One of the biggest issues with cryptocurrencies is how inconvenient it is sometimes to send or receive payments. You usually have to type in a very long and confusing string of numbers.
Though your wallet address is unique, it has some drawbacks that could lead to loss of funds. For example, errors can arise from entering just one wrong letter or number. The same happens with the traditional IP address for websites; you can’t access the site once you get one wrong.
These domains make it easy to link your wallet address to the domain and receive your funds. This post will give you a detailed review of Unstoppable Domains and how they work.
What Are Unstoppable Domains?
Unstoppable Domains is a company based in San Francisco which provides domain name extensions that are tied to the blockchain instead of being linked to the Domain Name System (DNS). The San Francisco-based business began by offering names with the ‘.crypto’ and ‘.zil. Unstoppable Domains expanded its selection of domain names in 2021.
It allows you to accept crypto by giving out your NFT domain. These NFTs were introduced as smart contracts on public blockchains. They run on Ethereum blockchain and Polygon Network, except ‘.zil,’ which uses Zilliqa.
For instance, you can create a domain using your name or brand name and add ‘.crypto,’ or ‘.zil.’ Then, as long as it hasn’t been registered, you can start receiving crypto. So, if you want to send some funds, you must type out ‘Friend.crypto’ instead of the wallet address.
Examples of Domains You Can Claim
- .crypto,
- .zil,
- .x,
- .coin,
- .wallet,
- .bitcoin,
- .888,
- .nft,
- .dao,
- .blockchain, etc.
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How Do Unstoppable Domains Work?
They work like traditional domains but have some differences. Unstoppable Domains are decentralized, meaning they run on the blockchain network. This gives you anonymity, unlike traditional domains managed by Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers – ICANN. But on the other hand, these make the standard domains centralized.
These domain names are registered on the blockchain using a blockchain-based solution known as the crypto name service (CNS). Each CNS domain is issued as an ERC-721 token, commonly known as a non-fungible token (NFT).
You can manage your domain ownership through crypto wallets, exchanges, and compatible marketplaces.
How to Buy Unstoppable Domains
Follow these instructions to buy your first domain.
Go to the unstoppable Domains website and sign up or log in. You can do so with Google or your Email.
After doing so, type out the name you want to use in the search box, then hit the ‘Search’ button. For instance, type out Guarda.
You will see various options like ‘.bitcoin,’ ‘.crypto,’ ‘.wallet.’ So, that could be ‘Guarda.wallet.’
You can also choose from suggested names if they fit what you want. There are also premium domains that cost more than the regular ones.
When satisfied with your choice, click ‘Add to Cart.’ Then click ‘Continue to Cart’ or the cart logo on the top right of the page.
Next, you will see a question—‘Do you live in the USA?’ If you do, tick ‘Yes’ and add your ‘Zip Code.’ If you do not, tick ‘No’ and proceed to checkout.
Now it is time to pay. You can pay for the domain with Credit Card, PayPal, Cryptocurrency, and Crypto.com App.
After a successful purchase, you will be redirected to a thank you page. To view your domain, you can click on ‘My domains.’
Your domain is not minted when it gets to you. So you have to mint it (for free) to reach its full functionality on Polygon. However, you may now link your crypto addresses to your domain after minting.
Where to Sell Unstoppable Domains
You can sell your domain on the Unstoppable Domains website once it has been minted on the blockchain. Additionally, you can sell your Unstoppable domain on a secondary NFT market like OpenSea.
OpenSea is the largest marketplace for all types of NFTs. It increases your exposure and allows you to set your price.
How to Use Unstoppable Domains
Only a selected number of crypto wallets currently support these human-readable addresses. Guarda recently joined the list of crypto wallets that support them. You can now add your blockchain domain name to the platform and receive cryptocurrency in the addresses added.
Another excellent use for an Unstoppable Domain is to secure a premium name and resell it for a profit.
Web Hosting for Unstoppable Domains
Unstoppable Domains host using a peer-to-peer (P2P) protocol known as Interplanetary file system (IPFS). You must ensure that you can use a hosting service that supports this technology. The number of web hosts who provide this service is currently small, but it is expanding.
Unstoppable Domains Pros & Cons
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Decentralized: This is the biggest advantage of blockchain domains. As the name suggests, they run on the network and are free from interference from bodies like ICANN, which control other domains. | Widespread adoption may not occur: It is still a relatively new concept for the cryptocurrency world and may never be widely accepted outside the industry. |
| Supports multiple addresses: The domain you create is linked to the public blockchain. There are over 250 cryptocurrencies you can connect to your domain name. Making it easier to send and receive funds with your domain. | Not fully supported on all browsers: Although popular web browsers like Brave and Opera natively support Unstoppable Domains, Chrome, Firefox, and Edge still need DNS modifications or add-ons. However, this will likely change in the near future. |
| One-time payment: With as low as $50, you purchase your domain name and do not have to pay again. This is one of the best features since you do not have to renew annually and have full ownership of the domain. | Website hosting is a problem: Guarda.wallet domains function similarly to Guarda.com. Still, those in charge of the internet's URLs – ICANN – have yet to approve them as standard. As a result, website hosting will require the installation of the Brave or Unstoppable Domains’ extension. |
| Zero censorship: They are registered on the public blockchain and are nearly impossible to take down. Typical censorship tactics employed by governments and corporations cannot be used to block or take these domains offline. | |
| Support for decentralized applications: Unstoppable Domains natively supports decentralized apps. As a result, they are easy to adopt and use. |
Are Unstoppable Domains Safe?
Yes, they are safe. Unstoppable Domains are created with blockchain technology, therefore, are highly secure. No one can block the domain, so your website is never at risk of being down due to outside interference. These domains are an excellent choice for websites for people living in nations with strict government restrictions on online content. The domain-buying website is secure as well and supports 2-factor authentication.
Conclusion
A decentralized web, which supports simple and user-friendly addresses, is the next frontier in the blockchain. Companies like Unstoppable Domains are at the forefront of making that goal a reality. While it is still too early to say whether these domains will endure the test of time, they are rapidly gaining popularity. As a result, the number of people exploring blockchain-based domains has increased as more people hope to profit from this innovation.
