A WHOIS record is the public registration file of a domain: who manages it, when it was registered, when it expires and where its DNS points. Kwebby's WHOIS Checker looks up that record for any domain, or the network record for an IPv4 address, and lays it out in a few readable fields. Its result fields do not include owner names or contact details, which most registries now redact anyway.
This guide explains each field, how to read the status codes and what to do when you need to reach the owner.
Key Takeaways
- Kwebby's WHOIS Checker shows a domain's registrar, registration and expiration dates, nameservers, ICANN status codes and the registrar's abuse contact when the registry publishes it.
- It queries RDAP first and falls back to the registry's WHOIS server for TLDs without RDAP, such as .io, .us and .co. For those, the raw WHOIS record is available under the result.
- Enter an IPv4 address to see the network name, address range, organization, country and abuse email from the regional internet registry.
- Registrant names and contact details show only when published. Many public records hide them.
- ICANN says gTLD registries and registrars have not been required to provide WHOIS since January 28, 2025, and that RDAP replaces it.
- Status codes such as clientTransferProhibited are normal locks set by registrars, not warnings.
- People with a legitimate interest can request hidden gTLD data through ICANN's Registration Data Request Service.
- Use WHOIS for due diligence and abuse reports, and do not use personal details to harass anyone.
What Is the Kwebby WHOIS Checker?
Kwebby's WHOIS Checker is a free tool that looks up the public registration data of a domain name. Enter a domain such as google.com, or an IPv4 address such as 8.8.8.8, and press Lookup. For a domain it returns the registrar, registration date, last updated date, expiration date, nameservers, domain status codes and the registrar's abuse contact when published. A Source line names the RDAP or WHOIS server that answered. No account is needed.
WHOIS data is the starting point for many domain checks, from buying a name to reporting abuse.
Key Features and How It Works
The record is split into fields that answer different questions. Here is what each one tells you.
Registrar
The registrar is the company through which the domain was registered. It is not always the company that hosts the website. To see the host, use the Domain Hosting Checker.
Registration and Expiration Dates
The registration date is when the domain was first registered, and the expiration date is when the current registration period ends. Together with today's date they give the domain's age. The Domain Age Checker calculates that age for you.
Nameservers
Nameservers are the DNS servers that answer for the domain. They show where the domain's DNS is managed, which is often a DNS provider or host. For the records themselves, use Find DNS Records.
Domain Status Codes
Status codes are ICANN standard labels that show whether a domain is locked, active or being deleted. They are explained below.
Abuse Contact
For many gTLD domains, the registry's RDAP record includes the registrar's abuse email and phone number. The tool shows them when present. Use this contact to report phishing, malware or spam hosted on a domain.
Registrant Information
The result fields do not include registrant names or contact details. For WHOIS-only TLDs, the raw record under the result shows whatever the registry publishes. Most registries redact personal data, and privacy services replace what is left with proxy details. To reach an owner, contact the registrar or use its contact form.
IP Address Lookups
Enter an IPv4 address and the tool queries RDAP at the regional internet registry, such as ARIN or RIPE NCC. The result shows the network name, address range, organization, country, registration dates and abuse email when published.
Why WHOIS Data Matters
WHOIS data gives you facts about a domain's management, which helps when you buy, audit or report a domain. It does not tell you how good a website is. Google's John Mueller has said domain age helps nothing for ranking, so keep the record in perspective.
The system behind WHOIS is changing. ICANN describes RDAP as the replacement for WHOIS and says that since January 28, 2025 gTLD registries and registrars no longer have to provide WHOIS, with limited exceptions. Lookups that return data in a different format or with fewer fields are therefore normal.
How to Read Domain Status Codes
Status codes tell you what can happen to a domain. ICANN defines these common ones:
- clientTransferProhibited. The registrar has asked the registry to reject transfers to another registrar. This is a common lock.
- clientDeleteProhibited. The registry rejects requests to delete the domain.
- clientUpdateProhibited. The registry rejects requests to update the domain.
- serverTransferProhibited. The registry prevents the domain from moving to another registrar, often during a dispute or under a registry lock.
- redemptionPeriod. The registrar has asked to delete the domain, and it stays in this state for 30 days before it can be purged.
