How to Check Domain Name Availability: A Complete Guide
Published: 17 Jun, 2023

If you want to create a website or a blog, one of the first steps you need to take is to choose a domain name. A domain name is a unique address that identifies your online presence and helps people find you on the internet. For example, google.com, facebook.com, and wikipedia.org are all domain names.

Having a unique and memorable domain name can have many benefits for your online success. It can help you build your brand identity, attract more visitors, increase your credibility, and stand out from the competition. However, finding an available domain name that suits your needs and goals can be challenging, especially in today's crowded online space.

That's why in this article, we will show you how to check domain name availability using different methods and tools. You will learn how to use web search, name search tools, Whois database, and domain name availability checker tools to find out if the domain name you want is available or taken. You will also discover some features and benefits of each method and tool, as well as some tips and best practices for choosing an available domain name.

What is Domain Name Availability?

Domain name availability is the availability status of a domain name that indicates whether it is registered or not. If a domain name is available, it means that no one else has claimed it and you can register it for yourself. If a domain name is taken, it means that someone else has already registered it and you cannot use it unless you buy it from them or wait for it to expire.

There are many factors that affect domain name availability, such as popularity, demand, expiration, etc. Some domain names are more popular and in demand than others, which makes them harder to find and more expensive to buy. Some domain names may expire or be deleted by their owners, which makes them available again for registration. Some domain names may have different extensions, such as .com, .net, .org, etc., which may affect their availability and price.

How to Check Domain Availability Using Web Search

One of the simplest ways to check the availability of a domain is to use a web search engine like Google or Bing. You can type the domain name you want to use in the search bar and see what results come up and if the desired domain name in the search. For example, if you want to checks the availability of one domain example.com, you can search for it like this:

To interpret the results, you need to look for clues that indicate the domain name availability. Some of these clues are:

If the first result is a website that uses the domain name, it means that the domain name is taken.
If the first result is an advertisement that offers to sell or register the domain name, it means that the domain name is available.
If the first result is a page that says "This site can't be reached" or "Server not found", it means that the domain name may be available or taken but not in use.
If the first result is a page that says "This domain has been registered by Namecheap" or something similar, it means that the domain name has been recently registered and may not be in use yet.

Some of the advantages of using web search to check domain name availability are:

It is fast and easy to use
It can show you how popular or competitive a domain name is
It can give you some ideas for alternative or related domain names

Some of the disadvantages of using web search to check domain name availability are:

It may not be accurate or up-to-date
It may not show you all the possible extensions for a domain name
It may not tell you the price or availability of a domain name on different registrars

How to Check Domain Name Availability Using Name Search Tools

Another way to check domain name availability is to use name search tools like fudomains.com, GoDaddy, Namecheap, etc. These are online platforms that allow you to search for and register domain names. You can type the domain name you want to use in their search bar and see what results come up. For example, if you want to check the availability of example.com on Name.com, you can search for it like this:

To interpret the results, you need to look for indicators that show the domain name availability. Some of these indicators are:

If the result shows a green check mark and a price next to the domain name, it means that the domain name is available and you can buy it.
If the result shows a red cross mark and a message that says "Sorry, example.com is taken" or something similar, it means that the domain name is taken and you cannot buy it.
If the result shows a yellow exclamation mark and a message that says "Make an offer" or something similar, it means that the domain name is taken but you can try to buy it from the owner.
If the result shows a blue question mark and a message that says "Backorder" or something similar, it means that the domain name is taken but you can try to get it when it expires.

