The world of blockchain continues to evolve, making digital interactions more user-friendly and accessible. One major leap in this direction is the emergence of decentralized name services, which simplify complex wallet addresses into human-readable names. On the Aptos blockchain, this functionality is powered by the Aptos Name Service (ANS)—a tool transforming how users interact with wallets, dApps, and digital identities in Web3.
In this guide, we’ll explore what Aptos Name Service is, its key benefits, and the three leading platforms offering ANS: Aptos Names, Move Name Service, and Aptos Passport. Whether you're new to Aptos or looking to enhance your Web3 identity, this breakdown will help you make informed decisions.
Understanding Aptos Name Service
What Is Aptos Name Service?
Aptos Name Service (ANS) is a decentralized naming system built on the Aptos blockchain that replaces long, alphanumeric wallet addresses with easy-to-remember domain-style names ending in .apt or similar suffixes. Instead of sharing a string like 0x4f67b...c2a1f, users can register a name such as yourname.apt, making transactions simpler and more intuitive.
This concept mirrors other blockchain name services like Ethereum Name Service (ENS) with .eth domains or Solana Name Service (SNS) with .sol. ANS not only improves usability but also enhances security by reducing the risk of errors when sending funds.
👉 Discover how easy it is to manage your digital identity on Aptos today.
Key Benefits of Aptos Name Service
The adoption of a name service brings several advantages to both individual users and developers within the Aptos ecosystem:
- User-Friendly Wallet Addresses: Replace complicated strings with personalized, memorable names.
- Custom Subdomains: Users can create subdomains (e.g.,
blog.yourname.apt) for different purposes like blogs, portfolios, or dApp logins. - Unique Web3 Identity: Each registered name is globally unique, establishing a verifiable digital identity across decentralized applications.
- Seamless dApp Integration: Many dApps on Aptos accept ANS names for login, payments, and profile linking.
- Brand Personalization: Individuals and projects can build recognizable online identities in the Web3 space.
These features make ANS not just a convenience tool, but a foundational layer for identity and interaction in the decentralized web.
Top 3 Aptos Name Service Providers
While Aptos Name Service operates on a unified principle, multiple platforms offer naming solutions with unique features and customization options. Below are the three most prominent providers shaping the ANS landscape.
1. Aptos Names
Aptos Names is one of the most recognized name service platforms on the Aptos network and is officially supported by Aptos Labs. It allows users to register names ending in .apt, which are compatible across all major wallets and dApps on the Aptos blockchain.
Features:
- Supports names from 3 to 63 characters long.
- Accepts lowercase letters, numbers (0–9), and hyphens.
- Uses APT tokens for registration and renewal fees.
- Enables creation of subdomains (e.g.,
vn.beincrypto.apt). - Registration periods start at 1 year, with prices ranging from 5 APT to 80 APT annually, depending on name length and demand.
How to Register an Aptos Name:
- Visit aptosnames.com
- Connect your Aptos wallet (e.g., Petra, Martian, Pewcha).
- Search for your desired name.
- Click “Register” and confirm the transaction.
- After purchase, go to “My Domains” > “Settings” to assign your wallet address.
Once set up, your .apt name becomes a universal identifier across the ecosystem.
2. Move Name Service
Move Name Service (MNS) extends naming capabilities beyond just wallets by integrating deeply with the Move programming language, which powers the Aptos blockchain. MNS allows users to register names ending in .move, reinforcing the connection between identity and code.
Features:
- Names range from 2 to 63 characters.
- Annual registration costs between 1 APT and 120 APT, based on scarcity and popularity.
- Supports subdomains and can function as a decentralized ID (DID) for dApp authentication.
- Ideal for developers building on Move-based chains.
How to Register with Move Name Service:
- Go to app.move-names.domains
- Connect your Aptos wallet (Petra or Martian recommended).
- Search for an available name.
- Select your registration period (up to 5 years).
- Click “Register” and approve the transaction.
MNS stands out for its developer-centric approach and strong alignment with Aptos’ technical foundation.
👉 Secure your unique .move or .apt domain now and stand out in the Web3 world.
3. Aptos Passport
Aptos Passport (APTPP) goes beyond traditional naming by combining Aptos Name, Decentralized Identifiers (DID), and Soulbound Tokens (SBT) into a single identity protocol. This makes it one of the most advanced identity layers on Aptos.
Features:
- Supports names from 3 to 128 bytes, allowing longer and more expressive domains.
- Allows use of emojis and Unicode characters (e.g., Japanese, Korean, Greek).
- Offers domains ending in
.aptor@apt. - No limit on registration duration—users can pre-pay for 10+ years.
- Pricing ranges from 5 APT to 80 APT per year, with discounts available through community tasks or events.
With over 6,865 domains already registered on testnet and mainnet, Aptos Passport is gaining traction as a next-gen identity solution.
How to Register with Aptos Passport:
- Visit the official site.
- Connect your wallet (supports Petra, Martian, BitKeep, Potem, Pewcha).
- Search for your preferred name.
- Choose your registration term.
- Click “Register Now” and confirm the transaction.
- Access “My Domains” to manage settings and link addresses.
Its support for multilingual characters and long-form names makes it ideal for global users seeking inclusive digital identities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the main purpose of Aptos Name Service?
A: ANS simplifies long wallet addresses into readable names like name.apt, improving usability, reducing transaction errors, and enabling personalized Web3 identities.
Q: Can I use my ANS name across different dApps?
A: Yes! Most dApps on Aptos support ANS for login, payments, and profile linking, especially those integrated with Aptos Names or Move Name Service.
Q: Are there renewal fees for ANS domains?
A: Yes, domains require annual renewal using APT tokens. Failure to renew may result in losing ownership of the name.
Q: Which provider supports emojis in domain names?
A: Aptos Passport allows emojis and Unicode characters, making it the most flexible option for creative naming.
Q: Is it safe to register an ANS domain?
A: Yes—registration occurs via secure blockchain transactions. Always ensure you're using official websites and trusted wallets.
Q: Can I transfer my ANS domain to someone else?
A: Yes, ANS domains are NFT-like assets that can be transferred or sold, depending on the platform’s rules.
Final Thoughts
As the Aptos ecosystem grows, so does the need for intuitive identity solutions. The Aptos Name Service is more than a convenience—it's a critical step toward mainstream Web3 adoption by making blockchain interactions simpler, safer, and more personal.
Whether you choose Aptos Names for broad compatibility, Move Name Service for developer integration, or Aptos Passport for expressive identity features, securing a name today positions you at the forefront of digital identity innovation.
👉 Start building your Web3 identity now with a secure and memorable domain name.