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Guide · Open source

How to use DNSHE-FreeDomains: register and manage a free domain

Updated · written with AI from the project's own documentation and checked against our catalogue data

DNSHE-FreeDomains is the GitHub repository for DNSHE, a free domain registration service that gives you a web address under suffixes such as .de5.net or .us.ci. This guide explains how to register a domain, manage its DNS records, use the API, and keep the domain renewed. The service runs on DNSHE's website, so you use it through a web console rather than installing code from this repository.

DNSHEdnshe/DNSHE-FreeDomains · ★ 22k · MIT

Quick start

  1. 1Create an account. Sign up for a free account on the DNSHE registration page.
  2. 2Search for a domain. In Manage domains, search for a prefix and choose one of the available suffixes.
  3. 3Register the domain. Complete registration. The default term is 1 year.
  4. 4Add DNS records. Add the A, AAAA, CNAME or other records your project needs, or change NS to a third-party DNS provider.
  5. 5Connect your site. Point the domain at your website or app and follow your hosting provider's instructions for verification and HTTPS.
  6. 6Renew when notified. Renew for free within 180 days before expiration to keep the domain active.

What DNSHE-FreeDomains is and what it is not

DNSHE is a non-profit domain distribution platform. The repository mainly holds information, registration guidance, suffix details and links to API documentation. The service itself runs on DNSHE's website.

The repository does not contain self-hostable service code. If you want to run the software yourself, this repo does not provide that.

  • Use it for: a free test or demo domain, a portfolio or personal site, a small side project, or a scripted DNS setup.
  • Do not rely on it for: a permanent, brand-controlled domain or guaranteed uptime.

Choose a suffix

The website highlights four suffixes. The README gives these examples, which are not availability claims. Check the console for live availability.

Each suffix is aimed at a different kind of project.

  • .de5.net: tech and development, such as myproject.de5.net
  • .us.ci: CI/CD and services, such as myapi.us.ci
  • .cc.cd: creative projects, such as portfolio.cc.cd
  • readme lists .bot.cd for bots and automation, such as assistant.bot.cd

Register a free domain and add DNS records

Create an account, open the domain console, search for a prefix and pick a suffix. Then register the domain and add the DNS records your project needs.

The console supports A, AAAA, CNAME, MX, TXT, NS, SRV and CAA records. You can also change NS to delegate the domain to a third-party DNS provider.

  • Sign up at the register page, or sign in if you already have an account.
  • Search for a prefix in Manage domains and choose a suffix.
  • Add records for your website, email or domain verification.

Manage domains through the API

The API lets scripts, CI/CD and deployment workflows manage domains and DNS records. The README points to the full official API guide and a repository API document at docs/api.md.

Check the latest online documentation for endpoints, authentication and request limits. Keep API keys and secrets private and never commit them to a public repository.

  • Read the official API user guide linked from the README.
  • Read docs/api.md in the repository.
  • Get credentials from the console.
git clone https://github.com/dnshe/DNSHE-FreeDomains

Understand renewal and validity

A free domain is not automatically exempt from renewal. The default term is 1 year. You can renew for free within 180 days before expiration.

To unlock permanent validity for free, go to Feature Center, then Permanent Domain Upgrade. This works through friend assistance. Expiration reminders arrive by email, and Telegram reminders are available if you link Telegram and enable notifications.

  • Keep your contact email up to date.
  • Domains can be suspended or deleted for rule violations or if they stay unrenewed past the redemption period.

Follow the acceptable use rules

DNSHE is shared infrastructure. Phishing, fraud, malware, spam, DDoS, unauthorized scanning, brute-force attacks and similar activity are prohibited, as are quota bypass, resale and rental of account resources.

DNSHE may remove records, suspend domains or restrict accounts under its terms. Read the Terms of Service before you build on the domain.

What people use it for

  • A demo domain for a side project, such as myproject.de5.net.
  • A test environment or API endpoint on a suffix like myapi.us.ci.
  • A portfolio site for a student, such as portfolio.cc.cd.
  • A webhook or automation endpoint managed through the API from a deployment script.

Frequently asked questions

Is DNSHE-FreeDomains free?

The README says the basic domain service is free forever, with no credit card or payment information required. Free domains default to a 1-year term and can be renewed for free within 180 days before expiration.

Do I need to install DNSHE-FreeDomains?

No. The repository is mainly an information page with links. The service runs on DNSHE's website, and you manage domains through the DNSHE Console. The only command in the README is git clone, which lets you read the docs locally.

What are the requirements for DNSHE?

The README does not list prerequisites. You need an account to register and manage domains in the console.

Is DNSHE-FreeDomains licensed under MIT?

Yes, the repository is listed under the MIT licence. The licence covers the repository, not the hosted service, which DNSHE runs on its website.

Can I use a free DNSHE domain for a business?

The project is not aimed at businesses that need a permanent, brand-controlled domain. Free domains default to a 1-year term and need renewal or upgrade, and the README makes no uptime or service-level promises.

What are alternatives to DNSHE, and how does it compare?

The README lists Freenom, No-IP and DuckDNS as comparable projects. It does not compare them on features, so check each service's current terms before choosing.

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Our verdict

DNSHE suits developers, students and hobbyists who want a free test domain, a portfolio, or a scripted DNS setup through its API. It is not a good choice if you need a permanent brand domain, guaranteed uptime, or software you can self-host.

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