Key highlights
- A domain IP lookup helps diagnose website issues like slow loading times, downtime and incorrect DNS settings.
- Command-line tools such as nslookup, dig and host provide quick ways to retrieve a domain’s IP address without third-party services.
- Online lookup tools like MXToolbox and IPinfo.io reveal a website’s IP address, hosting provider and server location.
- Reverse IP lookup identifies other domains on the same server, helping detect security risks and shared hosting vulnerabilities.
- Bluehost provides secure hosting with built-in DNS management, ensuring better performance, reliability and protection for your website.
Introduction
What if you could uncover hidden details about any website with a simple search? A domain IP lookup makes that possible by revealing a website’s IP address, hosting provider and server location. It allows you to analyze performance, security and reliability.
When a website runs slowly, an IP lookup helps determine whether the server is causing the issue. If you need to verify a domain’s legitimacy, a check on its IP can reveal connections to suspicious websites. This tool also ensures your site isn’t sharing an IP with spammy domains that could harm its reputation.
Every website leaves a digital footprint. With the right lookup tools, you can track and analyze this data to make informed decisions. Let’s explore how to use domain IP lookup effectively.
Why should you perform a domain IP lookup
A domain IP lookup provides valuable insights into a website’s infrastructure. This tool helps uncover a domain’s IP address, identify its hosting provider and track server locations. When a website faces downtime, an IP lookup for a domain can determine if the issue is domain name system (DNS)-related or server-side.
Checking a domain’s IP can also enhance security by verifying ownership details through an IP WHOIS lookup and detecting potential threats. These insights help website owners, developers and security professionals troubleshoot issues, improve performance and protect online assets.
How to perform a domain IP lookup (Step-by-step guide)
An IP lookup for domain helps you find the exact IP address assigned to a website. This is useful for troubleshooting, verifying hosting details and enhancing security. Below, you’ll learn how to perform an IP lookup using different methods, starting with the command line.
1. Using the command line (For Windows, macOS and Linux)
Performing a domain IP lookup through the command line provides quick access to a website’s IP address and hosting details. Each operating system has a built-in tool to execute this process efficiently.
Windows (Command prompt method)
- Press Win + R, type cmd and hit Enter to open Command Prompt.
- Type the following command and press Enter:
nslookup yourdomain.com - The output will display the IP address of the domain and the name server handling the request.
- If no IP appears, use Google’s public DNS for a more accurate lookup by running:
nslookup yourdomain.com 8.8.8.8
- This command forces the lookup through Google’s external DNS, which can resolve discrepancies caused by local DNS caching.
macOS (Terminal method using dig)
- Open Terminal by pressing Cmd + Space, typing Terminal and hitting Enter.
- Run the following command to query the domain’s IP address:
dig yourdomain.com
- The ANSWER SECTION in the output will display the domain’s IP address.
- If the results are missing or outdated, force the query through Google’s public DNS by running:
dig @8.8.8.8 yourdomain.com- This method retrieves DNS records directly from Google’s servers, which often provide fresher data.
Linux (Terminal method using host command)
- Open Terminal using Ctrl + Alt + T or by searching for Terminal in your applications.
- Type the following command to check the domain’s IP address:
host yourdomain.com - The response will include the IP address associated with the domain.
- To retrieve an Internet number resources (IPv6 address instead of IPv4), use:
host -t AAAA yourdomain.com- This command returns any IPv6 records, which are useful for checking modern web server configurations.
2. Using online domain IP lookup tools
For those who prefer a user-friendly approach, online IP checker tools provide a quick and easy way to find a domain’s IP address without using the command line. These tools also offer additional details, such as server location, hosting provider and DNS records.
Follow the steps below to perform an IP lookup using online services.
Method 1: Using MXToolbox
MXToolbox is a free online service that provides a detailed IP lookup along with DNS records. It helps users find IP address, hosting provider and server details.
- Open your browser and visit MXToolbox.
- Type the domain name (for example, [example].com) into the search box.
- Click on MX Lookup or press Enter to start the search.
- The results page will display:
- The IP address of the domain
- The hosting provider and server location
- Any associated DNS records linked to the domain
- To run additional checks, use the Blacklist Check tool to verify if the domain is flagged for spam or malicious activity.
Method 2: Using Whois Lookup by ICANN
If ownership details are required along with the domain’s IP, Whois Lookup by ICANN provides authoritative information from the Whois database about a domain’s registration.