Some of the features and benefits of using name search tools to check domain name availability are:

They are accurate and up-to-date
They show you all the possible extensions for a domain name
They tell you the price and availability of a domain name on different registrars
They suggest alternative or related domain names
They offer discounts, promotions, or free services for some domain names

How to Check Domain Name Availability Using Whois Database

A third way to check domain name availability is to use a Whois database. A Whois database is a public directory that stores information about registered domain names, such as their owners, registrars, expiration dates, etc. You can use a Whois lookup tool like fudomains whois, GoDaddy Whois, Namecheap Whois, etc. to check domain name availability. You can type the domain name you want to use in their search bar and see what results come up. For example, if you want to check the availability of example.com on GoDaddy Whois, you can search for it like this:

To interpret the results, you need to look for details that reveal the domain name availability. Some of these details are:

If the result shows a message that says "No match for \"example.com\"", it means that the domain name is available and you can register it.
If the result shows a message that says "Domain Name: example.com", followed by some information about the domain name, it means that the domain name is taken and you cannot register it.
If the result shows some information about the domain name, such as its owner, registrar, expiration date, etc., you can use this information to contact the owner, check when the domain name will expire, or find out more about the domain name.

Some of the advantages of using Whois database to check domain name availability are:

It is reliable and authoritative
It can show you detailed information about a domain name
It can help you find out who owns a domain name and how to contact them

Some of the disadvantages of using Whois database to check domain name availability are:

It may not be user-friendly or easy to understand
It may not show you all the possible extensions for a domain name
It may not protect your privacy or security when you search for a domain name

How to Check Domain Name Availability Using Domain Availability Checker Tools

A fourth way to check domain name availability is to use a domain availability checker tool like Namechk, Instant Domain Search, etc. These are online tools that allow you to check domain name availability across multiple platforms and channels. You can type the domain name you want to use in their search bar and see what results come up. For example, if you want to check the availability of example on Namechk, you can search for it like this:

To interpret the results, you need to look for signals that display the domain name availability. Some of these signals are:

If the result shows a green box with a tick mark next to the platform or channel name, it means that the domain name is available and you can register it.
If the result shows a red box with a cross mark next to the platform or channel name, it means that the domain name is taken and you cannot register it.
If the result shows a yellow box with a question mark next to the platform or channel name, it means that the domain name may be available or taken but you need to verify it.

Some of the features and benefits of using domain availability checker tools to check domain name availability are:

They are fast and easy to use.
They can show you the availability of a domain name across multiple platforms and channels, such as social media, email, etc.
They can help you find a consistent and coherent online identity.
They can offer variety and creativity for finding an available domain name.

FAQs

How do I know if a domain name is available?

You can use any of the methods and tools we discussed in this article to check domain name availability. You can use web search, name search tools, Whois database, or domain availability checker tools to find out if the domain name you want is available or taken. You can also use a combination of these methods and tools to compare and verify the results.

How do I find out who owns a domain name?

You can use a whois lookup to discover who owns a domain name. A Whois lookup tool can show you information about the domain name owner, such as their name, contact details, registrar, etc. You can use this information to contact the owner, negotiate a price, or report a problem.

How do I buy an available domain name?

You can buy an available domain name from a domain registrar or a domain marketplace. A domain registrar is an online platform that allows you to search for and register domain names. A domain marketplace is an online platform that allows you to buy and sell domain names. You can choose a domain registrar or a domain marketplace based on your preferences, budget, and needs.

How do I get a free domain name?

You can get a free domain name from some web hosting providers or website builders. Some web hosting providers or website builders offer free domain names as part of their plans or packages. However, these free domain names may have some limitations or conditions, such as limited extensions, branding, renewal fees, etc. You should read the terms and conditions carefully before getting a free domain name.

Conclusion

In this article, we have shown you how to check domain name availability using different methods and tools. You have learned how to use web search, name search tools, Whois database, and domain availability checker tools to find out if the domain name you want is available or taken. You have also discovered some features and benefits of each method and tool, as well as some tips and best practices for choosing an available domain name.

We hope this article has helped you find the perfect domain name for your website or blog. And if you are ready to register your domain name, don't forget to check out our tips for choosing a domain name and how to find the cheapest domain registrar in 2023. Happy searching!

How to Check Domain Name Availability: A Complete Guide Published: 17 Jun, 2023