WHOIS Domain Lookup: What It Is and How to Use It for Your Website 

Key highlights 

• A WHOIS lookup tells you who owns a domain name and its history. 
• This tool is helpful for website owners, security researchers and anyone curious about a website’s background. 
• You can see if a domain name is available, find contact information and check registration and expiration dates. 
• Privacy protection services can keep your details hidden in WHOIS records. 
• Bluehost makes it simple and safe to register and manage your domains. 

Introduction 

Starting a business or building an online presence requires a domain name. Before purchasing one, you must check its availability. This is where WHOIS domain lookup becomes essential—it helps you verify ownership, availability and domain history. 

WHOIS domain lookup is like a digital record keeper. You can see all the details about a domain, like who owns it, when it was registered and its status. It gives you useful information about domains. 

In this blog, we will explain how WHOIS lookup works, how you can use it for your website and how to protect your information. 

What is a WHOIS domain lookup?  

A WHOIS domain lookup allows you to check if a domain name is available and find out who owns it. Much like a physical address helps build trust for a business, a domain name serves as your brand’s digital address, establishing credibility online. Before purchasing a domain, it’s essential to verify its availability. 

As of 2025, there are approximately 628.5 million registered domains globally (Source: Colorlib). With such vast options, choosing the right domain requires careful consideration. 

The WHOIS database, managed by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), provides essential details about registered domains, including ownership, registration status and expiration dates. 

WHOIS lookups help you understand a domain’s history and ensure transparency. They also assist you in making informed decisions when selecting a domain for your business. They are also valuable for cybersecurity experts, who monitor potential threats based on WHOIS data. 

Although WHOIS data is publicly accessible, many domain registrars offer privacy protection services to safeguard your personal information and reduce risks like spam. By understanding how WHOIS lookups work, you can make smarter choices when purchasing and managing your domains. 

How WHOIS works and why it’s important 

WHOIS lets you look up domain ownership details, including the owner’s name, contact information and domain status. This helps verify ownership, secure your website and resolve domain-related issues. 

When registering a domain, the registrant must provide details such as their name, email, phone number and address. This information is stored in the WHOIS database and managed by domain registrars who follow the rules set by ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers). You can access this information through a WHOIS lookup, which shows data like registration and expiration dates, domain status and name servers. 

WHOIS helps you identify domain ownership, monitor potential online threats and resolve domain disputes. Many registrars offer WHOIS privacy services to protect your privacy, which keeps your personal information hidden from the public eye. 

Why WHOIS is important 

For website owners 

As a website owner, knowing about WHOIS domain lookup is essential. This tool provides valuable information such as contact details, registration and expiration dates and privacy options. By reviewing WHOIS records, you can confirm your domain ownership, manage settings and verify that your contact information is accurate. Tracking WHOIS data also helps you check domain availability, stay informed about changes and address security risks. Understanding the status and ownership of your domain can improve your online presence. 

For security 

Security experts use WHOIS data to track and fix online threats. When something strange occurs, they check the IP address tied to the website. This helps them see where the attack comes from. WHOIS records can reveal groups of harmful websites and identify people who use fake information for bad reasons. Signs of trouble include phony email addresses and locations that do not match. 

Having the correct contact information is essential. As cybercrime goes up, it helps us quickly contact hosting providers or website managers. This lets us report issues and take down harmful websites fast. 

For networking 

WHOIS can also help you connect with others. If you find a website offering valuable content or services, you can often find contact email addresses through WHOIS. This makes it easy to reach out directly. 

If you’re interested in a domain name someone else owns, WHOIS can show you the current owner’s details, allowing you to contact them. Remember to always approach them respectfully and professionally. 

How to perform a WHOIS domain lookup 

Doing a WHOIS lookup is easy. You can find many online tools to help you. Just follow these simple steps. 

Using online WHOIS lookup tools 

Several online tools provide free WHOIS lookup services. By entering a domain name, users can retrieve key registration details, including domain owner information, registrar details and expiration dates. Some popular WHOIS lookup tools are: 

Bluehost WHOIS Lookup 

The Bluehost WHOIS Lookup Tool helps you find essential details about a domain. This includes the owner’s contact information, the domain’s status and when it will expire. If you want to see if a domain is free, check out competitors or manage your domain details. This tool gives quick results from the public WHOIS database.  

For those concerned about privacy, Bluehost offers a feature called Domain Privacy. This feature keeps your information secure from public WHOIS lists. 

