What WHOIS privacy does
WHOIS privacy (when the TLD supports it) replaces your personal contact details in public registration lookups with proxy service data. Your real contacts remain on file with the registrar for legal and operational use, but casual WHOIS browsers see less personal information.
This guide shows how to toggle privacy from the domain Lock & transfer panel and how to confirm the setting.
Who this guide is for
- Individuals who want less public personal data exposure
- Organizations that still need accurate internal contacts for FOA and renewals
- Customers whose TLD offers privacy as an add-on or included feature
Before you start
- Confirm the TLD supports privacy—if the control is missing or disabled, the registry may not allow it.
- Keep real Contacts accurate even when privacy is on.
- Know that some transfers or validations temporarily need privacy off so emails reach you.
- Sign in and open the domain.
Step-by-step: turn privacy on or off
- Open Domains → the domain → Lock & transfer.
- Find WHOIS privacy.
- Switch privacy On or Off.
- Confirm Privacy setting updated.
- Optionally check the domains list Privacy column.
Public RDAP/WHOIS views can take time to reflect changes. The portal RDAP panel is read-only registry status and does not dump full public WHOIS contacts.
What happens next / how to verify success
- Portal shows privacy On/Off as chosen.
- After propagation, public lookups should show proxy data when on (TLD-dependent).
- FOA and registrar operational email still use your stored contact email—monitor that inbox.
Common problems
| Problem | What to try |
|---|---|
| Toggle missing | TLD may not support privacy |
| Public WHOIS unchanged | Wait for registry propagation; retry lookup later |
| Transfer email blocked | Turn privacy Off temporarily at losing/gaining side as required |
| FOA still sent | Correct—FOA uses real registrant email, not the public proxy |
| Paid for privacy but off | Re-toggle; check invoice add-ons; contact support |
Frequently asked questions
Is privacy the same as DNSSEC?
No. Privacy hides contact display; DNSSEC signs DNS—see How to enable DNSSEC on a domain.
Does privacy stop FOA?
No. You must still confirm registrant email when asked.
Can law enforcement still get real contacts?
Registrars retain real data under policy and applicable law. Read Privacy Policy and domain agreements.
Will turning privacy off publish my address immediately?
Public databases update on registry schedules; assume details can become visible after you disable privacy.
Related guides
- How to update domain registrant contacts
- How to lock or unlock a domain and get the auth code
- How to confirm the registrant email (FOA)
- Where to read legal policies
Still need help?
If privacy will not save for a supported TLD, open a support ticket or Contact with the domain name.