What is ENS (.eth names)?
Readable names like alice.eth instead of long 0x… addresses.
ENS, the Ethereum Name Service, lets you register a readable name such as alice.eth and point it at your wallet address, like a domain name for crypto. Others can send to alice.eth instead of a 42-character 0x address. Names are rented by the year and recorded on Ethereum.
How it works
- You register a name ending in
.ethfor a yearly fee, paid in ETH. - The name is recorded on Ethereum and can point to your wallet address, other networks' addresses, a website and profile details.
- Wallets that support ENS let people type the name instead of the address.
- .eth names are NFTs, so they can be transferred or sold. If you stop renewing, the name eventually becomes available to others.
ENS launched in 2017 and is run by a DAO; its separate governance token is also called ENS.
Be careful
Scammers register names that look almost the same as real ones (an extra letter or a look-alike character). A name is only a pointer: always check the resolved address in your wallet before sending a large amount.
Frequently asked questions
What does ENS stand for?
Ethereum Name Service.
Do I need an ENS name?
No. It's a convenience. Your normal address works everywhere.
Where to next
Sources
Written for beginners and checked against the sources listed. Last reviewed October 26, 2026. This page is educational and is not financial, tax or legal advice. How we write and check pages.