ICANN WHOIS Lookup 

ICANN’s Lookup Tool is an online resource, which helps people get information about domain registrations. This includes WHOIS records, details about the registrar and name server information. Whether you have a website, work in cybersecurity or are just curious about owning a domain, this tool provides precise details. It shows public information about a domain name.   

Whois.net 

Whois.com is a platform for finding and managing domains. It provides key details about who owns a domain, when it was registered and if it is free. With the WHOIS Lookup Tool, users can see who registered a domain, when it will end, its name servers and info about the registrar.  

MXToolBox 

MXToolBox is an online tool that helps check and monitor email, DNS and server issues. These tools allow IT experts and website managers to ensure correct email and site settings. With the MX Lookup tool, users can view mail server records, solve delivery problems and see if their domain is ready for email use. 

Enter the domain name 

Once you choose a WHOIS lookup tool, enter the domain name you want to check. Make sure to type the full name, including the part at the end (like example.com, example.net or example.org). Some tools let you look for subdomains or other types of domains to see if they are free or to get information about who owns them.  

For domains requiring custom configurations, setting up DNS records is crucial. This includes steps like adding a CNAME record to point a subdomain to another service. If you’re working on CNAME setup, ensure that the values match your hosting provider’s recommended settings to avoid resolution issues. 

Also read: How to Add a CNAME Record: The Ultimate Guide (2025)

The WHOIS lookup will show its registration details if the name has already been taken. If the name is free, the tool might say that it is unregistered. This means you can buy it from a domain registrar. 

For good results, check the spelling of the domain before you search. A slight mistake can lead to wrong results or a different record. Some tools let you use filters or extra options. These options help you improve your search based on things like how old the domain is, who the registrar is or its ownership history. 

Review WHOIS information 

After you type in the domain name, the WHOIS lookup tool will make a report with key details about it. This info can help you learn who owns it, see its status or check for any problems. Here’s what you often find in the WHOIS results: 

1. Domain registrar 

The WHOIS lookup will show you the name of the registrar that takes care of the domain registration. Some famous registrars are Bluehost, GoDaddy, Namecheap and Google Domains. If you want to get a domain, you may need to check with the registrar or look at a domain marketplace. 

2. Registration and expiration dates 

WHOIS records show us when a website name was registered and when it will run out. This is useful for: 

• See if a domain is close to its ending date. You could get a chance to have it. 
• Ensure you renew your domain on time, so you do not lose it. 

3. Nameservers 

Nameservers tell you where a website is hosted and how it connects to web services. If a website is active, the nameservers link to a hosting provider or a specific server setup. This information helps you understand if a site is running and who manages it. 

4. Domain status codes 

A WHOIS lookup can show the status codes of a website, such as: 

• Active – The website is in use and is registered properly. 
• Pending renewal or deletion – The website is near its expiration date or has already expired. 
• ClientTransferProhibited – The website is locked to prevent any unauthorized transfers. 

Knowing these status codes can help you find out if a website name can be moved, is up for sale or has issues. 

5. Registrants contact details (if public) 

If WHOIS privacy is off, the lookup might reveal information like: 

• Name or group of the owner 
• Email to get in touch 
• Phone number and home address 

These details can help you reach the owner of the site if you have questions or want to discuss business. However, many registrars offer WHOIS privacy. This service keeps this information secret from public records.   

By examining the WHOIS information, you can find out who owns a website. You can also see its current status and history. This can be helpful for research, security or if you want to make a purchase. 

Privacy protection 

When you look up WHOIS information, you may find that some domain ownership details are hidden or replaced with generic information to protect privacy. This is a way for domain registrars to protect domain owners’ information. It keeps their details safe and not open to everyone. 

WHOIS privacy protection & why it matters 

When you are a business owner, protecting your online information is as important as protecting your company’s physical assets. According to a study by Statista, global cybercrime costs are estimated to reach $10.5 trillion annually by 2025. This highlights the need for you to take proactive steps to ensure cybersecurity. 

WHOIS privacy protection helps secure your personal details by masking them with a proxy identity. Without this protection, your name, email, phone number and physical address are publicly available in the WHOIS database. 

Bluehost’s Domain Privacy + Protection 

Bluehost offers domain privacy protection services that replace your private details with generic information while keeping you as the domain owner. This service protects you from spam, unwanted calls, identity theft and fraudulent domain transfers. It also helps prevent malware, SEO blacklist issues and competitor access to your personal details. With Bluehost’s Domain Privacy + Protection, you can protect both new and existing domains. 

Registering & managing domains with Bluehost 

Registering and managing domains with Bluehost is a seamless process that gives you full control over your online presence. From domain selection to advanced management tools, Bluehost makes it easy to handle all your domain needs. 

