Your journey through the digital world has always relied on addresses you don’t truly own, an email from Google, a handle from Twitter, a URL from a domain registrar. Web3 introduces a fundamental shift with user-owned digital identity, and at the heart of this movement are Web3 domains. These are not just website addresses; they are human-readable names for your blockchain wallet, a single identifier for all your crypto assets. This guide will serve as your web3 address guide, walking you through how to buy, manage, and use the two leading services: the Ethereum Name Service and Unstoppable Domains.
Think of a Web3 domain as a personal nametag for the decentralized internet. Instead of sharing a long, complex string of letters and numbers like “0x742d35Cc6634C0532925a3b844Bc9e0…” you can simply tell someone to send funds to “yourname.eth” or “yourname.crypto.” This simplifies transactions immensely and reduces the risk of costly errors. But ownership is the key differentiator. When you purchase a Web3 domain, you receive a non-fungible token that represents your exclusive right to that name. It’s stored in your wallet, not on a company’s server, giving you full control. This ENS domain tutorial will clarify the process and help you claim your piece of digital real estate.
Also Read: How to Buy Ethereum: The Complete Beginner’s Guide
Choosing Your Platform: ENS vs. Unstoppable Domains
The first step in your web3 address guide is understanding the two major players. While both serve a similar core function, their models and ecosystems differ.
The Ethereum Name Service is a decentralized, open-source protocol built on the Ethereum blockchain. It is governed by a DAO of ENS token holders. When you register an ENS name (ending in .eth), you are effectively leasing it for a period of time. You pay an annual registration fee, which varies based on the name’s length and popularity. Its primary strength is deep integration within the Ethereum ecosystem. It is the native standard for simplifying Ethereum addresses and is widely supported by wallets, DeFi platforms, and NFT marketplaces.
Unstoppable Domains operates on a slightly different model. It is a company that sells domain names as NFTs on multiple blockchains, including Polygon and Ethereum. Its popular extensions include .crypto, .x, and .nft. The key difference is that you pay a one-time fee to own the domain name forever, with no annual renewal. Unstoppable Domains focuses heavily on building a browser-resolvable decentralized website, allowing you to host a censorship-resistant website linked directly to your domain.
For most users seeking a simple, permanent wallet alias, Unstoppable’s one-time purchase is appealing. For those deeply engaged in the Ethereum ecosystem who want to participate in a decentralized governance system, ENS is the native choice.
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A Step-by-Step ENS Domain Tutorial
Let’s walk through the practical process of acquiring an ENS name, as it involves a few more steps that are common to many Web3 interactions.
First, you’ll need a Web3 wallet like MetaMask with some ETH to cover the registration fee and network gas costs. Navigate to the official ENS app website. In the search bar, type the name you desire (e.g., “yourname”). The app will show you if it’s available and display the annual registration cost.
If the name is available, you will begin the registration process. This involves three transactions that your wallet will prompt you to confirm. The first commits your registration request, the second reveals it to the network after a short wait (to prevent front-running), and the third officially registers the name and sets your wallet as the owner and controller. Once complete, you own the .eth domain NFT in your wallet.
The crucial next step is to set your records. Go to the “My Account” section on the ENS app. Here, you can link your .eth name to your cryptocurrency addresses. Under the “Records” tab, you can add your Ethereum address, Bitcoin address, and even other blockchain addresses. You can also add profile records like an avatar, email, or website link. This makes your ENS name a unified identity across chains and applications.
Also Read: CEX vs DEX: Which Crypto Exchange Is Right for You?
Using Your New Web3 Address
Once your domain is registered and configured, the utility begins. As a wallet alias, you can now receive any supported cryptocurrency by simply giving someone your .eth or .crypto name. They enter it into their wallet’s send field, and it resolves to your long public address automatically.
For ENS names, you can also set it as your primary “reverse record.” This means when someone looks up your wallet’s public address on a block explorer, it will display your human-readable ENS name instead, adding a layer of identity and professionalism.
If you purchased an Unstoppable Domain with the goal of a decentralized website, you can use their builder or upload traditional website files to the InterPlanetary File System. When someone uses a browser extension like the Unstoppable extension or a native Web3 browser, they can type in “yourname.crypto” to view your site directly, hosted peer-to-peer.
This web3 address guide is your starting point for a more seamless and owned digital identity. By securing a Web3 domain, you move beyond being a user of platforms to being an owner of your own namespace on the blockchain. It is a fundamental step in taking control of your presence in the decentralized future, making interactions simpler, safer, and truly yours.
