The world of Bitcoin and web3 is evolving rapidly, and with it comes the need for simpler, more user-friendly tools. One such innovation transforming how users interact with blockchain addresses is the Bitcoin Name Service (BNS). If you've ever struggled to remember or share a long, complex Bitcoin wallet address, BNS offers a powerful solution by replacing those strings of characters with easy-to-remember .btc domain names.
This guide dives deep into what BNS is, how .btc domains function on the Bitcoin blockchain, and a step-by-step walkthrough on acquiring your own .btc name. Whether you're new to web3 or an experienced crypto user, understanding BNS can significantly enhance your digital identity and transaction experience.
What Is the Bitcoin Name Service?
Bitcoin Name Service (BNS) is a decentralized naming system built on the Bitcoin blockchain through the Stacks network. It allows users to register human-readable .btc usernames—like alice.btc—that map directly to their cryptographic wallet addresses.
Think of BNS as the web3 phonebook: instead of typing in long alphanumeric wallet addresses (e.g., 1A1zP1eP5QGefi2DMPTfTL5SLmv7DivfNa), you can simply use a memorable .btc name to send and receive assets securely.
While traditional web2 systems like the Domain Name System (DNS) rely on centralized servers controlled by institutions, BNS operates in a trustless, censorship-resistant environment powered by peer-to-peer networks. This ensures that no single entity controls or can revoke your domain without your consent.
Each .btc name registered via BNS has three core attributes:
- Universally unique: No two users can own the same name.
- Human-meaningful: Names are readable and recognizable, enhancing usability.
- Strongly owned: You retain full control through cryptographic ownership—no intermediaries.
BNS leverages Bitcoin’s unmatched security while enabling dynamic functionality via Clarity smart contracts on the Stacks layer. This integration allows seamless interactions with STX tokens, Bitcoin-based NFTs, and decentralized applications (dApps), making it a cornerstone of the emerging Bitcoin-powered web3 ecosystem.
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How Do .BTC Domains Work?
A .btc domain is not just a nickname—it's a blockchain-based non-fungible token (NFT) recorded on the Bitcoin ledger via the Stacks network. These domains are secured by Bitcoin's proof-of-work consensus while being managed through programmable smart contracts written in Clarity.
When you register a .btc name, ownership is permanently recorded as a hash on the Bitcoin blockchain, ensuring transparency and immutability. Unlike traditional domains, there’s no central registrar; instead, a decentralized smart contract governs all registrations and updates.
The Architecture of BNS Names
.BTC domains are structured in a three-layer hierarchy:
- Namespaces
These sit at the top level—similar to.comor.orgin DNS—but anyone can create a namespace without owning it. For example,.btcitself is a namespace. - BNS Names
These are individual domain names (e.g.,jane.btc) that are permanently written to the blockchain once registered. Their existence depends on an active namespace. - Subdomains
Subdomains likeblog.jane.btcare stored off-chain and managed independently. They can be assigned different private keys, allowing for granular access control across services or teams.
Each .btc name also supports Decentralized Identifiers (DIDs)—a W3C-standard format for self-sovereign identity. This means your .btc domain can serve as a universal digital ID across multiple platforms, linking not only to wallet addresses but also email, social profiles, or verifiable credentials.
Because BNS runs on Stacks, every transaction involving domain registration or transfer is synchronized across the global network of Stacks nodes, ensuring consistency and resilience.
How to Buy a .BTC Domain
Acquiring a .btc domain is straightforward—but requires a few essential tools and steps. Here’s everything you need to know to claim your digital identity on Bitcoin.
Step 1: Set Up a Compatible Wallet
To interact with BNS, you’ll need a wallet that supports Stacks and .btc domains. The two most popular options are:
- Hiro Wallet
- Xverse Wallet
Both are non-custodial wallets that give you full control over your keys and allow seamless interaction with BNS marketplaces.
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Step 2: Acquire STX Tokens
All .btc domain purchases require STX (Stacks token). Registering a new domain costs 2 STX, plus a small transaction fee (gas). You can buy STX on major exchanges like OKX, Coinbase, or Kraken, then transfer it to your Hiro or Xverse wallet.
Step 3: Search and Register Your Domain
- Visit https://btc.us — the primary interface for registering
.btcnames. - Enter your desired name in the search bar.
A pop-up will display:
- Whether the name is available
- Registration cost (2 STX)
- Duration (5 years)
If available, proceed by connecting your Stacks-compatible wallet.
Step 4: Complete the Purchase
After logging in with your wallet:
- Confirm the registration details
- Approve the transaction (2 STX + gas fee)
- Wait for confirmation on-chain
Once completed, your .btc domain will appear in your wallet under "Names." From there, you can manage records, link services, or even create subdomains.
Note: While new registrations last five years, you can renew before expiration. There’s no automatic renewal—you must manually extend ownership.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is BNS part of the Bitcoin blockchain?
A: Yes—while BNS operates through smart contracts on Stacks, all critical data (like ownership hashes) is anchored to the Bitcoin blockchain, leveraging its security.
Q: Can I sell my .btc domain?
A: Absolutely. Like NFTs, .btc domains are transferable and can be sold on secondary markets such as Gamma.io or Hey.xyz.
Q: What happens if I lose access to my wallet?
A: Since BNS is decentralized, there’s no recovery option. Protect your seed phrase carefully—losing it means losing access to your domain permanently.
Q: Can I use my .btc name outside Stacks?
A: Increasingly yes. Many dApps and wallets now support .btc names for payments and logins, thanks to DID compatibility.
Q: Are there renewal fees after 5 years?
A: Yes—when your registration expires, you must renew by paying another 2 STX to maintain ownership.
Q: Can I create subdomains for others?
A: Yes! Subdomains can be delegated to different keys, making them ideal for teams or projects under one primary .btc identity.
Why .BTC Domains Matter for Web3 Identity
In an era where digital identity is paramount, .btc domains represent more than convenience—they signify ownership, autonomy, and permanence in a decentralized world.
From simplifying payments to serving as verifiable credentials, .btc names empower users to build persistent identities anchored in Bitcoin’s immutable ledger. As adoption grows among developers, creators, and enterprises, these domains could become foundational elements of the next-generation internet.
Whether you’re securing your personal brand or launching a decentralized project, claiming a .btc domain today positions you at the forefront of Bitcoin’s expanding web3 frontier.
👉 See how early adopters are using blockchain domains to redefine online identity.