- Bluesky lets you use your own domain (e.g.,
@yourname.com) as your handle by adding a DNS TXT record. - Setup takes 5-15 minutes: get verification token from Bluesky → add DNS record → verify in Bluesky settings.
- Custom domain handle is identity verification — visitors instantly know the account is tied to that domain. Strong credibility signal for journalists, brands, and creators.
Why Use a Custom Domain Handle?
- Verification — proves you own the domain, just like a verified Twitter checkmark but free.
- Branding —
@yourname.comreads more professional than@yourname.bsky.social. - Searchable — anyone googling your domain can find your Bluesky.
- Portability — if you move servers, the handle stays.
- SEO bonus — your domain DNS now references Bluesky.
Step-by-Step: Set Up Custom Domain Handle on Bluesky
1. Open Bluesky Settings
- Open bsky.app.
- Click your Profile → Settings.
- Click Account → Handle.
- Click I have my own domain.
2. Get Your Verification Token
Bluesky shows you:
- Required DNS record type: TXT.
- Record host: _atproto (or your subdomain).
- Record value: did=did:plc:xxxxxx (your unique token).
Copy the value.
3. Add the DNS Record
Go to your domain DNS provider (Cloudflare, Namecheap, GoDaddy, etc.):
- Find your DNS settings.
- Click Add Record.
- Type: TXT.
- Name / Host: _atproto (just type "_atproto" — your domain is auto-appended).
- Value: paste the did=did:plc:xxxxxx string from Bluesky.
- TTL: leave default (3600).
- Save.
4. Verify in Bluesky
- Wait 5-15 minutes for DNS propagation.
- Return to Bluesky Settings → Handle.
- Type your domain (e.g.,
yourname.com). - Click Verify DNS.
- If successful: your handle becomes
@yourname.com.
Common Setup Issues
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| "Verification failed" | Wait longer for DNS propagation (up to 24h). Check DNS via dig command. |
| "Record value mismatch" | Ensure the value matches exactly. Don't use quotes if your DNS provider auto-adds them. |
| "Subdomain not allowed" | Some providers require trailing dots. Try with and without. |
| "DNS lookup failed" | Test with: dig TXT _atproto.yourname.com from a terminal. |
Custom Subdomain Handle
You can use a subdomain instead of root domain:
- Root:
@yourname.com(TXT record on_atproto.yourname.com). - Subdomain:
@blog.yourname.com(TXT record on_atproto.blog.yourname.com).
Useful if you want to keep the root domain for your main website and use a subdomain for your social handle.
How to Verify Custom Handle Setup
Test from terminal:
dig TXT _atproto.yourname.comYou should see your did=did:plc:xxxxxx value in the output. If yes, Bluesky should verify successfully.
Cost of Custom Domain Handle
- Domain registration: ~$10-$20/year (your domain registrar fee).
- Bluesky setup: $0 (free for everyone).
- DNS hosting: usually free (most registrars include).
Best Domains for Bluesky Handles
- yourname.com — most professional.
- yourbrand.io — common for tech / startups.
- yourname.dev — common for developers.
- yourname.media — common for journalists.
- Any TLD works — even
.xyz,.app, etc.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is custom domain handle on Bluesky free?
Yes — completely free. You only pay for the domain registration ($10-$20/year), which is unrelated to Bluesky.
Can I switch back to a default Bluesky handle?
Yes — Settings → Handle → switch back to yourname.bsky.social. You can change handles freely.
Do I need a server to use custom domain handle?
No. The DNS TXT record is just verification. Your account stays on Bluesky's servers; only the handle becomes your domain.
Can two people have the same Bluesky handle?
No — handles are unique. If you own yourname.com, only you can verify and use that handle.
Does the verification check periodically?
Bluesky checks DNS occasionally. If you remove the TXT record, your handle reverts to default within hours.
Key Takeaways
- Settings → Handle → I have my own domain → get token → add DNS TXT record → verify.
- Wait 5-15 minutes for DNS propagation.
- Custom handle = identity verification + branding + portability.
- Free if you already own a domain.
- Subdomains work too (e.g., @blog.yourname.com).
Make your Bluesky handle work twice as hard
Pair your custom handle with a UniLink URL in your bio — covers all your destinations behind one short link. Free with click analytics.