whois

Linux · Network · reference only

What it does

Queries the registration data of a domain or an IP address: holder, dates, name servers and registrar.

Syntax

whois [opciones] objeto

Options and parameters

• objeto

  Domain or IP address being queried.

• -h servidor

  Uses that whois server instead of choosing automatically.

• -p puerto

  Uses that port on the whois server.

• -H

  Hides the legal notices from the response.

• --verbose

  Shows information about the servers queried.

Usage examples

• whois example.com

  Shows the domain's registration data.

• whois -H example.com

  Same, but without the legal notices.

• whois -h whois.iana.org com

  Asks IANA directly about the com top-level domain.

• whois 8.8.8.8

  Shows who an IP address belongs to.

Notes and common mistakes

• On Debian it is installed with sudo apt install whois.
• Many registrars hide holders' personal data for privacy.

Related commands

• curl
• dig
• dnsdomainname
• hostname
• ip
• netstat