DIY WHOIS Search: How to Check Domain Availability
If you’re looking to check the availability of a .co.za, .org.za, or other South African domain names, a WHOIS search is the way to go. This quick DIY guide will walk you through the process of checking whether a domain is available and finding information about its current registration.
What is a WHOIS Search?
A WHOIS search allows you to check:
✅ Domain availability – Whether the domain is already registered.
✅ Registrar details – Which company manages the domain.
✅ Registration information – When the domain was registered and its status.
This is especially useful if you’re looking to secure a domain for your business or personal use.
Step-by-Step Guide to Performing a WHOIS Search
1️⃣ Go to the WHOIS Search Page
- Visit registry.net.za, the official domain registry for .ZA domains.
2️⃣ Navigate to the WHOIS Search Tool
- Click on WHOIS in the navigation menu.
- By default, it will check .co.za domains, but you can also search for .org.za, .net.za, and others.
3️⃣ Enter Your Desired Domain Name
- Type the domain name you want to check.
- Example: security.co.za
4️⃣ Review the Search Results
- If the domain is already registered, you will see details such as the registrar and registration date.
- If the domain is available, it will show as open for registration.
Example WHOIS Search Results
Let’s say you search for security.co.za:
- If it is already taken, the WHOIS tool will display the registration details.
- If it’s unavailable, you can try variations like:
- securityzone.co.za
- securityzonex.co.za
- mysecurity.co.za
For instance, if securityzone.co.za is taken but securityzonex.co.za is available, you can move forward with registering the available domain.
What to Do Next?
If you find an available domain, contact your domain registrar or hosting provider to complete the registration. Before finalizing, ask them to confirm the availability on their side.
✅ If it’s still available, proceed with the registration.
❌ If it has been taken in the meantime, try another variation.
Final Thoughts
A WHOIS search is a simple and effective way to check domain availability before purchasing a domain. By doing it yourself, you can quickly find out which names are open for registration and secure your ideal domain before someone else does!