Buying a .BTC domain sounds exciting until you actually try it. With so many platforms, confusing steps, and risks involved, it’s easy to feel stuck or stressed. If you’ve ever thought, “I want one, but I have no idea where to start,” you’re not alone.
According to a report by Dune Analytics, over 300,000 .BTC domains were registered just last year. Plus, CryptoSlate says 45% of new buyers now prefer blockchain domains like .BTC for better security and true ownership. It’s clear: .BTC domains aren’t just a trend, they’re the future.
That’s why knowing exactly how to buy one matters. A few smart choices now can save you time, money, and a lot of headaches later.
In this guide, I’ll show you the best ways to buy .BTC domain, explain how they work, share tips for choosing the right one, list the top platforms, and walk you through a simple step-by-step process. We’ll also talk about pros and cons, security tips, and answer all your burning questions at the end.
How .BTC Domains Work
.BTC domains are part of the Bitcoin Name System (BNS), built on the Bitcoin blockchain via Stacks (STX). These domains act like human-readable wallet addresses and online identities, letting you link your crypto wallet or decentralized profile directly to a name (e.g., mrvyas.btc). Because they’re stored on the blockchain, they offer decentralization, ownership, and censorship resistance.
Tips for Choosing the Right .BTC Domain
- Keep it Short & Memorable: Go for simple, easy-to-type names, think mrvyas.btc instead of mrvyasidea.btc.
- Align With Your Identity: Choose a name that reflects you or your brand (personal, business, or creative).
- Avoid Trademarks: Stay clear of brand names or copyrighted terms to avoid legal issues.
- Check Availability: Search and register through platforms like btc.us, Gamma, or Byzantion.
- Think Long-Term: Pick a name that grows with you, whether you’re building a brand, blog, or NFT profile.
Top 2 Platforms to Buy .BTC Domain Names
Buying a .BTC domain is easier than ever, thanks to a growing number of user-friendly platforms. Below are the top places where you can browse, buy, and manage .BTC domains securely, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced Web3 user.
1. Using Stacks (STX) and the Hiro Wallet
The Hiro Wallet (recently rebranded as Leather) is a non-custodial wallet designed for the Stacks ecosystem, enabling users to manage STX tokens and interact with decentralized applications, including the Bitcoin Name System (BNS)
Step 1: Set Up Your Hiro (Leather) Wallet
To interact with the Stacks ecosystem, you’ll need the Hiro Wallet browser extension:
- Download the Wallet: Visit wallet.hiro.so and install the extension compatible with your browser (Chrome, Firefox, or Brave).
- Create a New Wallet: After installation, open the extension and select “Create new wallet.”
- Secure Your Seed Phrase: You’ll receive a 24-word seed phrase. Write this down and store it securely; it’s your key to accessing your wallet.
- Set a Password: Choose a strong password for quick access on your device.
- Fund Your Wallet: Acquire STX tokens from exchanges like Coinbase or Binance and transfer at least 3 STX to your wallet address. This covers the 2 STX registration fee and additional network fees.
Step 2: Register Your .BTC Domain
With your wallet ready and funded, proceed to register for your desired .BTC domain:
- Visit the Registrar: Navigate to btc.us, the primary registrar for .BTC domains.
- Search for Availability: Enter your desired domain name to check its availability. A green checkmark indicates it’s available.
- Initiate Registration: Click “Claim” next to the available domain.
- Connect Your Wallet: When prompted, connect your Hiro Wallet to the site.
- Complete the Registration: Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the registration, which involves two transactions: “Preorder” and “Register.” Confirm both transactions in your wallet.
- Await Confirmation: Transactions on the Stacks network are anchored to Bitcoin blocks, so confirmations may take around 10 minutes or longer, depending on network congestion.
Step 3: Utilize Your .BTC Domain
Once your domain is registered, you can:
- Redirect to a Website: Use the “Web Bridge” feature on btc.us to redirect your .BTC domain to a traditional website.
- Transfer Ownership: Transfer your domain to another address if needed.
- Trade Your Domain: List your domain for sale on platforms like gamma.io.
- Simplify Transactions: Use your .BTC domain as a human-readable address for sending and receiving STX or Bitcoin.
- Showcase Your Identity: Display your .BTC domain on social platforms to highlight your Web3 presence.
