Namebase Wind-Down Update: What It Means for Handshake Domain Owners

Namebase has announced key updates as it winds down operations. Learn what this means for your BTC, HNS, names, SLDs, and TLDs, and the actions you need to take now to secure your Handshake assets.

| michelini | 3 min read
Explore with AI

Namebase, a major platform for managing Handshake (HNS) domains, has issued an important update regarding its ongoing wind-down process. This announcement provides clarity on withdrawals, renewals, and the future of staked TLDs and SLDs. In this post, we'll break down the key points from the announcement and explain what they mean for you as a Handshake domain owner or user.

Namebase is transitioning away from its current operations, urging users to take proactive steps to secure your assets. Here's a detailed look at the current status and recommended actions.

Current Withdrawal Status on Namebase

As of the latest update:

  • BTC withdrawals are LIVE: You can now withdraw your Bitcoin balances without issues.
  • HNS withdrawals are LIVE: Handshake cryptocurrency withdrawals are fully operational.
  • Transfers of unstaked names are available: Move your eligible domains to external wallets or registrars.
  • Withdrawals of staked TLDs remain disabled: This is temporary while they finalize solutions.

These updates are critical during the wind-down phase. Namebase strongly encourages all users to withdraw their BTC, HNS, and transferable names at their earliest convenience to avoid any potential risks associated with the platform's transition.

Important: No More Renewals or Auto-Renewals

One of the most significant changes is that Namebase is no longer renewing or auto-renewing names. This shifts full responsibility to users:

  • Withdraw or transfer your names to a wallet, registrar, or service where you can manage future renewals.
  • All names are renewed as part of the withdrawal or transfer process.
  • If you plan to keep a name long-term, make arrangements now to transfer or withdraw it.
  • Names left on the platform will NOT be renewed and may expire according to their set expiration dates.

This is a pivotal moment for the Handshake ecosystem. Taking control of your domains ensures continuity and sovereignty over your digital assets.

Regarding Staked TLDs

For owners of staked Top-Level Domains (TLDs):

  • Withdrawals remain disabled while Namebase finalizes a registry solution for existing SLD holders.
  • They intend to provide continuity for active SLD registrations and registry services before enabling withdrawals.
  • ALL STAKED TLDs WILL BE RENEWED BY NAMEBASE.
  • No immediate action is required from staked TLD owners.
  • Further details on withdrawals will be shared once the registry transition plan is finalized.

This provides reassurance for TLD holders, as their investments are being protected during the transition. For porting out your staked TLDs, we are also offering our own option at partners.headlessdomains.com — you can apply there for assistance with migration and management.

Updates for SLD Holders

Second-Level Domains (SLDs) also have specific protections in place:

  • Any SLD that would have expired on or after January 1, 2025, has been placed into a grace period.
  • No action is required from SLD holders at this time.
  • The grace period will remain in effect until the new registry is launched.
  • All HNS ID SLD holders are included and will be carried forward.

This grace period buys valuable time for users and the ecosystem to adapt to the new registry setup.

Next Steps and Recommendations

Namebase remains committed to a structured wind-down and will continue sharing updates on the registry transition, SLDs, HNS ID, staked TLD withdrawals, and the overall schedule.

Key Recommendation: Don't wait for future milestones. Withdraw your BTC, HNS, and transferable names as soon as practical. For personalized assistance, reach out to sos@namebase.io.

If you're wondering which Handshake wallet to use, we recommend the new updated 2026 Bob wallet. Learn about Bob and other essential Handshake tools and resources at learnhns.com/start.

Here is a video walkthrough of the Namebase wind-down process and how to secure your domains:

Stay tuned to Skyinclude for more updates on Handshake, decentralized domains, and the evolving .agent ecosystem as we navigate these transitions together.

Have questions about migrating your names or setting up alternative management? Drop them in the comments below!