If you set up a custom domain handle on Bluesky and want to go back to the default bsky.social handle, you can do so in a few minutes. The custom domain handle uses a DNS text record to prove domain ownership. Reverting removes that verification and assigns the standard Bluesky handle. This article explains the exact steps to change your handle back to bsky.social and what happens to your existing posts and followers.
Key Takeaways: Reverting to a Standard Bluesky Handle
- Settings > Account > Handle: The only place where you can change your handle back to bsky.social
- DNS record removal: You must delete the TXT record from your domain provider after reverting, or the old handle may still appear in searches
- No follower or post loss: Changing your handle does not affect your followers, posts, or account data
Why You Might Want to Revert From a Custom Domain Handle
A custom domain handle lets you use your own domain name as your Bluesky handle, such as @yourexample.com. This requires adding a DNS TXT record to your domain provider. Some users later decide to revert because they no longer own the domain, they want to simplify their handle, or they find domain verification maintenance inconvenient. Reverting to bsky.social removes the need to keep the DNS record updated. Your account, followers, and all previous posts remain intact. The only change is your display handle.
Steps to Change Your Handle Back to bsky.social
You can perform this change entirely from the Bluesky app or website. No DNS changes are required on the Bluesky side, but you should remove the DNS record from your domain provider after the handle change to avoid confusion.
- Open Bluesky Settings
On the Bluesky website or mobile app, click or tap your profile picture in the top-right corner. Select Settings from the menu. - Go to Account Settings
In the Settings screen, click the Account tab on the left side on desktop, or tap Account in the list on mobile. - Open Handle Settings
Click the Handle option under the Account section. A new page appears showing your current handle and a field to enter a new one. - Select bsky.social Handle
Click the radio button labeled I have my own domain if it is selected, then switch to Use my Bluesky username. This option automatically sets your handle to @username.bsky.social where username is your original Bluesky username. - Confirm the Change
Click the Update handle button. Bluesky will immediately change your handle and redirect your old custom domain handle to your new bsky.social handle. The change takes effect in seconds. - Remove the DNS TXT Record (Recommended)
Log in to your domain provider e.g., Namecheap, GoDaddy, Cloudflare. Find the DNS settings for your domain. Delete the TXT record that starts with atproto or _atproto. This prevents the old handle from being discovered by Bluesky servers and stops it from appearing in search results.
What Happens After You Revert
After you change your handle to bsky.social, your old custom domain handle becomes inactive. Anyone who visits your old custom domain handle URL will be redirected to your new bsky.social profile. Bluesky does not allow two active handles for the same account. Your followers will still see your posts in their feeds. Your posts, likes, and lists remain unchanged. If you later decide to use a custom domain again, you can repeat the DNS verification process from the same Handle settings page.
Common Issues When Reverting From a Custom Domain Handle
Your old custom handle still appears in Bluesky search
If you did not remove the DNS TXT record, Bluesky may still resolve your old custom domain handle for up to 24 hours. Delete the TXT record from your domain provider. Then wait for DNS propagation, which usually completes within a few minutes to an hour. After propagation, the old handle will no longer appear in search results.
You see an error when trying to change your handle
If the Bluesky interface shows an error when you try to switch to bsky.social, the problem is usually a temporary server issue. Close the app or browser tab completely. Wait 30 seconds and open Settings again. Try the handle change again. If the error persists, clear your browser cache or reinstall the Bluesky mobile app.
Your original bsky.social username is taken
This is rare because you originally had that username when you created the account. However, if you changed your Bluesky username before setting up a custom domain, the original username may now belong to another user. In that case, you cannot revert to that exact bsky.social handle. Choose a different username by editing the Username field before clicking Update handle. You can use a variation like yourname2.bsky.social.
Custom Domain Handle vs bsky.social Handle
| Item | Custom Domain Handle | bsky.social Handle |
|---|---|---|
| Setup effort | Requires adding a DNS TXT record at your domain provider | No setup needed, automatically assigned |
| Ongoing maintenance | Must keep the DNS record active and renew the domain | No maintenance required |
| Cost | You must own a domain name | Free, no domain required |
| Branding | Shows your own domain e.g., @yourexample.com | Shows bsky.social subdomain e.g., @username.bsky.social |
| Portability | If you change domains, you must update the DNS record | Permanent unless you change your Bluesky username |
Reverting from a custom domain handle to bsky.social is a straightforward process that takes less than five minutes. The key step after the handle change is removing the DNS TXT record from your domain provider to prevent the old handle from lingering in search results. If you ever want to go back to a custom domain, you can repeat the verification process from the same Handle settings page. Remember that your followers, posts, and account data remain untouched during the handle change.