Domain Availability Checker

Check whether a domain appears available to register — with an honest, unambiguous result rather than a guess.

What is a domain availability checker?

A domain availability checker tells you whether a domain name appears to be free to register or is already taken. Before you plan a brand, a product or a website, it is worth knowing whether the name you want can actually be registered. This tool gives you an honest answer and explains exactly what it means.

Unlike many quick checkers, it does not treat "no data found" as proof that a name is free. It reports one of six clearly separated results, so you know when you can rely on the answer and when you need to double-check.

How the domain availability check works

Registration protocols such as WHOIS and RDAP were built to describe registered domains, not to answer a yes-or-no availability question. This tool queries the registry for the domain. If a registration record exists, the domain is taken. If the registry answers clearly that no record exists, the name is apparently available.

When the answer is ambiguous, when the extension has no supported lookup service, or when the registry cannot be reached, the tool says so instead of guessing. The final word always belongs to a registrar at the moment of purchase.

How to check domain availability

  1. Enter the full domain with its extension, for example example.com or example.org.
  2. Run the check and read the result badge and its explanation.
  3. If the result is "Apparently available", go to the registrar of your choice and search for the name there.
  4. If it is taken, try another extension, a variation of the name, or look at its expiry date in case it lapses.

What the six results mean

Registered and Reserved

Registered means a live registration exists. Reserved means the registry holds the name back, for example for premium sale, policy reasons or the registry's own use.

Apparently available

The registry reports no record. That is a strong signal, but someone could still register the name before you do, and some premium names carry special pricing.

Unavailable, Unsupported and Lookup failed

Unavailable means the registry gave an answer that could not be read with confidence. Unsupported means no RDAP or WHOIS service is known for the extension. Lookup failed means the registry did not respond this time; try again shortly.

Common uses

  • Testing brand or project names before you commit to them.
  • Checking which extensions are still free for an existing brand.
  • Finding out whether a name you wanted has been released.
  • Avoiding names that are reserved by a registry.

Tips for finding an available domain name

If your first choice is taken, try a short variation, a different word order or another relevant extension, such as a country-code domain for a local business. Avoid hyphens and numbers that are hard to say out loud. Before registering, search for trademarks that use the name, and remember that availability can change at any moment, so register promptly once you have decided.

Common problems and fixes

The name was available here but the registrar says taken. Someone may have registered it in between, or the registrar may be showing a premium or reserved status. The registrar's live check at checkout is final.

The result is Unsupported. The extension has no public lookup service we can use. Search for the name directly at a registrar that sells that extension.

The name is registered but not in use. A registered domain can sit unused for years. Check its expiry date, or contact the owner through the registrar.

Related tools

Frequently asked questions

How do I check if a domain name is available?

Enter the full name with its extension, such as example.com, and run the check. The tool asks the registry whether a registration exists and shows one of six clear results. If it says Apparently available, confirm at a registrar of your choice, because the registrar's check at the moment of purchase is the final answer.

Why does it say apparently available instead of available?

Because nothing but an actual registration can guarantee a name. Between this check and your purchase, someone else could register it, and some registries hold reserved or premium names that only show at checkout. Apparently available means the registry reported no existing record, which is a strong but not absolute signal.

What does reserved mean for a domain?

A reserved domain is held back by the registry and cannot be registered normally. Registries reserve names for their own operations, for policy reasons such as protected terms, or to sell later as premium names. Some reserved names are released over time, so it can be worth checking again later.

Can I buy a domain that is already registered?

Sometimes. The owner may be willing to sell. Use the WHOIS Lookup to find the registrar, then use the registrar's contact form or a broker service to reach the owner. They have no obligation to sell, and prices for desirable names can be high.

Does checking a domain's availability let someone register it before me?

This tool sends an ordinary lookup to the registry and does not share your searches with registrars. It is still wise to register a name you really want soon after checking, since popular names can be taken by anyone at any time.

Why does the checker say unsupported?

The extension has no RDAP or WHOIS service that the tool can query, which is the case for some country-code domains. The name may well be available, but it cannot be checked here. Search for it directly at a registrar that sells that extension.

Are premium domains shown as available?

A premium name may show as apparently available because the registry has no registration record for it, while the registrar still charges a much higher premium price. Always check the price at the registrar before assuming a standard fee applies.