How to Check if a Domain is Taken

Every day, thousands of new websites appear on the internet. Each one requires a unique address — a domain. But how can you ensure that your chosen domain name is available and can be registered?

In this article, you will learn about the methods for checking domain availability and why this is important.

Why Check Domain Availability?

• Uniqueness: Each domain must be unique on the internet. If the domain is already taken, you won’t be able to register or use it for your website.
• Choosing the Right Name: Checking availability allows you to select a suitable domain name that reflects your website's theme and is easy for users to remember.
• Avoiding Confusion: If you choose a domain similar to an existing one, it may cause confusion among users and harm your reputation.
• Protection from Scammers: Checking domain availability helps you avoid registering with fraudulent sites that may offer already-taken domains or low-quality services.

Checking via Qhost

You can check if a domain is available on qhost.net.ua. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Go to the «Domain Registration» section.
2. Enter your domain, for example, dreamblog.ua, in the input field at the top.
3. To the right of the field, you will see one of the statuses: if the domain is available, a green “register” message will appear; if the domain name is not available, a red "registered" message will appear.

Checking via WHOIS Service

Checking a domain through a WHOIS service allows you to find out if a domain is registered, and obtain information about its owner, registrar, registration, and expiration dates. Here's how to do it:

1. Choose an online WHOIS service.
2. Enter the domain name you're interested in, for example, dreamblog.ua, in the search field.
3. Launch the search by pressing the "Search" button.
4. Review the results:
   • Domain Status: Find out if the domain is available or already registered;
   • Registration and Expiration Dates: See when the domain was registered and when it expires;
   • Registrar: Information about the company through which the domain was registered;
   • Owner's Contact Information: Name, address, and contact details (may be hidden due to privacy policies).

If the domain is available, the results will show nothing but the message "No entries found for dreamblog.ua."

Additional Ways to Check

You can also check if a domain is taken via the command line on your computer.

For Windows

1. Open the command line (Win + R, type cmd, and press Enter).
2. Enter the command: whois example.com.

If the command is not recognized, download the WHOIS utility for Windows or use PowerShell.

Linux/MacOS

1. Open the terminal.
2. Enter the command: whois example.com.

The results will be the same as using the online WHOIS service. If the domain name is available, the command line will show the message "No entries found for dreamblog.ua."

FAQ

Which domain zones are the most popular?

.com remains the leader, but .net, .org, .io, and other thematic zones (such as .store and .blog) are also in demand. The choice depends on the site's theme.

What should I do if the chosen domain is taken?

You can look for similar options in other zones, use Cyrillic domains, or come up with an alternative name. You may also try contacting the owner of the taken domain.

How long does it take to register a domain?

Domain registration usually takes a few minutes. However, confirmation may take up to a few days.

Can I change the domain name after registering a website?

Yes, you can change the domain name, but it is a complex process that requires technical knowledge. It’s better to choose the right domain from the start.