ADA Handles are a standardized NFT-based naming system on the Cardano blockchain, designed to simplify wallet addresses. Instead of using long, complex hexadecimal strings (like "addr1q..."), you can assign a short, human-readable handle (e.g., "@yourname") that resolves to your actual wallet address. This makes sending and receiving ADA or other Cardano assets much easier and more memorable. Each handle is a unique NFT minted directly on-chain, following the "Handle Standard" for security and interoperability.
How Do They Work?
On-Chain Resolution: When someone sends crypto to your handle (e.g., via a dApp or wallet), the blockchain queries the NFT's metadata to route the transaction to your current wallet address. You can update the linked address anytime without changing the handle itself.
NFT Structure: The handle lives as a UTXO (unspent transaction output) on Cardano, with the NFT acting as its unique identifier. Developers can integrate this via APIs or direct blockchain queries—no central servers involved.
Security: Handles never touch your private keys; everything is owned and secured by you on the blockchain, reducing risks from centralized services.
This setup is like a decentralized domain name service (DNS) for crypto addresses, fully native to Cardano's eUTxO model.
Benefits
User-Friendly Transactions: Easier for beginners—send to "@friend" instead of copying a 50+ character address.
Perpetual Ownership: Once minted, you own it forever on-chain, with no renewal fees or third-party control.
Ecosystem Integration: Supported in wallets like Eternl and Tokeo, and dApps across Cardano. It's expanding with features like personalization for NFTs and routing for BTC/ADA cross-chain.
Utility Expansion: Recent developments include tying handles to 3D avatars and virtual identities, plus giveaways for rare single-character handles (e.g., "$0").
How to Get an ADA Handle
Check Availability: Use tools like Handle.Tools to search for desired handles (e.g., by name or length). It shows if it's available, minted, or for sale.
Mint a New One: Head to the official mint site (mint.handle.me or adahandle.com) and connect your Cardano wallet (e.g., Nami, Eternl). Handles are minted as NFTs.
Buy on Secondary Market: If your preferred one is taken, browse marketplaces like JPG Store, Plutus.art, or CNFT.io. Popular lengths include short names or ".com" styles.
As of October 2025, over 269,000 handles have been registered across ~67,000 accounts.
Pricing and Costs
Mint Cost: New handles typically cost around 5 ADA (the current floor price for the NFT collection), plus standard Cardano transaction fees (~0.17 ADA).
Secondary Sales: Prices vary by rarity—common handles might sell for 5-10 ADA, while premium ones (e.g., short or branded) can go much higher. Recent 24-hour sales volume is low at 0 ADA, but the market is active with 36,000+ minted items.
Special Mints: Ongoing H.A.L. NFT collection (hal.handle.me) offers packs starting at similar prices, with chances to win rare handles via tickets. Royalties (up to 50% during mint) fund stakers.
You can access the minting and more information at handle.me