TL;DR
- ENS launched ENSv2 on the Ethereum mainnet, introducing a new architecture for registering, managing, and resolving blockchain names.
- The upgrade introduces hierarchical registries, more granular permissions, and new versions of the ENS App and Explorer. Users can upgrade their existing domains without registering new ones.
- The protocol supports more than 36 million names and is integrated with over 600 applications. ENSv2 will allow communities, businesses, and tokenized asset issuers to organize and manage their domains.
Ethereum Name Service (ENS) officially launched ENSv2 on the Ethereum mainnet, upgrading its naming protocol with new tools for domain management, permissions, and name resolution.
The new version changes the protocol’s architecture by introducing hierarchical registries, allowing each domain to operate as an independent registry. Domain owners can therefore delegate administrative responsibilities without giving up full control of their names.
The launch also includes new versions of the ENS App and Explorer, designed to simplify domain management and provide detailed information about how names operate within the protocol.
ENSv2 Introduces New Tools for Managing Domains on Ethereum
The updated ENS App simplifies name registration and includes features for renewals, profile customization, and notifications. Users can also upgrade their existing .eth domains to ENSv2 directly through the application.
Meanwhile, ENS Explorer allows users to examine a name’s history, identify who controls it, review its configuration, and verify how it resolves within the protocol.
ENSv2 also introduces more granular permissions. Companies can assign responsibility for managing specific subdomains to different teams without granting them access to the rest of their domain structure.
The upgrade also allows users to share records between names through linking and manage namespaces under different administrative rules.
According to ENS, the protocol already supports more than 36 million names across .eth domains and other ecosystem namespaces. It is also integrated with more than 600 applications, including MetaMask, Safe, 1inch, and Arbitrum.
Previously Registered Domains Will Continue Working Without Changes
ENS confirmed that previously registered names will continue functioning after the launch. Owners do not need to register them again and can upgrade to ENSv2 whenever they want to access the new features.
The architecture will also support identifiers for tokenized assets, linking smart contracts, documentation, and other information under domains managed by their issuers.
As part of the launch, the protocol introduced a commemorative NFT collection. Eligible users can claim one NFT per wallet after upgrading all their eligible names. Claiming the NFT requires an Ethereum transaction and payment of the associated gas fees.
ENSv2 follows the public Alpha and Beta testing phases conducted throughout 2026, which helped address security issues and prepare the protocol for deployment on the Ethereum mainnet.
