BlueSky, the decentralized social media platform that has gained popularity for its commitment to transparency and user control, is becoming the go-to alternative for those seeking more autonomy over their online interactions. However, as with any evolving platform, users occasionally run into frustrating roadblocks—one such issue being the dreaded “Invalid Handle” error message. If you’re trying to sign in or register a custom domain and are met with this warning, you’re not alone.
TL;DR
The “Invalid Handle” error on BlueSky usually means there’s a problem with your handle’s format, DNS settings, or registration method. Make sure your handle follows BlueSky’s naming conventions and, if using a custom domain, confirm that DNS records are properly set. Double-check for typos and avoid using unsupported characters. If the issue persists, BlueSky support or your domain registrar may help you resolve it.
What Is a Handle on BlueSky?
Your handle on BlueSky is your unique identifier on the platform—much like a Twitter @username, but often in the form of a domain name. It can either be a standard BlueSky-provided handle like @user.bsky.social or a custom domain you control, such as @yourdomain.com.
Using a custom domain as your handle allows you to bring your personal branding into your social identity. But this added control comes with additional setup steps that, if configured incorrectly, can lead to errors like “Invalid Handle.”
Common Reasons for the “Invalid Handle” Error
There are several root causes for seeing the “Invalid Handle” message on BlueSky. Understanding these can help you zero in on the fix quickly.
- Improper format: Handles must be valid domain names that follow BlueSky’s naming standards.
- DNS not properly configured: If you’re using a custom domain, your DNS records need to be set up exactly how BlueSky expects.
- Typographical errors: Mistyped domains or characters not allowed in DNS can be rejected.
- Handle already in use: Another user may have already registered that handle.
- Domain not verified: The domain might not be correctly linked to BlueSky for verification.
Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing an “Invalid Handle”
Below is your action plan to fix this pesky issue and get your BlueSky presence up and running.
1. Ensure Handle Format Is Correct
Your handle must follow valid domain naming conventions. That means:
- Only use lowercase letters, numbers, and hyphens.
- No special characters like @, !, %, or spaces.
- It must not start or end with a hyphen.
- Shouldn’t include subdirectories or protocols like “https://”.
Example of a valid handle: @example.com
Example of an invalid handle: @https://example.com/blog
2. Check Domain Availability and Registration
If you’re trying to use a custom domain, you must already own or control that domain. Use a WHOIS checker or go to your domain registrar to confirm ownership.
If someone else owns the domain you’re trying to use, you won’t be able to register it as a handle. Make sure that your domain is uniquely yours and not already pointed to another BlueSky user.
3. Configure DNS Records Properly
Here’s where many users get stuck. BlueSky requires that your domain has a specific DNS TXT record that points back to their servers to verify it. Failure to configure this means BlueSky won’t be able to verify that you own the domain, which often results in the “invalid handle” error.
To fix this:
- Log in to your domain registrar (e.g., GoDaddy, Cloudflare, Namecheap).
- Navigate to the DNS Settings section.
- Add a new TXT record with:
- Host: _atproto
- Value: did=did:plc:<your-did-here> (replace <your-did-here> with your Decentralized Identifier)
- Save and allow DNS propagation time (can take up to 24 hours).
You can use tools like DNSChecker.org to verify if your TXT record has populated globally.
4. Don’t Forget to Link Custom Domain in BlueSky Settings
Once you’ve configured your DNS settings, go back to your BlueSky profile and attempt to change your handle to the custom domain. The platform will check your DNS to confirm ownership. If successful, your handle will update immediately.
5. Clear Cache and Retry
Sometimes browsers or apps can cache outdated settings. If you’ve recently made changes to your DNS and they’ve propagated, and you’re still getting an error, try:
- Clearing your web browser cache
- Logging out and back into BlueSky
- Using a different device or network to confirm if the issue persists
6. Contact BlueSky Support
If none of the above steps solve your issue, it’s time to escalate. BlueSky has community and developer forums where you can post detailed questions. You may also be able to reach out through their support channels or GitHub if it turns out to be a bug.
Advanced Troubleshooting Tips
For tech-savvy users wanting to double-check that the setup is bulletproof:
- Use the dig command in your terminal to see DNS TXT record returns:
dig _atproto.example.com TXT - Make sure there are no contradictory DNS entries.
- Check if your domain registrar appends unwanted subdomains by default.
Misconfigurations like setting the TXT record on example.com instead of _atproto.example.com are common.
Can You Avoid This Problem in the Future?
Absolutely. Here are a few forward-looking tips to minimize your chances of running into the same issue again:
- Double-check all DNS changes before saving.
- If using a hosting provider, ensure they’re not overwriting your DNS settings with managed configurations.
- Document your BlueSky handle setup somewhere so future updates go smoothly.
Final Thoughts
The “Invalid Handle” error on BlueSky might seem mysterious at first, but resolving it is straightforward once you understand the likely culprits. By following the right process—validating your handle format, configuring DNS correctly, and ensuring domain ownership—you’ll be on your way to a verified and personalized BlueSky handle in no time.
Just remember, DNS changes can take hours to propagate, so a little patience goes a long way. And if all else fails, the BlueSky community is usually quick to share free advice and best practices that can help.
