What Is ENS Domain Service? How to Register and Use Ethereum Name Service

The Ethereum Name Service (ENS) is revolutionizing how users interact with blockchain addresses by simplifying complex cryptographic identifiers into human-readable names. If you've ever struggled to remember or share a long Ethereum wallet address like 0xBb..., ENS offers a cleaner, more intuitive solution: turning that string into a simple .eth domain such as yourname.eth.

This guide dives deep into what ENS is, how it works, and why it’s becoming a foundational piece of Web3 infrastructure. Whether you're new to decentralized identity or looking to streamline your crypto experience, this comprehensive overview will help you understand the value and functionality of ENS.

Understanding the Ethereum Name Service (ENS)

At its core, ENS—or the Ethereum Name Service—is a decentralized domain name system built on the Ethereum blockchain. Much like how DNS (Domain Name System) translates IP addresses (e.g., 192.168.0.1) into readable web URLs like google.com in Web2, ENS maps machine-readable blockchain addresses to easy-to-remember names in Web3.

For example:

• Instead of sending funds to 0xAbC...123, you can send them to alice.eth.
• You can also resolve decentralized websites, link social profiles, or even set custom email addresses under your .eth domain.

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ENS isn’t limited to just cryptocurrency wallets. Users can attach metadata to their domains, including:

• Public Ethereum addresses for multiple blockchains
• Profile pictures (often NFTs)
• Discord, Twitter, and email information
• Website links hosted on IPFS or other decentralized networks

This makes .eth domains not just payment shortcuts but full-fledged digital identities in the decentralized world.

How to Register an ENS Domain

Registering an ENS name is straightforward and accessible to anyone with a Web3 wallet like MetaMask.

1. Visit the official ENS Manager app.
2. Connect your Ethereum-compatible wallet.
3. Search for the .eth name you want (e.g., mywallet.eth).
4. If available, proceed to register it via a yearly subscription model.
5. Complete the transaction by paying a small registration fee in ETH (gas fees apply).

Unlike traditional domains, ENS domains are registered using smart contracts, ensuring full ownership and control without intermediaries. Once registered, only you can manage or transfer the domain—no third-party oversight.

Key Features of ENS Domains

• Decentralized ownership: Full control via private keys.
• Cross-platform compatibility: Works across wallets, explorers (like Etherscan), and dApps.
• Long-term investment potential: Popular short names (e.g., crypto.eth) have resale value in NFT marketplaces.

Bridging Web2 and Web3: DNS Integration with ENS

One of ENS’s most innovative developments is its integration with traditional DNS systems through partnerships like the one with GoDaddy. This allows users to link their existing Web2 domains (e.g., yourbusiness.com) directly to their Web3 identities.

This means:

• Your .com website can point to a decentralized app (dApp) hosted on IPFS.
• Visitors can access your site via both traditional browsers and Web3 gateways.
• No additional gas fees are required for basic DNS linking.

This bridge between Web2 and Web3 lowers the barrier for mainstream adoption, allowing businesses and individuals to maintain their online presence while gradually integrating decentralized technologies.

The $ENS Token and Its Role in Governance

Launched in November 2021, the $ENS token serves as the governance token for the ENS Decentralized Autonomous Organization (DAO). It was distributed through an airdrop to early adopters and contributors, with 25% of the total supply allocated to the community.

While ENS does not charge for token usage in domain registration, holding $ENS grants voting rights on protocol upgrades, treasury management, and future development directions.

$ENS Price Performance Overview

After launching at around $83 during its initial surge, the price stabilized over time. Notable price movements were triggered by key events:

• January 2024: A supportive tweet from Vitalik Buterin caused a 150% spike.
• May 2024: Announcement of major technical upgrades led to an ~80% increase.
• As of mid-2025, $ENS trades between $19 and $28, reflecting growing confidence in its long-term utility.

These market reactions highlight investor sentiment toward ENS as critical Web3 infrastructure.

The Future of ENS: Scaling, Identity, and Innovation

ENS continues to evolve as a cornerstone of decentralized identity. Recent announcements reveal ambitious plans that position ENS at the forefront of Web3 innovation.

Major Upcoming Upgrades

• Migration to Layer 2 (L2): To reduce gas costs and improve scalability, core ENS functions will move off the Ethereum mainnet onto L2 solutions. This shift will make registering and managing domains faster and cheaper.
• Integration with Intercain Protocol: Through collaboration with Intercain, new top-level domains like .box will allow users to create hybrid digital identities—functioning as both Web3 usernames and Web2-compatible email addresses.
• Hierarchical Registration System: Enables organizations to create subdomains (e.g., team.company.eth), enhancing enterprise usability.

Vitalik Buterin has publicly praised ENS as essential infrastructure, stating that “all rollups should support ENS.” This endorsement underscores its strategic importance in scaling Ethereum’s ecosystem.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is ENS safe to use?
A: Yes. ENS runs on Ethereum’s secure blockchain network. As long as you control your private keys, your domain remains under your full ownership.

Q: How much does an ENS domain cost?
A: Annual fees start at $5 for a five-character .eth name, plus gas fees. Shorter or premium names may cost more due to higher demand.

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

Q: Does ENS work outside Ethereum?
A: Yes. While built on Ethereum, ENS supports addresses from over 80 blockchains, including Polygon, Avalanche, and Bitcoin (via text records).

Q: What happens if I don’t renew my ENS domain?
A: After expiration, there’s a 90-day grace period to renew. If unclaimed, the domain becomes available for others to register.

Q: Can I use my ENS name as a website URL?
A: Yes. By linking your domain to content hosted on IPFS or another decentralized storage network, you can access it via browsers like Brave or through .eth.link gateways.

Why ENS Matters for Web3 Adoption

ENS plays a crucial role in making blockchain technology user-friendly. By replacing complex strings with memorable names, it removes friction in everyday crypto interactions—from sending payments to accessing dApps.

As decentralized identity gains traction, ENS stands out as a scalable, open-source standard backed by strong community governance and continuous technical advancement.

Whether you're an individual user seeking simplicity or a developer building the next generation of dApps, adopting ENS today prepares you for tomorrow’s decentralized internet.

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