Managing Expired ENS Names and Temporary Premium Fees
When an ENS (Ethereum Name Service) name expires, it follows a specific process governed by the ENS system. Understanding how expiration works and the associated fees can help you plan your name management effectively.
What Happens When Your ENS Name Expires?
If you fail to renew your ENS name before it expires, it enters a grace period. During this grace period, you can still renew the registration without additional premiums. However, if the name remains unrenewed past this grace period, it becomes unregistered and is released back to the public. Once the name is released, it enters a temporary premium period. During this period, the following occurs:
A temporary premium fee is applied to re-register the name. This premium starts high and gradually reduces to $0 over time if no one re-registers the name during this period.
The temporary premium is automatically controlled by ENS smart contracts and cannot be bypassed.
Re-registering Your Expired ENS Name
If you want to reclaim your expired ENS name:
Monitor the Premium Fee: Be patient and watch as the temporary premium decreases over time to a price you find comfortable.
Act Quickly: During the temporary premium period, your expired name is open to registration by anyone. There's a risk that someone else might register it before you do.
Register Anew: Once the premium reaches an acceptable amount, complete the registration process like you would for a new name.
Important Considerations
To avoid dealing with temporary premium fees altogether, renew your ENS name on time.
The premium fee structure ensures fairness and transparency but does not allow for exceptions or manual overrides.
By understanding how the ENS expiration and premium system works, you can make informed decisions about managing your ENS names effectively and avoiding unnecessary expenses.