- Open your browser and visit ICANN Whois Lookup
- Enter the domain name (for example, [yourdomain].com) in the search bar
- Click Lookup and view the details, which include:
- The domain’s IP address
- The domain registrar and registration dates
- The contact information of the domain owner (if not privacy-protected)
Which tool should you use?
- MXToolbox – Best for DNS and blacklist checks
- ICANN Whois Lookup – Best for ownership and registrar details
Also read: WHOIS Domain Lookup: Mastering Its Use for Your Website
3. Checking IP details via Bluehost
Every website is assigned a unique IP address by its hosting provider. This address is vital for identifying your server, managing DNS settings and resolving technical issues.
If you’ve registered your domain through Bluehost, checking its IP address is quick and straightforward. Bluehost provides a clean and intuitive dashboard where you can access your domain details, DNS records and IP address—all in one place.
Below, we’ll show you how to check your domain’s IP lookup using Bluehost.
Step 1: Log in to your Bluehost account
- Open your browser and go to Bluehost.com.
- Click Login at the top right.
- Enter your credentials and access your dashboard.
Step 2: Go to Websites
- Navigate to the Websites tab in the left-hand menu.
- Find the website for which you want to check the IP.
Step 3: Locate the IP address
- Click on the Settings tab.
- Scroll down to the Server Information section.
- Click View IP Address under “Name Servers & IP Address” tab.
- Your Server IP Address will be listed here.
For other hosting providers
Most hosting companies, like GoDaddy, SiteGround and HostGator, provide the IP address under their DNS Settings or Server Information sections. If you’re using a different host, check their support documentation or control panel for similar options.
What are the best tools for advanced domain IP analysis
Beyond basic IP lookup for domain, advanced tools help you gain deeper insights into a website’s infrastructure. Whether you need to find other domains hosted on the same server, verify ownership details or track DNS updates, these tools provide valuable data. Below, we’ll explore some essential methods for advanced domain IP analysis.
1. Reverse IP lookup
A reverse IP lookup allows you to see all domains hosted on a specific IP address. This is useful for identifying shared hosting environments, detecting potential security risks or uncovering related websites.
How to perform a reverse IP lookup
- Use an online reverse IP lookup tool
- Go to MXToolBox or ViewDNS.info.
- Enter the IP address or domain name.
- Click Lookup to see a list of domains sharing the same server.
- Analyze the results
- If multiple domains appear, the website is hosted on a shared server.
- Dedicated or VPS hosting will show fewer associated domains.
- Use this data for competitor analysis, security checks or server optimization.
Reverse IP lookup helps website owners assess potential vulnerabilities, especially when hosted on a shared server where bad actors could impact performance.
Checking server location and ownership
Knowing where a server is physically located and who owns it can help with performance optimization, compliance and cybersecurity.
Steps to check server location and ownership
- Use an IP geolocation tool
- Visit IPinfo.io or IPLocation.net.
- Enter the domain name or IP address.
- Click Lookup to retrieve the server’s geographical location, hosting provider and ASN details.
- Verify ownership via WHOIS Lookup
- Go to IP Whois Lookup by ICANN.
- Enter the domain name and check the registrar information.
- This will reveal the organization or individual registered to the domain.
Understanding server ownership through the Whois protocol helps confirm if a website is linked to a legitimate entity or if it’s associated with malicious activity.
3. DNS propagation checker
After updating DNS records, it can take time for changes to reflect globally. A DNS propagation checker helps track how quickly DNS changes spread across different regions.
How to use a DNS propagation checker
- Go to a DNS propagation tool
- Visit WhatsMyDNS or DNSChecker.
- Enter the domain name and select the record type (A, CNAME, MX, etc.).
- Check global DNS status
- Click Search to see real-time results from multiple locations worldwide.
- Green checkmarks indicate updated records, while red crosses show regions still using old DNS data.
- Verify completion
- DNS changes usually propagate within 24-48 hours, but checking ensures all servers reflect the latest data.
Using a DNS propagation checker is essential after making updates like migrating websites, changing name servers or modifying DNS records.
How can you interpret domain Whois IP lookup results
Running an IP lookup for domain gives you essential details about a website’s hosting environment, security and DNS settings. However, raw data alone isn’t enough—you need to know what it means and how to use it. Below, we’ll break down key data points and show you how to apply this information to improve website performance and security.
