How to Use Your Domain as Your Bluesky Handle
To use your domain as your Bluesky handle, open Settings, then Account, then Handle, and choose I have my own domain. Bluesky shows your DID. In your DNS manager, add a TXT record with host _atproto and a value of did= followed by the complete DID Bluesky provides. Wait a few minutes, then tap Verify DNS Record.
What Is a Domain Handle?
A domain handle is a Bluesky username that is a domain you own, such as @yourname.com. Because setting the handle requires control of the domain's DNS, a custom domain can link an established web presence to a Bluesky account. That makes it a useful trust signal for organizations, businesses, and individuals, although it is separate from Bluesky's verification-badge system.
Why It Matters
A handle on your own domain builds credibility and makes impersonation harder, because nobody else can claim it. Because the handle is based on a domain you control, it can remain consistent if you move between AT Protocol services that support custom domain handles. Registering your name at NameSilo includes free WHOIS privacy on supported extensions such as .com, so the handle is public but your contact details are not. Search for your domain to check availability.
Step 1: Get Your DID in Bluesky
Open the left menu and go to Settings.
Choose Account, then Handle. Some app versions list it under Advanced as Change my handle.
Select I have my own domain. If the app asks, choose DNS Panel.
Bluesky now shows your DID and the DNS record details. Your DID is public and safe to copy.
Step 2: Add the TXT Record in NameSilo DNS Manager
Open Domain Manager and click the blue globe icon next to your domain.
In the "Add/Edit a Resource Record" box, select TXT/SPF.
Enter the values below and submit.
Field | Value |
Type | TXT |
Host | _atproto |
Value | did=YOUR_FULL_DID |
TTL | 3600 |
For a subdomain handle such as me.yourbrand.com, the host is _atproto.me. This only works while the domain uses NameSilo nameservers.
Return to Bluesky, wait 15-30 minutes, then tap Verify DNS Record. When Bluesky shows the domain as verified, confirm the change.
Troubleshooting Verification
The did= prefix is missing. Records that do not start with did= are ignored.
The host includes the full domain name. Enter only _atproto, because NameSilo adds the domain.
Quotes were added around the value. NameSilo adds them automatically, so paste the value plain. Our guide to TXT quoting and escaping explains why.
Nameservers point elsewhere. Add the record at the DNS host that actually serves the domain.
Propagation has not finished. It can take longer than a few minutes.
More than one DID record exists. Only one valid _atproto TXT value beginning with did= should point to the account. If multiple did= records contain different DIDs, handle resolution can fail.
Developers can instead serve the DID at /.well-known/atproto-did over HTTPS, as plain text.
What This Means for You
Your handle is three short steps away. Copy your DID, add the TXT record, and verify. If you need a domain first, compare prices on our pricing page.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I use my domain as my Bluesky handle?
Choose I have my own domain in Settings, copy your DID, add the TXT record, and tap Verify DNS Record.
What TXT record does Bluesky need?
Host _atproto and value did=did:plc: followed by your DID.
What is _atproto in DNS?
The reserved host where Bluesky looks for the DID linked to your handle.
Why won't Bluesky verify my domain?
Usually a missing did= prefix, a full domain in the host, added quotes, other nameservers or unfinished propagation.
Can I use a subdomain as my Bluesky handle?
Yes. For me.yourbrand.com, the host is _atproto.me.
Do I need a website to use a domain handle?
No. The DNS record is all you need.
What happens to my Bluesky handle if my domain expires?
If the domain stops resolving correctly, the custom handle can become invalid. Your underlying account, posts, and followers remain intact because the account is identified by its DID, but you will need to restore the domain verification or choose another handle.
How much does a domain for a Bluesky handle cost at NameSilo?
A .com is $19.99 standard, or $12.00 in the free Discount Program.
NameSilo Staff
The NameSilo staff of writers worked together on this post. It was a combination of efforts from our passionate writers that produce content to educate and provide insights for all our readers.
