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Getting Started with Handshake Domains: A Complete Guide

January 5, 2025 7 min read Tutorial, Getting Started

Ready to claim your stake in the decentralized web? This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to register, configure, and use your first Handshake domain. Whether you're launching a web3 project or establishing your digital identity, we'll get you up and running.

Before You Begin: What You'll Need

To get started with Handshake domains, you'll need:

  • A compatible registrar account (we recommend Porkbun for .3dom domains)
  • Basic understanding of domains and DNS (helpful but not required)
  • A clear idea of the domain name you want
  • Payment method (cryptocurrency or traditional payment depending on registrar)

First-Timer Tip: Start by searching for your desired domain name before creating an account. This helps you verify availability and plan your purchase.

Step 1: Choose Your Domain Name

Finding the Perfect Name

Your domain name is your identity in the web3 space. Choose wisely by considering:

  • Memorability: Short, easy to spell, and pronounceable names work best
  • Relevance: Reflect your project, brand, or personal identity
  • Future-proofing: Choose a name that can grow with your project
  • Availability: Check if the name is available across social media too

For .3dom specifically, consider names that emphasize freedom, decentralization, or web3 themes:

  • yourproject.3dom - Simple and direct
  • crypto.3dom - Industry-specific
  • yourname.3dom - Personal branding
  • dao.3dom - Community-focused

Step 2: Search for Availability

Using the Search Tool

Our .3dom search tool makes finding available domains easy:

  1. Visit the .3dom page
  2. Enter your desired name in the search box (without the .3dom extension)
  3. Click "Search" to check availability
  4. If available, you'll see registration options
  5. If taken, try variations or alternative names

Pro Tip: If your first choice is taken, try adding descriptive words, using hyphens, or choosing a different combination that maintains your brand identity.

Step 3: Register Your Domain

Completing Registration

Once you've found an available domain:

  1. Create an account: Sign up with your chosen registrar (Porkbun for .3dom)
  2. Add to cart: Select your domain and add it to your cart
  3. Review details: Double-check the domain name for typos
  4. Complete payment: Process your initial registration payment
  5. Confirmation: You'll receive confirmation via email

Important: .3dom domains require annual renewals to maintain ownership. Make sure to keep your payment information current and enable auto-renewal if available. Also secure your account credentials—losing access to your registrar account means losing access to manage your domain.

Step 4: Configure Your Domain

After registration, you need to configure your domain to point to your content. Here's how:

Option A: Point to a Website (Traditional Hosting)

Setting Up DNS Records

To point your domain to a traditional web server:

  1. Log into your registrar control panel
  2. Navigate to DNS settings for your domain
  3. Add an A record pointing to your server's IP address:
    Type: A
    Host: @ (or leave blank)
    Value: Your.Server.IP.Address
    TTL: 3600 (or default)
  4. Save changes and wait for DNS propagation (usually 1-24 hours)

Option B: Point to IPFS (Decentralized Hosting)

Connecting to IPFS

For truly decentralized hosting using IPFS:

  1. Upload your website to IPFS and get your content hash (CID)
  2. In your domain's DNS settings, add a TXT record:
    Type: TXT
    Host: _dnslink
    Value: dnslink=/ipfs/YOUR_IPFS_HASH
    TTL: 3600
  3. Optionally, add a CNAME record pointing to an IPFS gateway
  4. Save and test using an IPFS-compatible browser or gateway

Option C: Blockchain Records

You can also add blockchain-specific records for cryptocurrency addresses, decentralized identities, and more. Check your registrar's documentation for supported record types.

Step 5: Access Your Domain

Viewing Your Handshake Domain

Handshake domains require special resolution. Here are your options:

Browser Extensions

  • Fingertip (Chrome/Brave): Easy-to-use extension for Handshake resolution
  • HDNS: Another popular Handshake resolver extension

Native Browser Support

  • Brave Browser: Built-in Handshake support (enable in settings)
  • Puma Browser: Mobile browser with native Handshake support

System-Level Resolution

For advanced users, you can configure your operating system to resolve Handshake domains natively by running your own Handshake node or using a Handshake resolver.

Step 6: Share Your Domain

Now that your domain is live, let people know how to access it:

  • Specify browser requirements: Let visitors know they need Handshake support
  • Provide gateway links: Offer alternative access through gateways for traditional browsers
  • Educational content: Include a brief guide on accessing Handshake domains
  • Social media: Share your new domain across your channels

Growth Strategy: As Handshake adoption grows, native browser support will improve. Early adopters are positioning themselves for when Handshake becomes mainstream.

Advanced Configuration

Email Setup

You can configure email for your Handshake domain using standard MX records:

Type: MX
Priority: 10
Host: @
Value: mail.yourprovider.com

Subdomains

Create subdomains for different services:

  • blog.yourdomain.3dom - Your blog
  • app.yourdomain.3dom - Your application
  • docs.yourdomain.3dom - Documentation

Add subdomains using A records with the subdomain name as the host.

SSL/TLS Certificates

For HTTPS, you'll need an SSL certificate. Options include:

  • Traditional certificate authorities (if they support Handshake)
  • Self-signed certificates for development
  • Decentralized certificate solutions as they emerge

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Domain Not Resolving

  • Check DNS propagation time (can take up to 24 hours)
  • Verify your browser/extension supports Handshake
  • Confirm DNS records are correctly configured
  • Try clearing your DNS cache

Configuration Not Working

  • Double-check record types and values for typos
  • Ensure TTL values are appropriate
  • Contact registrar support if issues persist

Security Reminder: Never share your private keys or account credentials. Keep secure backups of important account information in case you need to recover access.

Next Steps

Congratulations! You now have a functioning Handshake domain. Here's what to do next:

  1. Build your presence: Create compelling content for your domain
  2. Join the community: Connect with other Handshake users
  3. Stay informed: Follow Handshake development and ecosystem growth
  4. Explore additional features: Experiment with advanced configurations
  5. Consider additional domains: Secure related names for your brand

Ready to Get Your .3dom Domain?

Start your web3 journey today with a memorable .3dom domain

Search Available Domains →

Resources and Further Learning

To deepen your understanding of Handshake and web3 domains:

  • Official Handshake documentation and whitepaper
  • Community forums and Discord channels
  • Tutorial videos and written guides
  • Developer resources for building on Handshake

Conclusion

Getting started with Handshake domains might seem complex at first, but it's a straightforward process once you understand the steps. By choosing a .3dom domain, you're not just getting a web address—you're claiming ownership of a piece of the decentralized internet.

As browser support improves and the ecosystem grows, early adopters of Handshake domains will be well-positioned to benefit from the shift toward decentralized naming systems. Welcome to the future of the internet!