Good to Know
You need ETH on Ethereum Mainnet for gas fees
Only the wallet set as the name's ETH Address can set it as Primary Name
If you're connected with the Manager wallet but not the ETH Address wallet, you'll need two transactions: one to update the ETH Address, then one to set the Primary Name
What is a Primary Name?
A Primary Name links your wallet address to your ENS name. When set, apps display your name instead of your address: -
Without Primary Name:
0x123...abcdWith Primary Name:
yourname.eth
For the Primary Name to work, two things must be true:
Your name's ETH Address record points to your wallet (forward resolution)
Your wallet's Primary Name points to your name (reverse resolution) Setting your Primary Name configures both.
Before You Start
Go to app.ens.domains and connect your wallet.
How to Set a Primary Name
Step 1: Find Your Name
Search for your name and open the Profile tab.
Step 2: Click Set as Primary Name
If your connected wallet matches the name's ETH Address, click Set as Primary Name.
If the button doesn't appear, see "If You're Connected with a Different Wallet" below.
Step 3: Confirm the Transaction
Approve the transaction in your wallet. Wait for it to be processed (usually 1–2 minutes).
Once confirmed, you'll see "Your Primary Name" badge on the name, and your name will appear in the top-right corner of the ENS App.
If You're Connected with a Different Wallet
If your connected wallet is the Manager but not the current ETH Address, you'll be prompted to update the ETH Address first.
Important: Only proceed if you want to change the ETH Address to your connected wallet. If you want to keep the current ETH Address, switch to that wallet instead.
To proceed:
Click Start to update the ETH Address
Approve the transaction in your wallet
Once confirmed, click Next to set the Primary Name
Approve the second transaction
After Setting Your Primary Name
Your Primary Name will appear:
In the ENS App (top-right corner and on the name's profile)
In wallets and dApps that support ENS
L2 and Multi-Chain Primary Names
You can set different Primary Names for different networks (Base, Arbitrum, Optimism, etc.). This is useful if:
You want different names on different networks
Your contract has different addresses per network
Troubleshooting
Common Questions
Who can set the Primary Name?
Only the wallet set as the name's ETH Address can set it as Primary Name.
Does setting a Primary Name cost gas?
Yes. You need ETH on Ethereum Mainnet to pay gas fees.
Why doesn't the "Set as Primary Name" button appear?
Your connected wallet isn't set as the name's ETH Address. Either switch to the wallet that is set as the ETH Address, or update the ETH Address to your connected wallet (requires Manager wallet being connected).
Why is my Primary Name not showing in other apps?
Third-party apps like Etherscan and OpenSea update independently and can take 24–48 hours. If your Primary Name shows correctly in the ENS App, it's set correctly.
Why is my expired name still showing as my Primary Name?
The Primary Name setting is a combination of forward and reverse resolution. Some apps may mistakenly keep showing after your ETH Address changes. Clear Your Primary Name to remove it.
What's the difference between clearing the Primary Name and removing the ETH Address?
Clearing the Primary Name stops apps from showing your ENS name when they look up your wallet address
Removing the ETH Address stops funds sent to your ENS name from reaching your wallet
These are separate records and can be changed independently.
How can I check the Primary Name of an address or ENS name?
In the ENS App, search for an ENS name, open the More tab, and check the Primary Name section. You'll see active Primary Names and their network addresses. You can also search an Ethereum address to check its Primary Name.