Frequently asked questions
Below are answers to common questions about Ecency and the Hive blockchain.
About Ecency
What is Ecency?
Ecency is a decentralized social network built on the Hive blockchain where users own their accounts and content. Learn more in What is Ecency?.
What is the Hive blockchain?
Hive is a fast, feeless blockchain for Web3 applications. See What is Hive? for an overview.
How does Ecency work?
Ecency reads and writes data to Hive and rewards contributions with blockchain tokens and Ecency Points. The How it works guide explains the process.
What do I do in my first week on Ecency?
Follow the onboarding checklist for day-by-day steps to secure keys, publish your first post, and start earning.
How do I join Ecency?
Create an account on the signup page or follow the account creation guide. Remember to store your master password safely.
What makes Ecency different from other social networks?
Content is stored on a blockchain, making it immutable and censorship resistant. See why Ecency is different for more details.
Accounts and security
Can I change or delete my account?
Hive account names are permanent and accounts cannot be deleted. You can always create a new account.
How can I verify I own a Hive account?
Sign a short message with your Hive account using HiveSigner’s Sign Message page. Copy the signed message output and confirm it on the Verify tab of the same page (or go directly to hivesigner.com/verifymessage). Sharing that verified signature lets support confirm ownership for GDPR or account deletion requests without exposing your keys. Account deletion on Ecency applies to front-end data only-blockchain content remains immutable.
How do I sign in?
Log in with your Hive username and master password, active key, or via Hivesigner. For key details see Account security and keys.
How does the referral system work?
Share a signup link like https://ecency.com/signup?referral=USERNAME. When a referral earns 250 Points you receive 100 Points. See the referral program for more.
What is Hive Keychain?
Hive Keychain is a browser extension and mobile app for securely using Hive applications.
What if my tokens are stolen or sent to the wrong account?
Blockchain transactions are irreversible. Keeping funds in Hive Power or savings offers more protection.
How can I recover a lost account?
Account recovery is possible within 30 days if you retain your previous owner key. Follow the account recovery playbook for step-by-step instructions and verification tips.
Using Ecency
Is there a mobile app?
Yes, Ecency provides Android and iOS apps. See the mobile app guide for download links and the mobile FAQ for common questions.
What are Ecency Points and how do I earn them?
Points reward engagement and can be spent to boost or promote posts. Earning methods are listed on the Ecency Points page.
Why can’t I post or comment?
You may be out of Resource Credits. RC regenerate over time or with more Hive Power. For fixes and estimates see the RC troubleshooting guide. You can also request temporary delegation via the boost page.
What is considered spam or abuse?
See the content quality and abuse guidance for examples of behavior that may be downvoted or removed.
How do I power up or power down HIVE?
Use the wallet options to convert between liquid HIVE and Hive Power. The power up/down guide covers the steps.
How do I manage tokens from other chains?
Ecency supports cross-chain wallets for BTC, ETH, BNB, SOL, APT, TRX, and TON. External chain wallets are being upgraded to use MetaMask for simpler seed management and transaction signing - see cross-chain wallets for details. If you have funds in a wallet created with a seed phrase, follow the seed phrase migration guide to move them.
Content and rewards
What are the dollar amounts next to posts and comments?
They estimate the pending payout after seven days. Rewards are explained in Hive curation and rewards.
How are author and curation rewards split?
At payout, authors and curators each receive 50% of the rewards unless beneficiaries are set or rewards are declined.
What is voting mana?
Voting power decreases with each vote and regenerates by about 20% per day. See voting power for details.
When can I claim my rewards?
Rewards become claimable seven days after the post or comment is published. Use the Claim Rewards button in your wallet. If claims or conversions look stuck, see payouts and conversions troubleshooting.
Wallet and tokens
What is the difference between HIVE and Hive Dollars (HBD)?
HIVE is the native liquid token; HBD is a stable-value token. Learn more in Hive tokens.
How do I convert between HIVE and HBD?
Use the Convert option in your wallet or trade on a supported market. Converting HBD to HIVE takes about 3.5 days. Troubleshooting steps are in payouts and conversions troubleshooting.
Proposals and governance
How does the Decentralized Hive Fund (DHF) work?
Anyone can create a proposal for community funding. Once it reaches the required vote threshold it receives hourly payouts until it falls below that level.
How do I vote on proposals?
Visit the Proposals page and use the vote icon next to a proposal you support.
How do I participate in governance overall?
Use the governance participation guide to learn how to vote for witnesses and DHF proposals and how powering up affects your influence.