- pendingDelete. The domain has been in redemption for 30 days without being restored and will soon be dropped.
- ok (shown as active). Nothing is pending and no restrictions apply.
How to Use the WHOIS Checker
Follow these steps to look up one domain.
- Enter the domain or IP. Type the domain name, such as google.com, or an IPv4 address into the box.
- Press Lookup. The tool retrieves the public registration record.
- Read the registrar. Note the company that holds the registration.
- Check the dates. See the registration date and the expiration date.
- Review the nameservers. They show where the DNS is managed.
- Read the status codes. Use the list above to see whether the domain is locked or being deleted.
- Note the abuse contact and source. Use the abuse email for reports, and check which RDAP or WHOIS server answered.
If a lookup fails, use the "Report if not working" button on the page.
Best Practices for Using WHOIS Data
Good practice is to treat the record as one source and to respect the people behind it.
Treat Hidden Data as Normal
Redaction and privacy services are common. A hidden owner is not a sign of wrongdoing. Do not read anything into blank fields.
Request Hidden Data Through Proper Channels
If you have a legitimate need, such as consumer protection, security work or law enforcement, ICANN's Registration Data Request Service lets you send requests for nonpublic gTLD data to participating registrars. It offers a route to ask, not a guarantee of disclosure.
Check Expiry on Your Own Domains
The expiration date is the one date you must not miss. Turn on auto-renew with your registrar and note the date. For a name you want to buy, an approaching expiry does not mean it will be released, so ask the owner.
Pair WHOIS With Other Checks
Combine the record with the Wayback Machine, the Domain Age Checker and the Domain Availability Checker when you evaluate a name. A registration history shows when a domain was registered, not what the site did.
Do Not Target Individuals
Use contact details only for the purpose they exist for, such as abuse reports or a purchase inquiry. Do not use personal data from a record to harass, profile or pressure someone.
Common Use Cases
- Buying a domain. Check the registrar, dates and status before you contact the owner or a broker.
- Reporting abuse. Find the registrar and the nameservers so you can contact the right company, then use the Domain Hosting Checker to find the host.
- Auditing your own domains. Confirm that the registrar, nameservers and expiry dates are correct.
- Investigating unfamiliar sites. Compare the registration date with what the site claims. The Suspicious Domain Checker adds more signals.
- Migration planning. Record the nameservers and registrar before you transfer a domain.
Related Kwebby Tools
WHOIS data is one part of the picture. The SEO Tools group has more checks, and these fit next.
- Domain Age Checker turns the registration date into an exact age.
- Domain Hosting Checker shows the hosting provider, IP and nameservers.
- Find DNS Records lists the DNS records for a domain.
- Domain Availability Checker tests whether a name is free to register.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is WHOIS?
WHOIS is a public record of domain registration data. It lists the registrar, registration and expiration dates, nameservers and status codes, and sometimes the registrant. ICANN says RDAP replaces the older WHOIS protocol for gTLDs.
Why is WHOIS information sometimes hidden?
Registrants can use privacy services that replace their details with proxy information, and registries redact personal data in public records. This protects owners from spam and misuse. The registrar, dates and nameservers usually remain visible.
How do I check if a domain is about to expire?
Run the domain through the WHOIS Checker and read the expiration date. If the date is near, the owner needs to renew. A domain that is not renewed can move toward deletion, and its status codes may then show redemptionPeriod or pendingDelete.
What does clientTransferProhibited mean?
It means the registrar has asked the registry to reject transfers to another registrar. It is a common lock that guards against unauthorized transfers, and it is normal on active domains.
Is WHOIS the same as RDAP?
No. RDAP is the newer protocol that ICANN says replaces WHOIS. Both give access to registration data, and RDAP returns it in a standard format.
Is the Kwebby WHOIS Checker free?
Yes. The WHOIS Checker is free to use and needs no account.
Final Thoughts
A WHOIS lookup tells you who manages a domain, when it was registered and when it needs renewing. Read the status codes, expect hidden owner fields and use the data only for legitimate purposes.
Look up the domain you care about now, then check its age and hosting with the Domain Age Checker and the Domain Hosting Checker. If you need a website built on a domain you control, Kwebby's development services can help.