Decentralization enthusiasts often search for ways to utilize decentralized technology in all aspects of their digital lives. One question that arises is whether it’s possible to use a Handshake domain to receive emails, such as user@mail.crypto.

The Limitations of Handshake Domains and Email

Unfortunately, you cannot use your Handshake domain to receive emails. The primary reason is that most email providers do not recognize HNS domains, rendering them incompatible with the current email infrastructure.

Skiff as an Alternative

Skiff offers a potential solution, allowing users to utilize their wallet addresses or ENS names for communication. However, this method is not without its limitations. (you still rely on their domain being centralized and controled by Skiff), but good news is they allow you to control your own data.

Decentralized Mailbox Options

A decentralized alternative to traditional email services can be found in WeaveMail. This service, built on the Arweave network, provides a more decentralized approach to messaging.

Conclusion

Email remains a central aspect of our online lives, and the protocols associated with it, including DNS, are challenging to decentralize. In the future, we may see a shift toward “email-less” methods for online communication, such as logging in with a wallet or using decentralized messaging apps.