By Ramzeen A V —

How to Find Out Who Is Hosting Your Domain (Step-by-Step Guide)

By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can quickly find the registrar information you need using the ICANN Lookup Tool.

How to Identify Who Is Hosting My Domain?

Knowing who hosts your domain is essential when you plan to transfer your domain or connect it to a hosting provider. Whether you're switching hosts, troubleshooting issues, or making changes to your website, identifying your domain provider is a simple process. In this tutorial, I’ll show you a quick and easy method to find out your domain registrar using the ICANN lookup tool.

Why Do You Need to Know Who Is Hosting Your Domain?

Before we dive into the steps, let’s quickly cover why knowing your domain provider is important:

  • Domain Transfers: If you're planning to transfer your domain to another provider, knowing your current domain registrar is the first step.
  • DNS Settings: To connect your domain to a new website or hosting service, you'll need to log in to your domain registrar to update your DNS settings.
  • Troubleshooting: If you're having technical issues with your website or domain, knowing where it's hosted can help you find the right support team.

Now that we know why this information is essential, let’s jump into the process.

Step 1: Go to the ICANN Lookup Tool

The ICANN Lookup Tool is a free, easy-to-use tool that can provide information about your domain, including the registrar. To get started, visit this link:
https://whois.icann.org/en/lookup

Step 2: Enter Your Domain Name

In the search box on the ICANN Lookup page, type your domain name (e.g., yourwebsite.com) and click the Lookup button. Make sure to check the captcha box to verify you’re not a robot.

Step 3: Find the Registrar Information

After the search completes, you’ll see detailed information about your domain. Look for the Registrar box. This will show you who your domain provider is and provide the Registrar URL where you can log in to your account.

For example, when I searched for google.com, I found that the domain registrar is Hughes Ortho, and the URL to manage the domain is www.hughesortho.com

Understanding the ICANN Lookup Results

When you search your domain in the ICANN Lookup tool, you’ll find several pieces of information:

  • Registrar: This is your domain provider or domain registrar. It's where you purchased your domain and where your domain’s DNS settings are managed.
  • Registrar URL: This is the website of your domain registrar, where you can log in to your account and manage your domain.
  • Creation Date: This tells you when the domain was first registered.
  • Expiration Date: This shows when the domain registration will expire, and when it will need to be renewed.

Other Tools to Identify Domain Hosts

If the ICANN lookup doesn’t provide the information you need or you want a quicker alternative, you can also use the following tools:

  1. Whois.net: Another lookup tool that shows similar information, including the domain host and expiration date.
  2. DomainTools.com: A robust tool that provides advanced insights about domains, including hosting details, DNS history, and more.
  3. Hosting Checker Tools: Some websites, like hostingchecker.com, also help you find out where your domain is hosted by providing details about both the domain registrar and hosting service.

Common Questions About Domain Registrars

1. What is a domain registrar?

A domain registrar is a company that manages the reservation of internet domain names. When you purchase a domain, the registrar is responsible for maintaining the records and ensuring your domain remains active.

2. Can I transfer my domain to a new registrar?

Yes, you can transfer your domain to another registrar if you’re unhappy with your current service. You’ll need an Authorization Code (EPP Code) from your current registrar to initiate the transfer.

3. What’s the difference between a domain registrar and a web hosting provider?

A domain registrar is where you buy and manage your domain name. A web hosting provider is where your website files are stored and served to users. Sometimes, companies offer both domain registration and hosting, but they are separate services.