Easy domain registration 

Domain registration with Bluehost is simple and efficient, offering an easy process from search to checkout. 

Method 1: Registering a domain through Bluehost dashboard 

Step1: Log in to your Bluehost account 

• Access your account to get started. 

Step 2: Search for your desired domain 

• Use the domain research tool to check availability. 

Step 3: Select your domain 

• Add the available domain to your cart. 

Step 4: Add privacy protection 

• Optional but recommended for enhanced security. 

Step 5: Proceed to checkout 

• Finalize your purchase and complete payment. 

Method 2: Registering through Bluehost Domains (front-of-site) 

Step 1: Search for your domain 

• In your browser, go to https://www.bluehost.com/domains and enter your preferred domain name to check for availability. 

Step 2: Select your domain 

• If the domain is available, you will be redirected to the Cart page. Click Proceed to continue. 

Step 3: Choose a similar domain (if unavailable) 

• If the domain is unavailable, the Cart will suggest similar available domains. Click Add to Cart to select one of these alternatives. 

Step 4: Add privacy protection 

• Protect your personal details with privacy protection (optional). 

Step 5: Proceed to checkout 

• Choose hosting if required or simply proceed with registering the domain. Finish your registration and verify your domain. 

Domain management 

How to renew your domains with Bluehost 

When it comes to maintaining your online presence, renewing your domain with Bluehost is a simple and straightforward process that ensures your website stays live and accessible to your audience. 

Step 1: Log in to your Bluehost account

• Access your Account Manager. 

Step 2: Go to the renewal center 

• Click on the Renewal Center tab from the left-hand navigation menu. 

Step 3: Select the domains to renew 

• Choose the domains you want to renew. 

Step 4: Manage your renewal options 

• Click on either Renew Now, Enable Auto-Renew, Disable Auto-Renew or Switch Payment to adjust your renewal preferences. 

How to purchase domain privacy with Bluehost 

Enabling domain privacy and protection with Bluehost helps safeguard your personal information by keeping your contact details private and secure from public view. 

Step 1: Log in to your Bluehost Account 

• Access your Account Manager. 

Step 2: Go to the domain name section 

• Click on the Domain Name tab from the left-side menu. 

Step 3: Activate domain privacy 

• Select the domain you want to update. In the Domain Overview section, click Turn On to enable privacy. 

Step 4: Complete payment 

• Finalize your purchase by completing the payment. 

How to create a professional email address 

Creating a professional email address with Bluehost allows you to enhance your brand’s credibility by using your custom domain name for seamless communication. 

Step 1: Purchase a domain name 

• Select and purchase a domain name that aligns with your business or brand. 

Step 2: Choose an email hosting provider 

• Bluehost offers free professional email accounts with every hosting plan. It supports Outlook, Gmail and other clients, along with spam protection and SSL encryption. 

Step 3: Set up your email address 

• Follow the provider’s setup process to create an email like [first.last]@yourdomain.com] 

Step 4: Choose the right email format 

• Opt for a simple and professional format, such as [first.last]@yourdomain.com]  

Step 5: Secure your email account 

• Use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication to protect your email. 

Transfer domains 

Before transferring your domain to your Bluehost, ensure that it meets the necessary requirements. Your domain must be at least 60 days old and unlocked to proceed with the transfer. Additionally, update your contact information to ensure that your email and other details are current for transfer verification. Lastly, request the EPP code (authorization code) from your current registrar, as this is required to complete the transfer process. 

Step 1: Start the transfer in your Bluehost Account 

• Navigate to Domains or Marketplace, then select Start Transfer In.
• Enter your domain (without “www”) and submit. 

Step 2: Confirm and checkout 

• Select your preferred registration term and finalize payment. 

Step 3: Enter the EPP code & configure settings 

• After purchase, input your EPP code and update nameservers as needed. 

Bluehost makes domain registration, management and transfers easy, so you can focus on growing your online presence with confidence. 

Final thoughts 

WHOIS domain lookup is an essential tool for website owners. It allows you to verify domain ownership, research competitors and protect your personal information. With the rise in cybercrime and growing concerns about online privacy, securing your domain details has never been more important. 

To ensure that your domain is secured and your private information is protected you need a reliable solution. Bluehost makes this easy—whether you’re registering a new domain, renewing an existing one or keeping your personal details private. Our services keep your website secure while giving you full control over your domain. 

Register your domain today with Bluehost’s Domain Registration and establish your online presence effortlessly. Get started now to enjoy seamless management, privacy protection and expert support! 

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