ShakeStation Discontinued: Handshake TLD Marketplace Now in Withdrawal-Only Mode

ShakeStation has announced it is shutting down its marketplace and OTC/escrow services. The platform is now withdrawal-only. Handshake users have 60 days to withdraw BTC, HNS, and TLDs using the new bulk transfer tool.

| michelini | 3 min read

ShakeStation is being discontinued. The popular Handshake marketplace and OTC exchange is now in withdrawal-only mode as of April 20, 2026.

Watch the full community update video below:

Official ShakeStation Announcements

On April 20, ShakeStation posted the following announcement:

📢 📢 ANNOUNCEMENT 📢 📢
Shakestation is being discontinued and is now in withdrawal-only mode; BTC/HNS withdrawals remain available and TLDs can be transferred via the bulk tool. SLD functionality may be impacted as services are reduced (details via email).

Read the full announcement on X

They also announced they are discontinuing their OTC / escrow service. All listings have been canceled and associated funds returned to user accounts. The service is now in withdrawal-only mode.

View the OTC discontinuation tweet on X

The Email Sent to ShakeStation Users

Here is the full email received by users detailing the wind-down and withdrawal instructions:

ShakeStation Wind-Down & Withdrawal Instructions

Hi,

We are writing to inform you that ShakeStation is being discontinued as part of a broader effort to simplify our product offerings and focus on long-term priorities.

What this means for you
All users should withdraw their assets from ShakeStation. BTC and HNS withdrawals are available, and we encourage you to complete your withdrawals at your earliest convenience.

TLDs
We have added a bulk transfer tool that allows you to withdraw all of your TLDs in a single action.

  • Each name withdrawal requires a small amount of HNS (~0.2 HNS per name, as part of the standard network process)
  • If your account does not have sufficient HNS to complete withdrawals, you may contact support@shakestation.io to request a deposit address

Second-Level Domains (SLDs)
Second-level domains (SLDs) issued under ShakeStation-managed TLDs rely on ShakeStation infrastructure for resolution and related services. As the platform is discontinued and services are reduced over time, functionality associated with SLDs may be impacted. If you have issued SLDs under your TLDs, you are responsible for managing any third-party relationships related to those domains.

Important

  • Deposits are not supported for general use
  • Do not send funds to any previously issued deposit addresses
  • Deposit addresses will only be provided through support where needed to complete TLD withdrawals

Withdrawal timeline
We will maintain full withdrawal functionality for the next 60 days. After this period, withdrawals will still be processed but may require manual handling and additional verification.

How to withdraw

  • Log into your account
  • Use the bulk transfer tool to withdraw your TLDs
  • Withdraw your BTC and HNS to your own wallet

If you need assistance, please contact support@shakestation.io.

We appreciate your support and encourage you to complete your withdrawals promptly.
Best,
ShakeStation Team

What Handshake Users Should Do Right Now

  1. Log into your ShakeStation account
  2. Use the new bulk transfer tool to move your TLDs (0.2 HNS fee per name)
  3. Withdraw your BTC and HNS to a personal wallet
  4. If you lack sufficient HNS for fees, contact support@shakestation.io

Handshake Community Reacts to Shake Station Shutdown

This is an orderly wind-down with no rug pull reported. The speaker in the video above walks through the announcements and emphasizes the need to support decentralized projects in the Handshake ecosystem.

With both Namebase and ShakeStation now in withdrawal-only mode, the community is encouraged to move names into self-custodial wallets:

Ongoing decentralized efforts include Shakeshift (planned decentralized marketplace + wallet) and the .agent TLD (being built by the SkyInclude team). The .agent TLD is currently in its Trademark Sunrise Phase at headlessdomains.com/agent. Public registration opens on April 27, 2026 with full backend and frontend functionality.

A Positive Step for the Handshake Ecosystem

While this news is disappointing for many, it serves as a strong reminder of the importance of decentralization in the Handshake project. Users are encouraged to move their names into self-custody wallets rather than relying on centralized platforms.

Stay tuned for more updates as the Handshake community builds more resilient infrastructure. Support the builders and keep building!