Free Whois Lookup
Find out who owns any domain with our whois / rdap domain name checker
Enter a real domain name, with its domain extension, eg mybusiness.com.ng
What is WHOIS?
WHOIS is an accessible database that contains information regarding domain name registration. It records details such as the registrant’s name, email, registrar, and expiration dates whenever a domain is registered.
WHOIS has been the go-to protocol for decades when it comes to domain ownership data
Our WHOIS tool helps you instantly query that database.
You’ll see:
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Who registered the domain (if public)
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Domain registrar and server details
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Creation, expiry, and update dates
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Name servers and DNS status
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Domain availability and lock status
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RDAP-compliant metadata
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Domain lock status
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Domain status (active, locked, pending transfer, etc.)
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Contact details (when not hidden by privacy services)
How to use the WHOIS tool
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Get instant results within seconds
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Type the domain name (e.g. example.co.ke)
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Click “Check Now”
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That’s it! You get RDAP Data in minutes
Why use Truehost WHOIS?
✅ Superfast lookups with real-time data
✅ Works for all domains
✅ No login required
✅ No limits—run as many searches as you like
✅ 100% free forever
Worried about your privacy? Here’s a solution
If you find your personal details, including your name, phone number, or email address, displayed in WHOIS results, it indicates that your domain is not protected by privacy.
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The good news? When you transfer or register your domain with Truehost, you can choose to add Domain Privacy for free.
What is RDAP?
RDAP, an acronym for Registration Data Access Protocol, represents a secure, contemporary substitute to the conventional WHOIS system, serving as a reliable source for querying domain registration information.
RDAP is designed to replace WHOIS with:
- GDPR-compliant privacy
- More structured, machine-readable data
- Better security and access control
- Real-time data from the source: RDAP communicates directly with the domain registry or registrar in real time
- Better access control
- With RDAP, registrars can control who gets to see what — offering tiered access levels based on user identity or purpose.
Buying an Expired Domain
Interested in purchasing a domain that’s already owned?
The initial phase involves using WHOIS/RDAP to find the current domain owner, verify the domain’s expiration date, and strategize your acquisition plan. Should the owner’s email be public, it presents a valuable opportunity for you to initiate direct negotiation.
Need help buying or brokering a domain? Our team can guide you through. Contact us via Live Chat.
Ready to protect or transfer your domain?
After using WHOIS, take the next step. Secure your brand with Truehost’s affordable domain services:
Manage your DNS, emails, SSL, and hosting—all in one dashboard
Register a new domain name from as low as NGN.450 for some extensions
Transfer your existing domain and get 1-year extension
Common Whois FAQs
What does the WHOIS database contain?
The WHOIS database is a public record of domain registration data. It typically includes:
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Name servers and DNS settings
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Domain owner/registrant name
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Contact information (email, phone, address — if not hidden)
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Domain registration and expiry dates
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Registrar details (e.g., Truehost Nigeria)
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Domain status (e.g., active, expired, locked)
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Name servers and DNS settings
How to update my WHOIS information?
To update your WHOIS contact details (such as name, email, phone number, or address):
- Log into your Truehost Nigeria client account.
- Go to the “Domains” section and select the domain you want to update.
- Click on “Edit Contact Information” or “Manage WHOIS”.
- Make your changes and save.
Note: Updating WHOIS info may trigger a verification email. Be sure to confirm the changes through your email to avoid any disruptions.
How to do a WHOIS lookup?
Using Truehost Nigeria’s free WHOIS Lookup Tool is fast and easy:
- On the WHOIS lookup page on truehost.com.ng,
- Enter the domain name you want to check (e.g., mybrand.com.ng).
- Click the “Check Now” button.
- Instantly view domain registration details such as registrant info, name servers, registrar, and key dates.
Why is some domain info hidden?
Some domain information may be hidden for privacy reasons. Domain owners may choose to use a service, often offered by the domain registrar, to replace their personal information in the WHOIS database with the service provider’s details. This is typically done to protect the domain owner from spam, identity theft, or other potential forms of abuse. It is sometimes referred to as WHOIS protection or privacy protection.
Can I get contact info of the owner?
Only if their info is public. If the domain has WHOIS privacy, it won’t show emails or names.
What does domain status like “clientTransferProhibited” mean?
This domain status means that the domain name cannot be transferred to another registrar unless the domain owner changes this status. This is usually a security measure put in place to prevent unauthorized transfers or domain hijacking.
Yes. WHOIS data includes the domain’s expiry date—so you can monitor and plan ahead if you’re eyeing a taken name.
How to hide domain information from WHOIS?
To protect your personal or business information from appearing in public WHOIS databases:
- Purchase WHOIS Privacy Protection (also known as ID Protection) during domain registration or afterward.
- At Truehost, many domains support WHOIS Privacy Protection.
- Once activated, your real contact details are masked with proxy information (e.g., from a privacy service), keeping you safe from spammers and identity theft.
Why is WHOIS info important?
WHOIS information is important for several reasons:
- Ownership Verification: WHOIS information helps to identify the person or organization that owns a domain name. This is particularly useful in cases where ownership might be disputed.
- Authenticity Check: By checking the WHOIS information of a website, one can figure out if the website is legitimate or fraudulent. If the information is hidden or false, it may be a sign that the website is involved in illegal activities.
- Legal Issues: In case of any legal issues or complaints, the WHOIS info allows people to contact the website owner directly.
- Security Research: WHOIS information is also important for security researchers to track down the source of cyber threats or hacking attempts, as it reveals the origin of the domain.
- Networking: It is also crucial for network administrators to understand who is accessing their network and to mitigate unwanted access and potential cyber-attacks.
- Business Transactions: Buyers interested in purchasing a domain can use WHOIS information to contact the domain owner for negotiations.
- Technical Issues: During web-related technical problems, the technical contact listed in the WHOIS info can be reached out to.
In essence, WHOIS data enhances transparency and credibility on the world wide web.