Query WHOIS information for a domain name - Domain Names

Use a WHOIS lookup to find information about a domain name, including its registrar, status, and expiration date.

Lookup tool: WHOIS.

The Alibaba Cloud WHOIS tool supports lookups only for Top-Level Domains (TLDs) that can be registered with Alibaba Cloud

Understand WHOIS lookup results

Field	Description
Registrant E-mail	Per ICANN's Temporary Specification for gTLD Registration Data and the GDPR, Alibaba Cloud does not display registrant personal information in public WHOIS results. For cases involving domain name abuse (such as phishing or fraud), please contact the `Registrar Abuse Contact Email` shown in the detailed WHOIS information.
Sponsoring Registrar	The provider that provides registration services for the domain name. Sign in to this provider's console to manage it.
Registration Date (UTC)	The date the domain name was registered.
Expiration Date (UTC)	The date the domain name will expire. To prevent service interruptions or loss of your domain name, renew it before this date.
Domain Status	A domain name can have multiple statuses simultaneously. For details, see Understand EPP status codes.
DNS Server	The servers that handle DNS resolution for the domain name. If your website is inaccessible, verify these addresses are correct. Modify DNS servers.

View the raw WHOIS data by checking the "detailed WHOIS information". Field descriptions are available in the ICANN lookup FAQ.

Understand EPP status codes

Find your domain name's Extensible Provisioning Protocol (EPP) status code below for its meaning and recommended action.

Codes that start with client are set by the domain registrar. The registrar is the service provider, such as Alibaba Cloud, from which you directly purchase and manage your domain name.
Codes that start with server are set by the domain registry. The registry is the top-level organization that manages the TLD, such as the ICANN.

EPP status code	Meaning	Recommended action
`ok`	Normal status. The domain name is active with no security locks enabled. Note `ok` is the default status and is hidden when any other status is active.	To prevent unauthorized transfers, go to the console and enable the transfer prohibition lock and update prohibition lock.
`addPeriod`	A five-day grace period after initial domain registration.	No action required. Does not affect normal use and is removed automatically after five days.
`clientHold`	The registrar suspended DNS resolution, making the domain inaccessible.	Check whether this status is due to incomplete identity verification, prohibited content, or a dispute. Contact your registrar to remove it.
`serverHold`	The registry suspended DNS resolution, making the domain inaccessible.	For `.cn` domains, this status is common after registration and before identity verification is complete. Complete the verification process within the domain name's validity period. The status is removed after your verification is approved.
`clientRenewProhibited`	The domain name cannot be renewed. Typically set during legal disputes or arbitration.	Contact your registrar to learn the reason.
`serverRenewProhibited`		Contact your registrar to learn the reason.
`clientTransferProhibited`	The domain name is locked against transfer to another registrar.	This is a normal security status. To transfer the domain name to another registrar, first disable the transfer prohibition lock in the console.
`serverTransferProhibited`		Set by the registry within 60 days of initial registration or transfer. Removed automatically after 60 days. Also set if the domain is involved in arbitration or legal proceedings. Removed after the case is resolved.
`clientUpdateProhibited`	Updates are prohibited. Registrant, contacts, and name servers cannot be modified, but DNS records can still be added or changed.	This is a normal security status. To modify domain information, first disable the update prohibition lock in the console.
`serverUpdateProhibited`		Contact your registrar to learn the lock reason and take action.
`clientDeleteProhibited`	The registrar or registry has prohibited deletion of the domain name.	If you need to delete the domain name, contact your registrar.
`serverDeleteProhibited`
`inactive`	The domain name is not activated. Typically occurs when no valid name servers were provided during registration.	Action required. Set the correct name server addresses in the console to enable DNS resolution.
`pendingVerification`	Registrant identity not yet verified.	Submit identity verification materials within five days of registration. Otherwise, the domain is placed on `serverHold` and DNS resolution is suspended.
`pendingTransfer`	The domain is being transferred to a new registrar.	Monitor the domain name status and wait for the transfer to complete. If you did not initiate the transfer, contact your registrar immediately — this may indicate a security risk.
`autoRenewPeriod`	The domain has expired and entered a renewal grace period (typically ~30 days).	Renew the domain name as soon as possible. After the grace period, the domain enters the redemption period with a higher redemption fee.
`redemptionPeriod`	The domain has expired and is in the high-cost redemption period set by the registry.	This is the final opportunity to retain your domain name. Contact your registrar immediately to redeem the domain name at a higher cost.
`pendingDelete`	For non-CNNIC domain names (such as .com, .net, and .org): The domain name has passed the redemption period and is pending deletion. It cannot be restored in this state.	After the domain name is deleted, it will be released for public registration. You can then attempt to register it again.
`pendingDelete`	For CNNIC domain names (such as .cn and .com.cn): The domain name is in the redemption period.	This is the final opportunity to retain your domain name. Contact your registrar immediately to redeem the domain name at a higher cost.

Next steps

Ensure your domain's security and proper operation:

Manage domain name security: Verify that clientDeleteProhibited and clientTransferProhibited are active. If not, enable the transfer prohibition lock and update prohibition lock in the console.
Manage domain renewal: Check the expiration date and renew the domain name before it expires.
Configure DNS resolution: If the domain name does not yet resolve to your server, add DNS records for your website to point it to your web or email server.

FAQ

Q: Why can't I find my domain name's information?

A: The Alibaba Cloud WHOIS tool supports lookups only for TLDs that can be registered with Alibaba Cloud, as listed on the Domain Prices page. For other TLDs, use the ICANN registration data lookup tool or another WHOIS tool to perform the query.
Q: Why does the expiration date in the WHOIS lookup result differ from what I see elsewhere?

A: Time zone differences or data caching delays across platforms may cause discrepancies. Check the expiration date in your registrar's console for the most accurate information.
Q: My domain name's status is clientTransferProhibited. Is this a problem?

A: No. This is a normal security lock that protects your domain from unauthorized transfer. Keep it enabled unless you need to transfer the domain to another provider.