In this post, you will learn how to visit or access blockchain domains in your web browser such as those ending in .crypto. Ever since the creation of blockchain technology, lots of new technologies were created or modernized using blockchain, such as the creation of NFTs or in this case, the birth of blockchain domain names.
What Are Blockchain Domain Names?
Blockchain domain names are domain names that aren't stored on a centralized server. Blockchain domain names are stored on the blockchain so the records are publicly available.
How Do I Get a Blockchain Domain Name?
Currently, the most popular site on where you can buy blockchain domain names is at UnstoppableDomains. Here's a tutorial post on how you can buy your own blockchain domain name: How to Buy a Decentralized Domain Name
Examples of Blockchain Domain Name Extensions
.crypto
.coin
.wallet
.nft
.bitcoin
.zil
.888
.x
.dao
As of now, your current browser most likely do not support the ability to visit websites that have a blockchain domain name attached to it by default; however, they do have the ability to support it with just one simple change in the settings. Don't worry, you can undo the changes if you decide to change your mind.
How To Visit Blockchain Domain Name Websites on Google Chrome
To visit blockchain domain name websites on Google Chrome, you will need to go to Google Chrome's settings page which can be accessed by clicking on the 3 dots located on the top right of your Chrome browser. Near the bottom of the menu, click on "Settings" which will open a new tab giving you access to Google Chrome's settings.
Once you are there, click on the "Security and Privacy" tab on the left hand side.
Once you have opened up the Security and Privacy page, scroll down until you are at the "Advanced" section which is located near the bottom of the page.
Next, under "Use secure DNS", select the radio button labeled as "With Custom" which has a empty text field which allows you to enter a custom provider. Inside that empty text field, type in the following url: https://resolver.unstoppable.io/dns-query
Once you've done that, it should now look like the following:
To save the changes, simply close the Settings page tab. If you wish to undo the changes, just go back to the Security and Privacy page in Settings like you did before, except this time, you can just delete the URL in the "With Custom" section, and select the "With your current service provider" option.
Now, you should be able to visit any websites with a decentralized domain name such as .crypto, .coin, etc!
NOTE - This tutorial was made using Google Chrome Version 99.0.4844.51 (Official Build) (64-bit). As long as your browser has the ability to support entering a custom DNS service provider, then you should be able to follow along still.
I Still Can't Access Blockchain Domain Name Websites
Let's say you made the changes exactly as I taught you, but you still cannot view websites with decentralized blockchain domain names. Don't worry, the solution is very easy.
To visit websites with decentralized blockchain domain names, make sure you type the url with a forward slash "/" at the end of your link.
So, for example, if I wanted to visit a website like ericliang.wallet, I would need to type it as ericliang.wallet/ in the web browser.
If for whatever reason this still doesn't work, try visiting the website in incognito mode as well as double checking in your browser's settings to make sure that the changes were saved.
Alternatively, it is possible that the person who owns that particular decentralized domain name simply doesn't have a website linked to it yet so there might not be anything to see there in the first place. After all, this is still relatively new.
