What is an ENS wallet? Your Web3 identity card and asset management tool

Ethereum Name Service (ENS) wallet can convert lengthy and complex Ethereum addresses into human-readable domain names, such as “yourname.eth,” solving a major usability barrier in the crypto world.

Currently, Ethereum prices are fluctuating continuously. According to Gate行情 data, as of January 23, 2026, its price is $2,948.71. As the governance token of the ENS protocol, the ENS token’s price is closely related to ecosystem development.

What is ENS? The Web3 Naming Revolution

Ethereum Name Service (ENS) is a decentralized domain name system running on the Ethereum blockchain. Its core function is to map machine-readable Ethereum addresses to human-readable names. You can think of ENS as the “phonebook” of the Web3 world. In the traditional internet, we access websites through domain names like “google.com” instead of complex IP addresses.

ENS offers the same convenience but applies to blockchain addresses. It uses a smart contract-based architecture. When a user registers an ENS domain, they are creating an immutable record on the Ethereum blockchain that binds the domain to a specific address. Each ENS domain exists as an NFT (Non-Fungible Token), meaning you truly “own” the domain, not just rent it.

How does ENS work? The core technology of decentralization

The ENS system consists of several key components that work together to ensure secure and reliable operation. The Registry is the core database of ENS, responsible for recording ownership information of all .eth domains. This decentralized ledger ensures transparency and tamper resistance.

Resolvers are smart contracts responsible for converting domain names into corresponding Ethereum addresses. When someone sends cryptocurrency to “yourname.eth,” the resolver automatically retrieves the correct address.

The ENS workflow begins with users registering domains via the official app (such as app.ens.domains). After successful registration, users can associate their domain with one or more blockchain addresses, and even add social media info, website links, and other personal data.

It’s worth noting that ENS not only supports Ethereum addresses but can also link to various other crypto addresses, including Bitcoin, Litecoin, etc., truly achieving cross-chain identity unification.

ENS vs. DNS: Comparing the old and new naming systems

While ENS draws inspiration from the traditional DNS (Domain Name System), there are fundamental differences. Traditional DNS relies on centralized registration authorities, where users merely rent domain usage rights; ENS, based on Ethereum’s decentralized protocol, grants users direct ownership of domains stored as NFTs.

The table below clearly shows the key differences between ENS wallet names and traditional domain names:

The decentralized nature of ENS gives it advantages of censorship resistance and permissionless use. Your domain cannot be confiscated, suspended, or censored by any central authority. As long as you hold the private key, you have full control over this digital identity.

Why do you need an ENS wallet? Solving core pain points

Before ENS, crypto users faced a significant problem: long and complex wallet addresses that are hard to remember and share. These lengthy strings are prone to errors, and a mistake could result in permanent loss of funds.

ENS wallets greatly simplify crypto transactions by providing human-readable addresses. Imagine no longer needing to copy and paste 40-character addresses—just tell your friends “send to alice.eth.” This simplification is crucial for mainstream adoption of cryptocurrencies.

Beyond convenience, ENS domains also serve as portable digital identities in the Web3 world. This identity can be used across platforms, maintaining consistency in decentralized applications, NFT marketplaces, and blockchain networks without relying on centralized accounts.

For businesses and creators, ENS offers branding opportunities. Companies can register .eth names related to their brands, build credibility, prevent impersonation, and streamline payment processes.

Registration Guide: Five steps to own your ENS domain

Registering an ENS domain has become quite straightforward, even for blockchain newcomers. The first step is to prepare a compatible Ethereum wallet, such as MetaMask, Coinbase Wallet, or Trust Wallet. Ensure the wallet’s security and keep your recovery phrase safe.

Second, buy a small amount of ETH and deposit it into your wallet to pay for registration fees and network transaction costs. All ENS transactions are executed on the Ethereum network and settled in ETH.

Third, visit the official ENS app at app.ens.domains and connect your Ethereum wallet. Use the search function to find available domains and choose your preferred name.

Fourth, complete the registration transaction. The system will display the registration fee (usually around $5-10 per year plus variable Gas fees) and the holding period. Confirm the purchase and sign the transaction in your wallet.

Fifth, manage your ENS domain. After successful registration, you can link multiple blockchain addresses, create subdomains (like payments.yourname.eth), and even add personal profile information.

Market ecosystem and future outlook

The ENS ecosystem has already achieved widespread integration. Major wallets like MetaMask support ENS domain recognition and display, enhancing user transaction experience. DeFi platforms and NFT marketplaces also generally accept ENS addresses, allowing users to replace complex addresses with easy-to-remember names.

ENS’s decentralized autonomous organization (DAO) is managed by ENS token holders. Token holders can vote on protocol upgrades, fee adjustments, and other key decisions, ensuring the protocol develops according to community consensus. This governance model embodies the core spirit of Web3: control by users rather than centralized entities.

As Web3 continues to evolve, ENS domains are expected to become standard identity markers in blockchain applications, much like email addresses in the traditional internet. They are not just convenience tools but also digital assets, identity symbols, and portals.

Open your crypto wallet—those long, headache-inducing addresses are being replaced by simple identifiers like “myname.eth.” Millions of ENS domains have already been registered on the Ethereum network. They are more than just labels for simplifying transactions; behind each .eth suffix is a self-controlled digital identity, a true Web3 portal owned by the user. When someone asks for your crypto address, you can confidently give a short, memorable name instead of a cold string of characters.