About domain lookups
Common questions about how domain lookups work and what the results mean.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between WHOIS and RDAP?
WHOIS is the old protocol — free-form text over port 43, with no consistent format between registries. RDAP (Registration Data Access Protocol) is its standardised replacement, returning structured JSON over HTTPS with consistent fields, internationalisation support, and a known query format. ICANN required gTLD registries to support RDAP, and it became the authoritative source in early 2025.
Why can't I see the owner's name and contact details?
For most domains, registries redact the registrant's personal information to comply with privacy regulations like GDPR. You'll still see the registrar, status, nameservers, and dates — but the individual owner's name, email, and address are usually withheld at the source. Some business or older domains may still show contact data.
What does a status like clientTransferProhibited mean?
It's a lock applied by your registrar that prevents the domain from being transferred to another registrar without first unlocking it. It's a normal, protective security setting — not a problem. Our results explain every status code in plain language.
My domain shows serverHold or clientHold — is that bad?
Yes, those are serious. A hold means the domain has been removed from DNS, so the website and email stop working. clientHold is set by your registrar (often for an expired domain or unverified contact details); serverHold is set by the registry for a legal, financial, or compliance reason. Contact your registrar promptly.
What is a homograph or look-alike domain?
It's a domain that uses characters from other alphabets to visually imitate a familiar name — for example, replacing a Latin 'a' with an identical-looking Cyrillic one. Attackers use these for phishing. When a domain contains such characters, we flag it so you can verify it's really the site you intend.
Is this tool free?
Yes. Domain lookups are free with no signup. The site is supported by ads.
How current is the data?
Lookups query the registry live, so the data reflects what the authoritative source publishes at that moment. Results are briefly cached to stay within registry rate limits, so a very recent change may take a few minutes to appear.