How to buy an ENS domain in 2023? A simple guide

ENS stands for Ethereum Name Service, which is a decentralized system that allows you to register human-readable names for your Ethereum addresses, such as alice.eth or bob.crypto. ENS domains can also be used to access decentralized websites, store metadata, and interact with smart contracts. In this article, I will show you how to buy an ENS domain in 2023, using the latest tools and platforms.

Step 1: Choose a name

The first step is to choose a name that you want to register as your ENS domain. You can use any alphanumeric characters, as well as some symbols like ., -, and _. The name must be at least 3 characters long, and it must be available. You can check the availability of a name using the ENS app (https://app.ens.domains/) or any other ENS-compatible service.

Step 2: Connect your wallet

The next step is to connect your wallet to the ENS app or service that you are using. You will need a wallet that supports Ethereum and ENS, such as MetaMask, Coinbase Wallet, or Rainbow. You will also need some ETH in your wallet to pay for the registration fee and the gas fee. The registration fee depends on the length and popularity of the name, and it can range from a few dollars to thousands of dollars. The gas fee is the network fee that you pay to execute the transaction on the Ethereum blockchain, and it varies depending on the network congestion.

Step 3: Place a bid

Once you have chosen a name and connected your wallet, you can place a bid for the name. The bidding process is different depending on the type of name that you are registering. There are two types of names: .eth names and subdomain names.

.eth names are the top-level domains that end with .eth, such as alice.eth or bob.eth. These names are auctioned off using a blind auction system, which means that you don't know how much other bidders are offering for the same name. To place a bid for a .eth name, you have to specify the amount of ETH that you are willing to pay, and also deposit some extra ETH as a security deposit. The security deposit is refunded if you reveal your bid or withdraw your bid before the auction ends. The auction lasts for 3 days, and during this time you can increase your bid or withdraw your bid. After the auction ends, you have to reveal your bid within 2 days, otherwise you will lose your deposit and your bid. The highest bidder wins the name and pays the second-highest bid plus a small annual fee. The annual fee is 5% of the registration fee, and it is paid in ETH or any ERC20 token.

Subdomain names are the domains that are derived from .eth names, such as alice.bob.eth or bob.crypto.eth. These names are not auctioned off, but rather sold by the owner of the parent .eth name. To buy a subdomain name, you have to contact the owner of the parent .eth name and agree on a price and a payment method. The owner can then transfer the subdomain name to your address using the ENS app or service that they are using.

Step 4: Confirm your registration

The final step is to confirm your registration and set up your ENS domain. You can do this using the ENS app or service that you used to buy the name. You can configure various settings for your ENS domain, such as:

- The resolver: This is the smart contract that handles the queries for your ENS domain. You can use the default resolver provided by ENS, or choose a custom resolver that supports additional features.

- The records: These are the key-value pairs that store information about your ENS domain, such as your Ethereum address, IPFS hash, email address, etc. You can add or edit any records that you want using the ENS app or service.

- The controller: This is the address that has permission to change the resolver and the records of your ENS domain. You can set this to your own address, or delegate it to another address that you trust.

Congratulations! You have successfully bought an ENS domain in 2023. You can now use it to simplify your Ethereum transactions, access decentralized websites, and showcase your identity on the blockchain.

**Title: How to Quickly Secure an ENS Domain in 2023**

**Introduction: ENS Simplifies Cryptocurrency Addresses**

Cryptocurrency wallet addresses on the Ethereum blockchain are notoriously complex and unfriendly to the average user. Imagine sending funds to something like "0xd0eAf74B8c5bF457C7a81c3fe277aDb6Ed32DCF4" instead of a simple domain name like "coingecko.eth." This is where the Ethereum Name Service (ENS) steps in. ENS provides a user-friendly bridge, allowing you to link human-readable domain names to Ethereum wallet addresses. In this guide, we'll show you how to quickly secure an ENS domain for yourself.

**Step 1: Prepare What You Need**

Before you start, make sure you have the following:

- A supported cryptocurrency wallet.

- At least $50 worth of ETH in your wallet to cover registration fees (1 year registration + gas fees).

**Step 2: Access ENS**

Visit the ENS platform at [https://app.ens.domains/](https://app.ens.domains/).

**Step 3: Search for Your Desired .eth Name**

Search for the .eth domain name you want to own. If it's already registered, you can check its details, including the ownership expiry date. If it's available, proceed to the next step.

**Step 4: Choose Your Registration Period**

Select the number of years you want to own the name (minimum 1 year). Note that gas fees remain the same whether you register for 1 year or 10.

**Step 5: Connect Your Wallet and Start Registration**

Click "Connect" and a MetaMask box will appear. Select your preferred gas fee (usually, the default "Average" setting works fine). Click "Confirm" to approve the transaction.

**Step 6: Wait and Confirm**

Stay on the page and wait for the registration process to complete. Afterward, wait for another minute to ensure no one else is trying to register the same name. A green progress bar will indicate the process. Once the waiting time is up, you'll see an orange prompt to "Click register to move to the 3rd step."

**Step 7: Complete Registration**

Click the blue "Register" button, submit the transaction, and once confirmed, your ENS domain is registered. But there's one last step.

**Step 8: Set a Resolver**

Click "Manage Name" to set your ENS records and link your old address to your new ENS name. Under "Resolver," select "Use Public Resolver," then click "Save" and confirm the transaction to store your changes.

**Step 9: Link Your Old Address to Your New ENS Name**

Under "Records," select "Address" from the drop-down menu and paste your address in the field. Click "Save" and wait for the transaction to complete.

**Bonus: Use ENS with Other Coins**

You can also link other cryptocurrency addresses like BTC, LTC, DOGE, and more. Under "Records," choose "Other Addresses," select your desired coin, enter the correct address, and click "Save."

**Conclusion: Explore More Options**

ENS domains offer convenience, but there are other blockchain domain options, such as Unstoppable Domains. You can even trade your domain name as an NFT on platforms like OpenSea. If you're into domain trading, check out popular ENS categories and their trading volume before making your purchase decision.

With ENS, you've simplified your crypto experience, making transactions easier and more intuitive.