Prerequisites
Before beginning the process of transferring an ENS domain, ensure you have the following tools at hand. This includes 📝:
- A current Ethereum wallet: This is the wallet containing the ENS domain that you want to transfer.
- A new Ethereum wallet: This is the wallet to which you want to transfer the ENS domain.
- Access to the ENS domain manager: This is where you’ll manage your ENS domain settings and perform the transfer (app.ens.domains).
Note that ENS domains work as non-fungible tokens (NFTs), so transferring ownership is similar to transferring other NFTs 🏷️.
🛑 Attention: Simply sending the ENS domain NFT to the other wallet will only transfer the Registrant but not the Controller role of the domain. The controller manages ENS records and subdomains, while the registrant controls the controller address and registration transfers. Roughly speaking, the registrant is more powerful than the controller. But the controller is the address that gets the assets! For example, if the controller of domain aaa.eth has address 0x123 and the registrant has address 0x456 and you send funds to aaa.eth, the controller will get those funds but the registrant has ultimate control if they choose to.
Make sure you have control over both the current and new Ethereum wallets.
With these prerequisites in place, you are well-prepared to proceed with the transfer ✅. Just follow the steps in the subsequent sections and your ENS domain will soon be transferred to your new Ethereum wallet.
Connecting Wallet
Before transferring your ENS domain, connect your wallet to the platform you’ll be using for the process. This is typically done on the ENS Domain Manager or other compatible platforms like Coinbase Wallet and MetaMask.
First, visit the chosen platform’s website or open its app and log in using your wallet credentials. Most platforms support popular wallets like MetaMask or Coinbase Wallet. 😊
Once you’ve logged in, navigate to the settings or account section of the platform. Here, you should find an option to connect your wallet. Select the option and follow the on-screen instructions to complete your wallet connection. Some platforms may require additional verification steps, such as providing password authentication or approving the connection from your connected wallet. 🌐
After successfully connecting your wallet, you should have access to your ENS domain and be ready to transfer it to a new wallet. Connecting your wallet is a crucial step in transferring your ENS domain, as it ensures the proper ownership and control of your domain during the process. 👍
Finding ENS Domain
In order to transfer an ENS domain, the first step is finding the desired domain. Fortunately, there are user-friendly tools that make this process simple and efficient. 😊
The ENS Domain Manager application can be used for finding and managing domains. Simply visit the application and search for the desired domain to check its availability.
Once the domain is found, users can view additional details, such as the current owner, registration process, and more. The ENS domain system also offers compatibility with IPFS by including hashes in the domain records. This feature enables decentralized websites to be hosted seamlessly. 🌍
In order to complete domain-related actions smoothly, it is essential to have an Ethereum wallet connected, such as MetaMask. This connection allows for proper authentication and execution of transactions in the Ethereum Name Service ecosystem. 🦊
What is the Difference Between a Registrant and a Controller?
The distinction between a Registrant and a Controller in an Ethereum Name Service (ENS) allows for a more efficient management of domain names 😊. To understand their roles, let’s start with a brief explanation of each.
A Registrant is the person or entity to whom the domain is registered 📝. They are the ultimate owner of the domain and have complete control over it. The Registrant can transfer ownership to another account or a smart contract that manages subdomains, records, and more, while still being able to recover ownership if needed (ENS Documentation).
On the other hand, a Controller is someone who has been delegated with day-to-day control over the domain by the Registrant 🔑. This role can change the resolver and add or edit records. Some applications, like Fleek and OpenSea, set themselves as the Controller to update records on behalf of the Registrant (ENS App). A Controller’s role is similar to the operator of DNS servers for a domain name that is registered with a domain registrar like GoDaddy (Reddit ethdev).
The Registrant has the ultimate control over the name, while the Controller is responsible for handling everyday operations. Separating these roles makes it easier to build automated systems to update ENS efficiently and provide more flexibility in domain management 🚀.
Also note that even if you have moved the registrant and the controller to the new wallet address. The “Records” field of your ENS has an entry for ETH addresses that may still point to the old address causing the Ethereum explorers still believe that your_domain.eth points to the old wallet address.
But you can change it easily in the ENS dashboard:
Initiating Transfer Process
You can transfer the ENS domain to a new wallet in three steps:
Step 1: Connect your wallet that has both registrant and controller roles to the ENS website.
Step 2: Transfer the Registrant role by clicking the first Transfer button and confirming the transaction proposed by your wallet. This will cost some ETH fees because it is recorded in the blockchain. Make sure you have some ETH in your wallet for fees!
Step 3: Transfer the Controller role by clicking the second Transfer button and confirming the transaction.
Now you’re done! The new wallet address now has the ENS NFT and both the controller and registrant roles. ✅
Verifying Transfer
After completing the process of transferring your ENS domain, it’s important to verify that the transfer has been successfully executed 🔍. This section will guide you through the steps to make sure everything went smoothly.
First and foremost, check your new wallet and make sure it now displays the transferred ENS domain (as an NFT). If the domain is visible, it’s a clear indication that the transfer has been successful 👍. However, if the domain is not visible, do not panic; it might take a few minutes for the changes to reflect on the blockchain. Just give it some time ⏳.
In case you still cannot see the domain in the new wallet after a reasonable waiting period, head back to the ENS App and enter your ENS domain name in the search bar. This will provide you with detailed information, including the current Registrant and Controller addresses 🕵️♂️. Verify that these two addresses match the new wallet address that you intended to transfer the domain to. If they match, then the transfer has been successful, and you just need to wait a bit longer for your new wallet to reflect the changes.
You can also verify on an Ethereum blockchain explorer such as https://etherscan.io/ (see previous graphic).
Remember to keep track of any errors or irregularities you encounter during the process. In the rare case that you experience an issue that you cannot resolve, consider reaching out to the ENS support team or community forums for assistance 🤝. They’re always ready to help you with any problems related to ENS domain transfers.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
When transferring an ENS domain, users may encounter some common issues. In this section, we’ll discuss a few of these problems and provide solutions to help make the process smoother. 😊
One common issue is forgetting to change the Controller of the domain. The controller is the account that manages day-to-day operations of the domain, such as creating subdomains and setting resolvers 💻. To resolve this, visit the ENS Domain Manager in your wallet and update the controller address.
Another issue that may arise is the inability to transfer the domain due to it being locked 🔒. This can occur if the domain is involved in a dispute or if it has been involved in illegal activities. To resolve this, contact the ENS administrators or an appropriate legal process for assistance.
Users might also face challenges in maintaining anonymity while transferring a domain. To maintain privacy, it is recommended to use an anonymous wallet or take additional steps like holding a fake sale on OpenSea and keeping the new address segregated from KYC services 🕵️♂️. More details can be found here.
Lastly, technical difficulties may occur while using the ENS Domain Manager. In such cases, ensure that you are using an updated browser version 🌐, have a stable internet connection 📶, and consider trying a different browser or device if issues persist.
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