How to Set Up Your Own Handle on Bluesky#

What is a Custom Handle?#

Bluesky lets you use a custom domain as your handle (e.g., @yourdomain.com) instead of the default @username.bsky.social. This allows you to personalize your presence and showcase your brand or identity more effectively. It could also be the future of online identification.

You do not need to set up your own PDS like I originally thought you had to do.

Prerequisites#

Before setting up a custom handle, make sure you have the following:

  • A domain name: You need to own or manage a domain name.
  • DNS management access: This is usually provided by your domain registrar (e.g., GoDaddy, Namecheap, Google Domains).
  • A Bluesky account: Ensure you have an account already created on Bluesky.

Steps to Configure Your Custom Handle#

Step 1: Verify Your Domain#

Bluesky uses a DNS TXT record to verify that you own the domain.

  1. Log into Bluesky:

    • Open the app or website and go to your profile settings.
    • Look for the option to set a custom domain handle (usually under “Settings” or “Advanced Settings”).
    • Bluesky will display a verification code that you’ll use in the DNS setup.

  2. Access Your Domain’s DNS Settings:

    • Log in to your domain registrar or DNS provider.
    • Navigate to the DNS management section.

  3. Add a TXT Record:

    • Create a new TXT record in your DNS settings.
    • Name/Host: Use @ or your domain name (depending on the provider’s format).
    • Value/Content: Paste the verification code from Bluesky.
    • TTL (Time to Live): Set it to the default value (e.g., 1 hour or less).

  4. Save the Changes:

    • Save the TXT record, and wait for the changes to propagate. DNS changes typically take a few minutes to a few hours.

Step 2: Update Your Bluesky Handle#

  1. Go Back to Bluesky:

    • After updating the DNS, return to Bluesky and confirm the setup.
    • Bluesky will automatically verify the TXT record.

  2. Set Your Custom Handle:

    • Once verified, you can replace your default handle (@username.bsky.social) with your domain (e.g., @yourdomain.com).

Optional: Use a Subdomain (e.g., @social.yourdomain.com)#

If you prefer to use a subdomain instead of the root domain:

  1. Follow the same process as above.
  2. Add the TXT record to the subdomain’s DNS settings (e.g., social.yourdomain.com).

Additional Notes#

  • Domain Redirection: You might want to redirect yourdomain.com to your Bluesky profile or another website. Set up a URL redirection for your domain in the DNS settings.
  • Renewals: Ensure your domain remains active to avoid losing your custom handle.

Troubleshooting#

  • Verification Issues: If Bluesky cannot verify your domain, double-check the TXT record and allow more time for DNS propagation.
  • Subdomain Errors: Ensure you’ve configured the correct subdomain in both Bluesky and your DNS settings.

Enjoy your personalized handle! A custom handle not only looks good but you don’t need to pay for a blue check mark. Domain name authentication could be much more commonplace in the future. I think we could see the end of a lot of sign-in pages and we use our domain names to login arcoss a multitude of online services.