In the evolving landscape of Web3, user-friendly access to decentralized resources is no longer a luxury—it's a necessity. Enter the Ethereum Name Service (ENS), a revolutionary system that transforms how we interact with blockchain addresses and decentralized content. When paired with IPFS (InterPlanetary File System), ENS becomes a powerful tool for building truly decentralized websites and applications.
This guide explores the fundamentals of ENS domains, their growing importance in the decentralized web ecosystem, and how to seamlessly link them to IPFS-hosted sites using modern development platforms. Whether you're a developer, creator, or crypto enthusiast, understanding ENS and IPFS is key to participating in the next generation of the internet.
What Is the Ethereum Name Service (ENS)?
The Ethereum Name Service (ENS) is a decentralized, open-source naming system built on the Ethereum blockchain. Much like the traditional Domain Name System (DNS) translates human-readable web addresses (e.g., google.com) into IP addresses, ENS translates easy-to-remember names like yourname.eth into complex cryptographic identifiers.
Instead of dealing with a 42-character Ethereum wallet address like 0xe989eb1ddd3442a24..., you can use mywallet.eth for transactions, website hosting, or identity verification. But ENS goes far beyond simplifying wallet addresses.
ENS operates through smart contracts on Ethereum and supports more than just Ethereum addresses. It can map to:
- Cryptocurrency addresses (BTC, DOGE, LTC)
- IPFS content hashes
- Tor .onion addresses
- Text records (email, social media handles)
This flexibility makes ENS a cornerstone of the decentralized web (DWeb)—a censorship-resistant, user-owned internet infrastructure.
👉 Discover how ENS domains are reshaping digital identity and ownership.
Why Are ENS Domains Important?
In today’s Web2 environment, domain names are controlled by centralized registrars like GoDaddy, and DNS servers are vulnerable to censorship and outages. ENS flips this model by offering a decentralized alternative that empowers users with full control over their digital identities.
Key Advantages of ENS:
- Decentralized: No central authority governs ENS domains.
- Immutable: Once registered, records cannot be altered without owner consent.
- Censorship-resistant: No entity can take down your domain.
- User-owned: You control your domain and its associated data.
When combined with IPFS, ENS enables fully decentralized websites. Unlike traditional hosting, where files live on centralized servers, IPFS stores content across a peer-to-peer network. Files are identified by their content hash (CID), ensuring integrity and eliminating single points of failure.
ENS provides a persistent, human-readable link to this dynamic content. Since IPFS hashes change with every update, manually sharing new links is impractical. ENS solves this by allowing you to point yoursite.eth to the latest CID—automatically updating as your site evolves.
Moreover, ENS is gaining real-world adoption. Integration with platforms like Venmo and PayPal means users can now send payments using .eth names—bridging crypto and mainstream finance.
How to Buy and Register an ENS Domain
Acquiring an ENS domain is simple and accessible to anyone with a crypto wallet. Here’s how to get started:
Step 1: Visit the ENS App
Go to ens.domains and search for the .eth name you want. Domains must be at least three characters long and can include emojis—yes, you can own 🚀.eth.
Step 2: Connect Your Wallet
Use a Web3 wallet like MetaMask to connect to the Ethereum mainnet. This allows you to pay registration fees and claim ownership.
Step 3: Choose Registration Period
ENS uses a yearly rental model instead of one-time purchases. Prices start at around $5 per year in ETH for standard names, though premium names cost more due to popularity.
Click “Request to Register,” wait one minute for conflict checks, then confirm the transaction in your wallet.
Step 4: Configure Domain Settings
After registration, you’ll see several key fields:
- Registrant: The owner who controls domain transfers and settings.
- Controller: The account allowed to update records (by default, same as registrant).
- Resolver: The smart contract that translates
name.ethinto actual data. - Expiration Date: Renew before this date to retain ownership.
- Records: Where you link ETH addresses, IPFS hashes, emails, and more.
Set a renewal reminder—losing access means losing your domain.
Step 5: Create Subdomains
You can create subdomains like blog.yoursite.eth or shop.yoursite.eth, each with independent records and controllers. This is ideal for managing multiple projects under one identity.
How to Link an ENS Domain to an IPFS Website
Now that you own an ENS domain, it’s time to connect it to your decentralized website hosted on IPFS.
Manually updating the IPFS hash every time you deploy new content is tedious and incurs gas fees. That’s where automation platforms come in.
👉 See how developers are deploying ENS-powered sites without worrying about gas fees.
Step 1: Host Your Site on IPFS via GitHub
Use a platform like Fleek (or similar) to automate IPFS deployment:
- Link your GitHub repository.
- Select your framework (React, Next.js, Hugo, etc.).
- Deploy—your site is now live on IPFS with a unique CID.
Step 2: Connect Your ENS Domain
In your hosting dashboard:
- Navigate to Domain Management.
- Enter your
.ethdomain. - Authorize the platform (e.g., Fleek) as the controller for automatic updates.
- Confirm ownership via wallet signature.
This one-time action grants permission for the platform to update your ENS record whenever you push new code.
Step 3: Test Your Decentralized Site
Once verified:
- Use an ENS-compatible browser (like Brave or Opera Mobile) or MetaMask extension.
- Type
yoursite.eth/in the address bar—the site loads instantly. - No compatible tools? Append
.link(e.g.,yoursite.eth.link) to access via DNS fallback.
Every future deployment automatically updates the linked IPFS hash—no manual intervention or gas costs required.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Do I own my ENS domain forever?
A: No—ENS domains operate on a yearly rental basis. You must renew before expiration to maintain ownership.
Q: Can I use ENS domains without owning cryptocurrency?
A: While interacting with ENS requires a wallet, services like Venmo now support sending payments via .eth names—making them accessible even to non-crypto users.
Q: What happens if I lose access to my wallet?
A: Losing your private keys means losing control of your ENS domain. Always back up your recovery phrase securely.
Q: Can I sell my ENS domain?
A: Yes—ENS domains are tradable assets. You can transfer or sell them on NFT marketplaces like OpenSea.
Q: Are there alternatives to .eth domains?
A: Yes—ENS also supports DNS names (e.g., yourname.xyz) if they’re configured through the ENS registrar. However, .eth remains the most recognized Web3 identifier.
Q: Does linking ENS to IPFS cost money?
A: The initial setup may require a small gas fee, but platforms that automate updates often cover ongoing costs—eliminating recurring expenses.
Final Thoughts
ENS and IPFS together form the backbone of a truly decentralized web—one where users own their identities, data, and digital presence. From simplifying wallet addresses to enabling censorship-resistant websites, the combination offers practical solutions for today’s Web3 builders.
As adoption grows—with integrations into mainstream platforms and improved developer tooling—the vision of a user-controlled internet becomes increasingly tangible.
Whether you're launching a personal blog, a dApp, or a decentralized brand, starting with an ENS domain is a powerful first step toward digital sovereignty.