What is a Handshake TLD and how to resolve them
Handshake domain names do not use the same root zone as other domains on the internet, do not currently resolve like regular domains, and require special browser plugins or network configurations.
Handshake is an experimental and permissionless naming protocol that uses blockchain technology to create a decentralized root zone, as opposed to a centralized root zone regulated by ICANN. You can read more about the Handshake protocol at handshake.org.
⚠️️ Warning
Porkbun services such as email and SSL certificate generation don't work on Handshake domains. Additionally, there are no refunds on Handshake domain purchases with no exceptions.
Please Note:
Due to Porkbun's recent switch to a new DNS backend provider, we can no longer host Handshake domains on our free DNS service. A few alternatives currently support DNS hosting for Handshake domains include: HSHub.io (a free option), Amazon Route 53, or DNSimple. If your domain is registered at Porkbun, you can use our guide on changing your nameservers in Porkbun or contact Porkbun support.
How to resolve Handshake TLDs
Since Handshake domain names do not use the same root zone as other domains on the internet, they do not currently resolve like regular domains. They require special browser plugins or network configurations.
HNS.to
One quick and dirty approach to resolve a Handshake TLD is by adding https://hns.to/ in front of any Handshake domain you want to visit. HNS.to is a gateway so that any browser can see the Handshake domain. For example, I could put http://hns.to/goosehollow.consultancy, and it will resolve:
It will change the full URL path to http://goosehollow.consultancy.hns.to/ so the Handshake TLD can resolve in whatever browser you want.
Beacon browser
You can also try out Beacon, a browser for the decentralized internet that can resolve Handshake TLDs. Beacon can not only resolve Handshake domains; it also provides experimental HTTPS support for Handshake domains that support it.
- 1
- Download Beacon onto your preferred device. Please note that Beacon does not work on Android devices.
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Once you have downloaded, installed, and fully set up Beacon to your device, you can enter the Handshake TLD you registered in the URL bar.
HDNS
Another method you can use to resolve your Handshake TLD is an alternative DNS resolver. This is known as HDNS, wherein you configure your computer to use an alternative DNS server that can resolve both traditional and Handshake domains.
The site hdns.io gives you great instructions on how to do so on various devices. The IP addresses of the alternative DNS resolvers you would use are:
- 103.196.38.38
- 103.196.38.39
You can read more about how to access Handshake domains here.