Step 4: Renew Your .BTC Domain
.BTC domains are registered for a 5-year period. To renew:
- Access the Stacks Block Explorer: Go to the Stacks Block Explorer and click on “Sandbox.”
- Connect Your Wallet: Connect your Hiro Wallet to the sandbox environment.
- Navigate to the BNS Contract: In the sandbox, find and select the BNS contract.
- Call the Renew Function: Input the necessary details:
- Namespace: btc
- Name: Your domain name (without .btc)
- STX to Burn: 2000000 (equivalent to 2 STX)
- Leave other fields empty.
- Confirm the Transaction: Approve the transaction in your wallet and wait for confirmation.
Tips and Considerations
- One Domain per Address: Currently, you can register one .BTC domain per STX address. To register multiple domains, consider creating additional wallet accounts.
- Network Congestion: During high traffic periods, transactions may take longer to confirm. Patience is key.
- Security: Always keep your seed phrase and wallet credentials secure. Never share them with anyone.
2. Decentralized Domain Marketplaces (e.g., Gamma, Byzantion)
Decentralized domain marketplaces like Gamma and Byzantion have been emerging as platforms where you can buy, sell, and trade blockchain-based domains, such as .BTC domains. These domain names are hosted on decentralized networks, mainly built on blockchain technology, making them censorship-resistant and immune to traditional domain name system (DNS) centralization.
Here’s a quick overview of how you can use such platforms to buy a .BTC domain:
1. Gamma (gamma.app)
- Gamma is a decentralized marketplace for blockchain domains, primarily supporting Bitcoin-based domains like .BTC.
- To buy a .BTC domain on Gamma:
- Visit Gamma.
- Create an account or connect a wallet (e.g., MetaMask).
- Browse available .BTC domain names.
- Use your crypto wallet (typically Bitcoin) to purchase the domain.
- Once purchased, the domain is stored in your wallet, giving you full ownership.
- Gamma also integrates with platforms like OpenSea for the trading of domains.
2. Byzantion (byzantion.com)
- Byzantion is another platform dedicated to decentralized domain names, including .BTC domains.
- To buy a .BTC domain on Byzantion:
- Go to the Byzantion website.
- Browse available .BTC domains or search for a specific one.
- Complete the purchase using Bitcoin or another supported cryptocurrency.
- After the purchase, the domain will be linked to your wallet.
Key Benefits of Decentralized Domains:
- Censorship-resistant: The domain is hosted on the blockchain, so central authorities can’t take down or censor it.
- True Ownership: You fully own your domain, unlike traditional domains, where a third-party registrar controls it.
- Interoperability: These domains can often be used for decentralized applications (dApps), wallets, or even as a URL for websites on the blockchain.
Additional Platforms to Explore:
- Unstoppable Domains: Primarily for Ethereum-based domains (.eth), but some platforms are now supporting cross-chain domains.
ENS (Ethereum Name Service): For Ethereum, offering names like .eth that can be used for websites, wallets, and decentralized apps.
Alternative Ways to Buy .BTC Domain Name
If the usual process doesn’t work for you, maybe the domain you want is already taken or you’re looking for a better deal. Here are some smart alternatives to consider:
1. Buy on Secondary Marketplaces
Sometimes, the .BTC domain you want is already owned, but it might be up for resale. You can check platforms like Gamma.io or OpenSea, where users list blockchain domains (including .BTC) for sale. These marketplaces let you make offers or buy directly from current owners.
2. Use a Domain Broker
Don’t want to negotiate yourself? A domain broker can help. These professionals contact the current owner of the .BTC domain you’re after, and try to strike a deal. It’s especially useful if the domain isn’t publicly listed but you know it’s in use.
3. Try a Backordering Service
If the domain is taken but not being used actively, you can “backorder” it. That means a service will monitor the domain and automatically try to register it for you the moment it expires. Think of it like reserving your spot in line.
4. Explore Alternative Blockchain Domains
Can’t get the exact .BTC domain you want? Try similar blockchain-based domains like .bitcoin, .crypto, or .wallet through platforms like Unstoppable Domains. They work similarly and are widely supported in Web3.
Pros of .BTC Domains
- True Ownership: When you buy a .BTC domain, you truly own it. It’s stored on the Bitcoin blockchain using Stacks, meaning no central authority can take it down, censor it, or change it.
