Registering a SimpleX name
A SimpleX name lets people reach you by typing a short @name instead of pasting
a long link. You register the name on a website and add your SimpleX link to it,
then claim the name in the app, to connect it with your SimpleX address or
channel name.
Names currently run on a testing network. The registration page is
testing-names.simplex.chat and names end
in.testing. The steps stay the same when the main names launch.
What you need
- A crypto wallet such as MetaMask.
- The SimpleX app.
- A link for the name to open: your contact address (for one-to-one chats),
your channel link (to join a channel), or both.
How it works
Setting up a name takes two parts. On the website you register the name and add
your link, so people can find your link by name. In the app you set the same name
on your profile - to prevent any other names from opening your profile or channel.
Step 1. Create a wallet
Install MetaMask (browser extension or mobile app) and create a wallet. Write
down your recovery phrase somewhere safe and offline, as anyone with that phrase
controls your names.
On the testing network you need a small amount of test ETH to pay network fees.
Step 2. Register the name and add your link
Open the registration page and tap Connect to link your wallet. Type the
name you want in Search for a name and open it. Choose how many years to
register for, then tap Next. Names are currently 6 characters or more, and
some names are reserved.
On Create your profile, paste your SimpleX link into the matching field:
- SimpleX contact for one-to-one chats. Copy your address from the app
(Create SimpleX address) and paste it here. People reach it with@name. - SimpleX channel for a channel. Copy your Channel link and paste it here.
People join it with#name. - Advanced usage: fill both to use one name for your chat (
@name) and your
channel (#name).
Then tap Next.
Finally, tap Begin and complete the three steps the site shows:
Before we start. Registering your name takes three steps:
- Complete a transaction to begin the timer.
- Wait 60 seconds for the timer to complete.
- Complete a second transaction to secure your name.
These two transactions protect the name you are registering. The first records
only a secret code for the name, not the name itself, so nobody watching the
blockchain can see which name you want. The wait lets that first transaction
settle, and the second transaction then reveals and claims the name. Without this
two-step process, someone could see your registration in progress and grab the
name before you.
Step 3. Check what the app sees
Copy your #name.testing (or @name.testing). Paste the name into the search bar, or simply type it.
The app reports that the name is registered but not yet added to your profile:
Unconfirmed name. The SimpleX name is registered, but not added to profile.
Please add it to your address or channel profile, if you are the owner.
This is expected, and confirms the name points at your link. The next step
finishes the setup.
Step 4. Claim the name in the app
Set the name on the same profile the record points at.
- For your contact address, open your SimpleX address, tap Your SimpleX
name, enter the name, and save. - For your channel, open the channel information, tap SimpleX name (below
Channel link), enter the name, and save.
This proves to people who connect to you that #name.testing (or @name.testing) is your name.
Step 5. Connect by name
On another device, copy #name.testing (or @name.testing). Paste the name into the search bar, or simply type it. This time the app connects, and the name
shows a check mark next to it.
You can paste the name in your own device too - the app will warn you that it is your own name.
Anyone can now reach you by name, and their app confirms it is really you.
If something doesn't work
| Message | Meaning | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Unconfirmed name | The name points at a link, but the link's profile does not claim the name yet. | Do step 4: set the name on the profile it points at. |
| Name not found | No name is registered. | Check the spelling, or register it (step 2). |
| No valid link | The name has no contact or channel link. | Add a link to the name on the website, on its Records tab. |
| Error saving name | You tried to claim a name that has no matching link on the website. | Add your contact address or channel link to the name, then set the name again. |
| None of your servers are set to resolve SimpleX names | No server in the app is set to resolve names. | In server settings, turn on To resolve names for a server. |