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. | +