How to analyze the information you retrieve
The results from an IP lookup and Whois search include the domain’s IP address, hosting provider, server location, nameservers and related domains. Each data point serves a specific function and understanding them can help with troubleshooting website issues, improving SEO and strengthening security.
For example, if your website is loading slowly, checking the server location can help you determine if distance is affecting performance. If emails are going to spam, a reverse IP lookup can reveal whether you’re sharing an IP with blacklisted domains. By using the right tools and taking action based on these insights, you can improve your website’s stability and reputation.
Understanding key data points
1. IP address & hosting provider
The IP address tells you where your website is hosted, but it also plays a role in security and performance. If your website shares an IP address with hundreds of other domains, it could be on a shared hosting plan, which might slow down performance.
What to do next?
- Use IPinfo.io to check if your IP is blacklisted—if so, consider switching to a dedicated IP or VPS.
If your hosting provider is unknown or flagged as suspicious, it might be time to move to Bluehost. It maintains strict security standards for all servers in the network and proactively monitors IP reputation.
Our hosting plans include reliable DNS management, clean IP neighborhoods and options for dedicated IPs to ensure your website maintains a positive online reputation.
Check out our secure web hosting options today and protect your website’s reputation with properly managed IP resources.
2. Server location
A domain lookup reveals where your website’s server is physically located. If your audience is in the U.S. but your server is in Asia, visitors may experience slower load times.
What to do next?
- Use IPLocation.net to verify your server’s location.
- If your website is hosted far from your visitors, switch to a CDN (like Cloudflare) or choose a data center closer to your target audience.
3. Nameservers
Nameservers control where your website is directed. If your nameservers point to an unfamiliar service, your domain could be at risk of DNS hijacking.
What to do next?
- Check your nameservers using IP WHOIS Lookup by ICANN.
- If you’re not using a secure DNS provider, update your nameservers to Bluehost, Cloudflare or Google DNS servers for better security.
4. Related domains (Reverse IP lookup)
A reverse IP lookup shows other websites hosted on the same server. If you find spammy or blacklisted domains, your site’s reputation could be at risk.
What to do next?
- Use YouGetSignal or ViewDNS.info to check if your IP is linked to spammy domains.
- If bad websites share your IP, consider upgrading to a dedicated hosting plan to avoid ranking penalties.
Instead of just collecting data, use it to optimize website performance, enhance security and protect your online reputation. If your hosting provider isn’t secure, migrate to Bluehost for reliable hosting and IP management. If your nameservers look unfamiliar, update them immediately to prevent unauthorized changes.
Final thoughts
A domain IP lookup gives you the power to analyze website security, performance and reliability. This tool helps identify hosting details, detect potential risks and troubleshoot connectivity issues. Checking your domain’s IP regularly ensures your site remains secure, responsive and free from server-related problems.
Understanding your hosting environment allows you to optimize performance and prevent unexpected disruptions. Taking proactive steps to monitor your domain’s IP helps maintain a stable online presence and protects your website from hidden threats.
For a reliable hosting experience with built-in DNS management and security features, Bluehost provides a seamless solution. A secure and well-managed hosting provider ensures your website stays fast, secure and always accessible.
FAQs
An IP lookup for domain is a process that retrieves the IP address linked to a website. It helps identify the hosting provider, verify server locations and detect security risks. Website owners and IT professionals use this tool for troubleshooting, performance monitoring and security analysis.
You can use a domain IP lookup tool such as MXToolbox, IPinfo.io or IP Whois Lookup by ICANN. Alternatively, you can use the command line by entering nslookup [yourdomain].com (Windows) or dig [yourdomain.com] (macOS/Linux) in the terminal.
Yes, a reverse IP lookup helps you find other domains hosted on the same server. Tools like YouGetSignal and ViewDNS.info allow you to check if a website is using shared hosting or a dedicated server.
You can use tools like MXToolbox Blacklist Check or Spamhaus to see if your domain’s IP is flagged for suspicious activity. If blacklisted, consider contacting your hosting provider or switching to a dedicated IP to avoid email deliverability issues.
Running a domain IP lookup periodically is a good practice, especially if you manage multiple websites. Checking after server migrations, DNS updates or performance issues helps ensure your domain remains secure and correctly configured.
