How does ENS work?
ENS lets you replace long, complicated crypto addresses with a simple name you choose, like alice.eth. Instead of asking someone to send funds to 0x982Bb9d000bFEe18FD68C11505C11A4F900B2179, you just share alice.eth. Your name can point to your wallets, a website (vitalik.eth.limo), social profiles (onshow.eth), and more — all in one place.
Why would I want a .eth name?
Your .eth name is easier to share and remember than a wallet address, website, and everything else on your name. Use your name across wallets and apps — you own it.
What makes ENS different to traditional domain names?
You own .eth names directly on the blockchain. Traditional DNS domains are managed by registrars under ICANN. With ENS you can also use DNS domains as an ENS name too — like .com, .xyz, .net and more. [Learn more](blog article)
What are records?
Records are pieces of information attached to your ENS name. Think of your name as a container, records are what’s inside. You decide what to add: a wallet address for receiving payments, a link to your website, your social handles, an avatar, or even custom data. When someone looks up your name, they find it all in one place.
In apps
Can I send crypto to a .eth name (instead of an address)?
Yes. Type alice.eth in the 'send to' field instead of 0x74...2d35 — the app looks up the address automatically.
How do I show my .eth name instead of my address?
Set it as your primary name. You can do this from your profile page in the ENS App. [See Set Your Primary Name]
Can I change my primary name later?
Yes. You can update it anytime.
Profile Records
Can I use one name for multiple addresses?
Yes. alice.eth can store a different address for each chain, like Ethereum, Polygon, and Bitcoin. One name can store addresses for 100+ chains.
How do I add an avatar, links and addresses?
Search your name in the ENS App, then use the profile page to make changes. [See Edit Your Profile Records]
ENSv2
What's changing with ENSv2?
Registries, resolvers, and permissions have been rewritten for clarity, modularity, and better UX. And there are two new apps: ENS App and ENS Explorer.