- Decentralized Identity: Your .BTC domain can act as a digital identity for Web3 apps, wallets, and services, giving you a consistent, blockchain-backed username or handle.
- Censorship Resistance: Unlike traditional domains, no government or registrar can block or seize a .BTC domain. That makes it great for freedom of speech and privacy-focused users.
- Long-Term Value Potential: As demand for decentralized web services grows, early .BTC domains could become valuable digital assets, like buying premium .com domains in the 90s.
Cons of .BTC Domains
- Limited Compatibility: Compared to .ETH or .crypto domains, .BTC domains aren’t as widely supported across dApps, browsers, and wallets at least for now.
- More Technical Setup: Managing .BTC domains usually require using the Stacks ecosystem and tools like Hiro Wallet. It’s not as plug-and-play as buying a domain from GoDaddy.
- Lower Awareness: While growing fast, .BTC domains still aren’t as well-known as other Web3 domains. This can impact visibility and resale opportunities, at least in the short term.
- No Built-In Hosting Yet: Unlike some blockchain domains that offer decentralized website hosting, .BTC domains are more focused on identity and ownership than full-featured websites (though this may evolve).
Security and Ownership Best Practices
Once you own a .BTC domain, keeping it secure is just as important as buying it. These best practices will help protect your investment and digital identity:
1. Use a Trusted Wallet (Preferably Hiro Wallet)
Your .BTC domain is tied to your wallet on the Stacks blockchain. Always use a reputable, non-custodial wallet like Hiro Wallet, and avoid storing your domain on centralized platforms that control your keys.
2. Back Up Your Seed Phrase (Offline!)
Your seed phrase is your master key. Write it down and store it in a secure, offline location; never save it in cloud storage or email. If someone gets access to your seed, they own your domain.
3. Double-Check Before You Sign
Always double-check the domain name, contract address, and wallet info before confirming any transaction. Scams often use fake interfaces or similar-looking domain names to trick users.
4. Avoid Public Wi-Fi for Transactions
When managing or transferring your domain, avoid using public networks. Use a secure internet connection and keep your devices up to date with antivirus and security patches.
5. Use a Cold Wallet for High-Value Domains
If your .BTC domain is valuable or tied to business assets, consider storing it in a hardware (cold) wallet for maximum protection against online threats.
6. Stay Updated on the Stacks Ecosystem
Keep an eye on updates from Stacks and Hiro to stay informed about security upgrades, wallet support, or new domain management tools.
Wrap Up On How To Buy .BTC Domain Name
Owning a .BTC domain isn’t just early adoption, it’s digital sovereignty. Unlike .eth, which relies on modifiable smart contracts, .BTC domains are anchored to Bitcoin’s blockchain via Stacks, making them immutable, censorship-resistant, and truly decentralized.
In 2023, over 200,000 .BTC domains were registered as builders, traders, and Bitcoin maximalists recognized their value. This isn’t a trend, it’s infrastructure.
Platforms like btc.us, Gamma.io, and Hiro Wallet make it simple to secure your Web3 identity, one that can’t be revoked or censored.
Your .BTC name is more than a domain, it’s your wallet, your digital business card, your on-chain passport. Claim yours now before Web3 fully realizes what Bitcoin-native identity means.
FAQ: Is it Worth Buying .BTC Domain Name
Explore key questions around .BTC domains that go beyond the basics. Learn how to transfer, secure, and use your .BTC domain like a pro. These FAQs add practical, untapped insights to help you maximize your Web3 identity.
Q1. Can I transfer my .BTC domain to another person or wallet?
Ans: Yes. Since .BTC domains are secured via the Stacks blockchain, you can transfer ownership just like you would transfer a crypto asset — using your wallet or a platform like Hiro Wallet. Ownership is verifiable and fully on-chain.
Q2. Do I need to renew my .BTC domain every year like .com or .eth?
Ans: No. One of the major advantages of .BTC domains is that they are permanently owned once minted. No annual renewals, no risk of expiration.
Q3. Is my .BTC domain resistant to government takedowns or censorship?
Ans: Yes. Because these domains are stored immutably on the Bitcoin blockchain via Stacks, no centralized authority can alter or revoke them. It’s true Web3 ownership.
