Domains
Free WHOIS lookup
Get the details behind any domain or URL with a free WHOIS domain lookup tool. Check the domain owner, availability and registration info.
WHOIS domain lookup: What it is and how it works
When someone registers a domain, they submit info to ICANN—like signing the internet's public guestbook. Our free WHOIS lookup tool lets you find out who owns a domain, check contact info and see registration and expiration dates. Plus, Wix’s data is sourced from ICANN-compliant registry records, which is straight from the source.
As the internet shifts to RDAP (Registration Data Access Protocol)—a newer, more structured way to access domain registration information with stronger GDPR privacy protections—Wix’s WHOIS tool supports both RDAP and WHOIS, so you're covered either way.
Check domain availability
Before getting too attached to a domain name, make sure it's actually available. Type the name or URL you want into the WHOIS search bar and check if it's free to register.
Check domain owner details
Use our domain owner lookup to identify a domain's owner, check technical details like the nameserver records and IP address, and find contact information when available.
See when domains expire
Just because a domain’s taken doesn’t mean it’s off the table. Keep an eye on its expiry date—owners sometimes let them go and you could be next in line to snatch it up.
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Enter the domain or URL
Find out if the domain name you want is actually taken or just sitting "on hold." -
Run the search
Wix queries ICANN-accredited registry records to find out who owns a domain in seconds. -
Check the registrant details
Review the name or organization, the registrar managing the domain, the nameservers and the creation and expiry dates. -
Go through the registrar
If the record is private, contact the listed registrar directly — they can forward your request to the domain's owner on your behalf.
Simple domain setup
Use the search bar to explore 400+ domain extensions, then choose the name you love and make it yours in just a few clicks.
ICANN accredited
As an ICANN-accredited registrar, Wix pulls lookup data from the registry with no extra fees and you can transfer your domain anytime.
Built-in web hosting
Get reliable multi-cloud hosting with top-tier security, a quick setup and 99.99% uptime so your site always stays online.
Privacy and security
Take advantage of free SSL protection and total WHOIS privacy to keep your personal information hidden online.
Support around the clock
Whether it’s midday or midnight, our experts are here 24/7 via chat, call, articles and tutorials to help you keep moving forward.
Custom website and email
Build your site, register your domain and set up a business email—all in one place designed to grow with your brand.
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WHOIS FAQ
What is the WHOIS lookup database?
A WHOIS lookup is a free search of the public registration record for a domain name. It checks who registered the domain, which registrar manages it, when it was created, when it expires and which nameservers it uses. Wix's free WHOIS tool queries both WHOIS and RDAP, so it works across all ICANN-accredited registries.
What information does a WHOIS lookup show?
When you run a WHOIS domain lookup, you’ll see details like the registrar who manages the domain including the domain owner’s name, the registration and expiration dates, nameservers and sometimes contact information for the owner or registrant. It’s everything you need to know about a domain’s status and history.
What is the difference between DNS lookup and WHOIS lookup?
A DNS lookup vs a WHOIS search boils down to what info you’re after. A DNS lookup shows DNS records—like where a domain points for websites or email—while a WHOIS domain name lookup helps you find domain registrar info and registration data, like who owns the domain and when it was registered. So DNS is about how the domain works and not about who owns the domain.
How do I contact a domain owner?
Run the domain through a WHOIS lookup and check Registrant Contact Information. If an email is listed, you can use it. If the record is privacy-protected, the privacy service usually provides a forwarding address that relays messages to the real owner. Failing both, try the contact page on the website itself, or the registrar's abuse or transfer-inquiry channel.
Is WHOIS safe to use?
Yes. Running a WHOIS lookup is a read-only query against a public database — it doesn't contact the domain's owner, doesn't notify them and leaves no trace for them to see. The risk runs the other way: if you own a domain without privacy protection, your own name, email and phone number are visible to anyone who looks you up.