). It can represent your personal brand, business, or online persona across dApps, social platforms, and wallets.

4. Future-Proofing in Web3

As decentralized apps grow, ENS domains are becoming standard identifiers—used for logging in, verifying ownership, and even hosting decentralized websites.

5. Potential Value Appreciation

Short, premium .ETH names (like crypto.eth or nft.eth) are already trading for thousands of dollars. Early registrants may benefit from long-term value growth.

How to Register a .ETH Domain: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Set Up a Wallet

To interact with ENS, you need a Web3-compatible wallet. The most popular choice is MetaMask, a browser extension that functions as both a wallet and gateway to decentralized applications (dApps).

👉 Get started with Web3 by connecting your wallet securely.

Step 2: Visit the ENS App

Go to the official ENS interface at app.ens.domains (link removed per guidelines). Once there:

You’re now logged into the ENS system and ready to search for available names.

Step 3: Search for Your Desired Name

Use the search bar to type in the name you’d like (e.g., yourname.eth). The app will instantly show:

Keep in mind that prices vary depending on name length and demand. Shorter names (3–4 characters) are more expensive and often already taken.

Step 4: Register the Domain

If your desired name is available:

  1. Click “Register.”
  2. Choose how many years you want to register it for (minimum 1 year).

  3. Confirm two blockchain transactions:

    • First: Approve the registration request.
    • Second: Pay the registration fee and gas costs.

At the time of writing, registering a five-letter .ETH domain for one year costs around 0.016 ETH (~$72), though this fluctuates based on Ethereum network congestion.

💡 Pro Tip: Check ETH gas prices using tools like Etherscan Gas Tracker before initiating transactions to save on fees.

Step 5: Congratulations – You’re Live!

Once both transactions are confirmed, your .ETH domain is officially registered! You’ll see it listed under your wallet in the ENS app.

Now, anyone can send you ETH or ERC-20 tokens using your .eth name—no more copy-paste errors.

You can also:

Step 6: Set a Reverse Record (Optional but Recommended)

A reverse record ensures that when someone looks up your wallet address, they see your .ETH name instead.

For example:

To set it up:

  1. Go to your profile in the ENS app.
  2. Navigate to “Reverse Record” settings.
  3. Select your .ETH name as the primary identifier.
  4. Confirm the transaction (requires additional gas).

This small step enhances trust and professionalism—especially useful if you’re building a brand in Web3.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How much does it cost to register a .ETH domain?
A: It depends on name length. Names with 5+ characters cost $5/year**, while 4-character names cost **$160/year, and 3-character names cost $640/year—plus variable Ethereum gas fees.

Q: Do I own my .ETH domain forever?
A: No—domains require annual renewal. If you don’t renew, it becomes available for others to register after expiration.

Q: Can I use my .ETH domain across different wallets?
A: Yes! Once registered, your domain is tied to your Ethereum address and works in any wallet or dApp that supports ENS (including MetaMask, Rainbow, and Trust Wallet).

Q: Can I sell my .ETH domain?
A: Absolutely. ENS domains are ERC-721-compatible NFTs, meaning they can be listed on marketplaces like OpenSea.

Q: What happens if I lose access to my wallet?
A: Unfortunately, if you lose your private keys or seed phrase, you lose access to your ENS domain—just like any other crypto asset. Always back up securely.

Q: Can I link social profiles or email to my ENS?
A: Yes! Through text records, you can attach metadata like Twitter handles, Discord usernames, email addresses, and even avatars (NFTs).

Final Thoughts

Registering a .ETH domain is one of the simplest yet most powerful moves you can make in Web3. It streamlines crypto transactions, reduces errors, and establishes your digital identity in a decentralized world. Whether you're an individual user or a brand entering the space, owning a .eth name signals credibility and forward-thinking.

With growing adoption—and potential future utility in identity verification, decentralized logins, and metaverse interactions—the value of these domains will likely increase over time.

👉 Start building your Web3 identity now—claim your .ETH domain today.

Don’t wait until all the good names are gone. The digital frontier rewards those who act early.