What is WHOIS?
When you register a domain, you must give contact details. These include your name, address, email and phone number. WHOIS is a public list where anyone can look up those details. It is like a public phone book for domain owners.
Spammers and scammers can read this list. That is why many people hide their details.
What is WHOIS privacy?
WHOIS privacy is also called ID protection. A privacy service replaces your details with its own contact details. The public sees those instead of yours. The domain is still yours.
Not every domain ending supports this. Some country domains do not allow it. Ask Hostvento support if you are unsure. Support can also tell you if this service costs extra for your domain.
Steps in the client area
- Go to the Hostvento client area and log in.
- Click the Domains menu.
- Click My Domains.
- Find your domain in the list. Click the menu or the Manage Domain button next to it.
- Look for an option named ID Protection or WHOIS Privacy. The exact name may differ.
- Switch it on, or choose to buy or add it if it is not active yet.
- Follow the on-screen steps and save your choice.
If you see no such option, the service may not be available for your domain. Open a support ticket and ask.
How to check that it works
- Wait a few hours. The change needs time to spread.
- Open any public WHOIS lookup website in your browser.
- Type your domain name and search.
- Check that your own name and address are no longer shown.
Things to know
- Hiding details does not stop the domain registry from keeping your real data on file.
- Some rules for certain domain endings may still show limited details.
- Data protection laws in some regions already hide some personal details by default.
Quick recap
- WHOIS is a public list of domain owner details.
- WHOIS privacy replaces your details with a proxy's.
- Find it under Domains then My Domains then your domain.
- Not all domain endings support it.
- Ask support about cost and availability.