When you register a domain, you provide contact details such as your name, address, email, and phone number. For many domain extensions, some of this information can end up publicly visible in the WHOIS directory. Domain privacy protection is a service that replaces your personal details in that public record with the registrar’s proxy information, keeping your data out of sight. This guide explains what it does and whether it is right for you.
Why your details can be public #
WHOIS is a public database that lists who is responsible for a domain. Historically this meant anyone could look up a domain and see the registrant’s contact information. Privacy rules have tightened in recent years, and some extensions now redact personal data by default, but coverage varies by extension. Domain privacy protection gives you a consistent way to keep your information hidden regardless of those differences.
What domain privacy protection does #
- Hides your personal data: your name, address, email, and phone are replaced with proxy details.
- Reduces spam: fewer marketers and bots can scrape your email and phone number.
- Adds a privacy layer: your home address is not tied publicly to your domain.
- Forwards legitimate contact: genuine enquiries can still reach you through the proxy.
Do you need it? #
Whether privacy protection is worthwhile depends on your situation. It is especially valuable if you are registering a domain as an individual, running a personal blog, or using a home address, since you probably do not want that address publicly linked to your domain. For a registered business that already publishes its contact details, the benefit is smaller, though reducing spam is still welcome. In short:
- Recommended: individuals, freelancers, and anyone using a personal address.
- Optional: established businesses whose contact details are already public.
How to enable it #
Domain privacy is managed per domain in your account. Open the Domains section, select the domain, and look for the privacy or WHOIS privacy option to switch it on. Note that a few extensions do not support privacy protection because of their registry rules, in which case the option may be unavailable.
Troubleshooting #
- Option not available: the extension may not permit privacy; this is set by the registry.
- Still seeing your details: allow time for the WHOIS record to update.
- Missing legitimate contact: check how proxy messages are forwarded to you.
Need help? #
If you are unsure whether your extension supports privacy or how to enable it, our support team can advise you over live chat.
