How to buy Handshake (HNS)

How to buy and use Handshake (HNS) on its native network

Handshake (HNS) is a cryptocurrency launched in 2020 that operates as a decentralized, permissionless system. Its primary goal is to incentivize a distributed network of computers to manage domain name ownership. By decentralizing the root zone and top-level domains, Handshake aims to provide an alternative to the centralized certificate authorities and naming systems that currently manage how we find addresses on the internet.

Verified routes to get HNS

Based on our verified market data, HNS is available through the following exchanges:

• CoinEx (HNS/USDT)
• MEXC (HNS/USDT)

MEXC requires KYC for users. Availability varies by country, and users in the US, Canada, Great Britain, and Singapore, among others, are banned from using the platform.

What the native network does

The Handshake network is designed to replace the centralized nature of the Domain Name System (DNS). In the current internet model, a few entities control the root zone, which can leave the system prone to fraud or cyber attacks. Handshake uses a peer-to-peer system where every peer is tasked with validating and managing the root DNS naming zone.

The network is categorized by our desk as part of the DePIN (Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks) and distributed computing sectors. It also involves elements of storage and collectibles. Beyond its utility in naming, the network follows a mining model, with specific halving dates that impact both miners and holders.

Wallet, transfer, and network-fee checks

HNS operates on its own native network. It is not a token hosted on another platform like Ethereum or Solana. When moving HNS, you must ensure you are using a wallet and exchange that specifically supports the Handshake native chain.

To verify transactions or check address balances, you can use the Handshake explorer. For those who want to inspect the technical implementation of the network, the source code is available on GitHub.

Self-custody and withdrawal risks

Moving assets from an exchange to a private wallet is a primary way to secure funds, but it carries specific risks:

• Withdrawal and deposit support for HNS is not verified for the listed exchanges. You must check the exchange's current status before attempting a transfer.
• A common mistake is assuming that because an exchange lists a coin, it supports withdrawals on the native network. Always verify the network destination.
• KYC requirements and account features differ by region. Check your local availability before depositing funds.

For those seeking self-custody, using a hardware wallet is a standard practice to reduce the risk of online theft.

Sources and methodology

Our routes are derived exclusively from verified market-pair rows in our internal database. We use web research and news sources for background context and risk analysis. Information from CoinMarketCap pages is treated as low-confidence context and is not used as proof of liquidity, fees, or contract safety. We omit live market values, such as price and volume, because these figures change too frequently to remain accurate in a static guide.