---
title: "Using the whois command"
source: "https://docs.nexcess.com/hosting/portal/domains-and-dns/dns-management/using-the-whois-command/"
description: "Use the whois tool to check domain ownership, registration, and name servers—great for DNS troubleshooting at Liquid Web."
vertical: "Hosting"
date: "2025-05-28"
last_modified: "2026-06-30"
---

# Using the whois command

Understanding who owns a domain, where it’s registered, and which name servers it uses can be vital when troubleshooting DNS issues or managing your hosting setup. The whois command-line tool is your go-to resource for all of this and more. This guide will walk you through the basics of using whois, with examples tailored for Liquid Web customers.

---

## **What is whois?**

The whois command lets you look up public domain registration details. It’s a powerful tool that provides key information such as:

- Domain registrant (owner) information
- Registration and expiration dates
- Domain registrar (e.g., Network Solutions)
- Associated name servers

---

## **Running a Basic Whois Query**

To check details about a domain, just enter:

```
whois example.com
```

### **Example:**

```
whois liquidweb.com
```

This reveals:

- **Registrar:** NETWORK SOLUTIONS, LLC.
- **Creation Date:** August 5, 1997
- **Expiration Date:** August 4, 2015 (note: this is just example data)
- **Registrant Organization:** Liquid Web LLC.
- **Registrant Email:** webmaster@liquidweb.com
- **Name Servers:**
    - ns.liquidweb.com
    - ns1.liquidweb.com

---

## **Checking Name Servers**

### **Are Name Servers Set Correctly?**

Ensure the listed name servers are configured properly at the registrar. You can verify this using:

```
whois ns.liquidweb.com
```

This will display the name server’s IP address and registration information. If the IP doesn’t match your expectations, double-check your zone file setup.

### **Common Issues**

Some TLDs (like .biz and .info) may not return valid whois data for name servers:

```
whois ns1.hostup.info
# Returns: NOT FOUND
```

In such cases, try using a dig command to check DNS resolution instead:

```
dig ns1.hostup.info
```

If you’re encountering issues with your domain setup or have questions about using whois, please contact our [support team](https://www.liquidweb.com/support) for help.