Top Features of HNS Explorer Every Handshake User Should Know

How to Use HNS Explorer to Find and Verify Handshake Domains

Handshake (HNS) is a decentralized, permissionless naming protocol that enables users to own top-level domains. HNS Explorer is a tool that helps you search, inspect, and verify Handshake names and their associated records. This guide shows a concise, step-by-step workflow to find Handshake domains and verify their authenticity and configuration.

1. Search for a Handshake name

1. Open HNS Explorer.
2. Enter the name or keyword in the search bar (partial names work for broad results).
3. Review search results: names may be listed with status tags such as “registered,” “reserved,” or “available.”

2. Inspect name details

1. Click a name to open its detail page.
2. Check ownership and status fields:
   • Owner: public key or address that controls the name.
   • Status: e.g., open, closed, revoked, or expired.
3. Note registration and expiration timestamps.

3. Verify DNS and resource records

1. On the name detail page, locate DNS or zone file records.
2. Confirm common records:
   • A / AAAA: IPv4/IPv6 addresses.
   • TXT: verification strings or metadata.
   • CNAME / NS: delegation targets.
3. Cross-check IP addresses or hostnames using an independent DNS lookup tool to ensure they resolve as expected.

4. Confirm blockchain on-chain proofs

1. Look for transaction history or chain records linked to the name.
2. Verify the registration and renewal transactions exist on the Handshake ledger.
3. Ensure the owner address in the chain records matches the owner shown in HNS Explorer.

5. Validate name availability and auctions

1. If a name is marked available or in auction, inspect bidding history and end times.
2. For auctioned names, review bid amounts and remaining time to decide whether to participate.

6. Check additional metadata and reputation signals

1. Review any attached website screenshots, labels, or community flags if provided.
2. Look at external references (social profiles, GitHub, or WHOIS-like notes) to gauge legitimacy.

7. Use verification tips for higher confidence

• Compare owner addresses across multiple explorers or block explorers.
• Verify TXT records that include signed messages or keys proving control.
• If the name is linked to a website, check TLS certificates for matching domain names.
• Use independent IP/DNS tools to rule out DNS spoofing.

8. Actionable next steps

• To claim or bid: follow HNS Explorer links to the registration/auction interface and prepare your wallet with the required HNS funds.
• To transfer or update records: use the owner’s wallet and construct the appropriate zone file updates on-chain.
• To report suspicious names: note transaction IDs and owner addresses, then contact relevant community moderation channels.

Quick checklist

• Owner address checked on-chain.
• Status (registered/available/auction) confirmed.
• DNS/zone records present and validated.
• Transaction history matches claim events.
• External references and TLS certs (if applicable) verified.

If you want, I can draft a short walkthrough tailored to a specific HNS Explorer instance (give me its URL) or create step-by-step commands for common wallets and tools.