Getting Started with Handshake Domains in 2026

Ready to claim your piece of the decentralized internet? Getting started with Handshake is easier than ever. This guide covers how to resolve Handshake domains, acquire your first TLD, and launch a decentralized website.

1. Resolving Handshake Domains

Because Handshake operates alongside legacy ICANN DNS, you need a resolver configured to access .hns and custom root TLDs.

Option A: Fingertip (Recommended for Desktop)

Fingertip runs a lightweight, trustless resolver locally on your machine. It validates DNSSEC cryptographically straight from the Handshake blockchain.

Option B: Handshake DNS (HDNS)

Change your system DNS settings to use public Handshake resolvers:
- Primary DNS: 103.196.38.38
- Secondary DNS: 103.196.38.39

Option C: DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH)

In your browser (Brave, Firefox, Chrome), enable custom DNS-over-HTTPS and enter:

https://doh.hns.au/dns-query

2. Acquiring Your Handshake Name

Handshake top-level domains are auctioned directly on-chain using the native cryptocurrency (HNS).

Wallets: Download a Handshake wallet such as Bob Wallet or FireWallet.
On-Chain Auctions: Search for available names. Names undergo a Vickrey-style auction where bidders submit blind bids and reveals.
Secondary Markets: You can also trade or buy existing names directly on decentralized platforms like Shakedex or Namebase.

3. Configuring DNS Records & Hosting

Once you control your name:

Add DNS Records: Point NS (Nameserver) or A / AAAA / CNAME records to your web hosting server or decentralized storage (IPFS / Arweave / Sia).
Setup DANE / TLSA: Generate cryptographic certificates with TLSA records so your website has end-to-end encrypted HTTPS without needing third-party CAs.
Launch Your Site: Your website is now live and permanently accessible across the decentralized web!

Useful Resources

Handshake.org — Protocol specifications and documentation
HNSAU — Australian Handshake community hub
OwnTheDot — Promoting true domain ownership