Decentralized Websites on ENS
ENS names can be linked to decentralized websites, allowing both the hosting and the name to exist in a fully decentralized way. This is done by creating and uploading a website to decentralized storage, such as IPFS (InterPlanetary File System), and adding the website’s content hash on your ENS name.
Decentralised websites can then be accessed through ENS-compatible browsers and apps, or via gateways like eth.limo, which make ENS websites available on the traditional web.
You can view the name details at vitalik.eth in the ENS App, and visit the decentralized website at vitalik.eth.limo
Building and Hosting a Website
ENS does not build or create websites - you’ll need to prepare your own static site before linking it.
Once your site is built and published to a supported decentralized storage protocol, you can link it to your ENS name. Hosting services such as Fleek act as “pinning providers,” making it simple to upload a site to IPFS without running your own node.
When deployed, the service will provide an IPFS CID (content identifier), which you then set as the Content Hash record for your ENS name.
Supported Storage Protocols
The Content Hash record on an ENS name supports several decentralized storage protocols, including:
IPFS/IPNS
Arweave
Swarm
Onion
Skynet
Among these, IPFS is the most widely used.
How dwebsite resolution works
When the Content Hash record is updated on your name, your ENS name will resolve to the decentralized website. Visitors can access your site with their ENS name via:
ENS-compatible browsers & apps – Brave, Opera
Web gateways – e.g.
yourname.eth.limooryourname.eth.link
This makes it possible to create websites that are decentralized, and directly tied to your ENS identity.
How to Add a Content Hash Record
To link a website to your ENS name:
1. Edit your name records
Go to the ENS App, connect your wallet, open the profile tab of your name, then click Edit Profile - (or open the Records tab, then click Edit Records).
2. Add content hash record
Navigate to the Other section and add the IPFS CID into the Content Hash field and then click Save.
3. Confirm the transaction
Click Open Wallet and confirm the transaction. Once confirmed, the Content Hash record will display and your website will resolve where supported.
You should now see the Content Hash record populated.
FAQ
What are eth.limo & eth.link?
What are eth.limo & eth.link?
These are public gateways that let anyone access ENS websites from a regular browser. Simply append .limo or .link to the end of your ENS name (e.g. yourname.eth.limo). For more at eth.limo and eth-limo.gitbook.io/documentation
How do I remove or update the Content Hash record?
How do I remove or update the Content Hash record?
Use Edit Profile (or Edit Records). To update, replace the existing value with the new one. To remove, click the ✕ icon next to the record. Then save and confirm the transaction in your wallet. Once confirmed, the record and resolving website will be updated.
Why is my contenthash CID is different?
Why is my contenthash CID is different?
If your IPFS CID looks different in the ENS App, that may be because older CIDv0 formats are automatically concered to the newer CIDv1 format. Both formats point to the same content – it’s just a different encoding. You can verify this using the IPFS CID Checker. For further help, see the IPFS Community & Support page.
Am I hosting my website on ENS?
Am I hosting my website on ENS?
No. ENS does not host websites. Instead, it connects your already-hosted site so that it can be accessed using your ENS name (for example, myname.eth.limo).