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What is the WHOIS database?

The WHOIS domain database is a listing of all registered domains, and is regularly used for various legal purposes. Network administrators use WHOIS data to identify and fix problems. For instance, WHOIS information can be used to determine the availability of domain names, identify trademark infringement, and keep domain name registrants accountable.

WHOIS verification can even be utilized to combat spam or fraud, as administrators can track down registrants who post illegal content or participate in phishing scams. In addition, the agreements from The International Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) protects domain registrants by prohibiting the use of WHOIS listings for marketing or spam purposes, including high-volume, automated queries against a specific registrar or registry system (unless such queries are done with the intent to manage domain names). For more information on this, read our helpful guide to navigating WHOIS.

How can I use the WHOIS Lookup Tool?

Using the HostItSmart WHOIS domain lookup tool is easy. You can simply enter the domain name whose information you'd like to view into the search field on the WHOIS main page. You can retrieve key data about a domain in this way, including availability, ownership, creation, and expiration details. If you own multiple domains of your own, it can be helpful to download exportable lists from the tool in order to analyze large amounts of domains data. Our guide to prioritizing and valuing domain names can help you navigate how to best use and organize the information you download.

How accurate is WHOIS data?

Since registrants' contact data can change, registrars such as HostItSmart must provide annual opportunities for domain owners to review and edit their WHOIS domain data. According to ICANN's rules, refusing to update this information or providing false data can lead to the suspension or cancellation of domains.

In addition, ICANN allows Internet users to file complaints if they discover WHOIS domain name lookup data that is incorrect or incomplete. In such instances, registrars must correct and verify the data in a timely manner. Through this verification protocol, ICANN seeks to maintain the highest possible level of accuracy.

How do I update my WHOIS information?

It's easy to update your WHOIS contact information in the Domain Manager of your HostItSmart account. It's only takes a few simple steps, and you can update all your contacts at once, or just one at a time. It's important to always keep your contact information up to date, both to comply with ICANN regulations and to make certain you're receiving correspondence at the correct email address.

What about my privacy?

While ICANN's agreements protect registrants from potential spam, many HostItSmart customers still express concern about their personal name, address, and phone number being so readily available online. For website owners who would prefer to keep such information private, HostItSmart offers Domain Privacy protection, so that when people do a WHOIS search on your domain, we replace your personal information with proxy information (check out the difference). When we do this, your domain name is still yours, but now people won't be able to discover your personal information through a simple WHOIS lookup.

Furthermore, if you're a web developer, you have an important obligation to your clients to offer them a complete sense of privacy and protection, no matter the scope of your project. We have some great tips on bolstering both privacy and security for your client base.

Still have questions? See if our answer database solves your query already

Domain names need to be short, easy to spell, easy to remember and of course, reflecting your business and its purpose. We offer an array of domain names with extensions that would summarise your industry. We also offer auction domains at amazing prices.

Yes, but only for the first year. Post that, you will need to renew your domain name registration with Host IT Smart, in order to keep possession of the domain. The charges of renewal will be the price of the domain on the day of renewal.

Domain name renewal is easy. You can do it yourself using your panel settings. Vis-a-vis, we also offer to renew your domain automatically, where your account will be auto-debited of the renewal amount, when the due date of renewal arrives. Quite contrary to the popular belief, auto renewal is safe and card details of customers are maintained with us using utmost security.

We send an email intimation to you, 60 days prior to the expiry of your domain.

Yes, absolutely! It only takes an auth code from your registrar to transfer your domain to us.

You can transfer your domain whenever you want. However, ICANN prohibits transferring domains within 60 days of registration.

Most domain transfers take between five and seven days to complete, after your current registrar has approved the transfer. The time also depends on the extension.

Once your domain is expired, you will be charged annually to maintain the domain. The price is the then-current annual retail price applicable to the domain.

No. Rather, we encourage that you transfer your domain name before it expires, That would protect you from unneeded domain transfer complications.

If your domain has expired with your current Domain Registrar and you’ve renewed already it with them, wait till 45 days of the previous expiry date before transferring, since it will not add 1 more year to your domain name and you will lose out on the Renewal fees paid to the older Registrar.

The bulk search feature is useful if you need to check the availability of multiple domain names at once. Moreover, when you need to book a domain name with different extensions, you use the bulk booking tool.

Generally, registration and transfer process are quite straightforward and can be done by just about anybody. However, if still, you need assistance with anything, we offer 24/7 support across the year.

Domain privacy is super-important. It hides your information from WHOIS, so no one knows your contact information. As a result, you don’t get unwanted marketing calls, no one contacts you to ug you for domain selling and exchanges. Most importantly, spammers are kept miles away.

Yes. Domain privacy comes at a minimal additional cost. Every bit of that extra cost is absolutely worth it, given, your domain registration information stays completely private.