Key facts
- The web host is whoever runs the server at the IP address the domain's A record points to.
- The registrar, DNS provider and web host can be three different companies.
- A WHOIS search shows the registrar and nameservers for a domain.
- An IP WHOIS lookup shows which network or company owns an IP address.
- Sites behind Cloudflare show Cloudflare IP addresses, which hides the real host.
- MX records show where a domain's email is handled, which may differ from the web host.
- dijitul includes migration in Complete Hosting at £1 a day + VAT.
Three different things: registrar, DNS and host
When people ask who hosts a website, they often mean one of three different companies:
- Registrar: where the domain name is registered and renewed.
- DNS provider: where the domain's records live, shown by its nameservers.
- Web host: the company running the server the website's files sit on.
They can all be the same company, or all different. To take control of a site, or move it, you need to know all three. Email can be a fourth, shown by the MX records.
Step 1: find the registrar and nameservers
- Go to ICANN Lookup for .com, .org and .net names, or the Nominet WHOIS at nominet.uk for .uk and .co.uk names.
- Enter the domain, without www.
- Note the registrar and the nameservers.
- Nameservers such as ns1.somehost.co.uk often point to the host or DNS provider. Names ending in cloudflare.com mean Cloudflare manages the DNS.
Step 2: find the IP address and who owns it
On Windows, open Command Prompt and type nslookup example.co.uk. On a Mac or Linux, open Terminal and type dig example.co.uk A +short. You get an IP address.
Then run an IP WHOIS lookup on that address, through ICANN Lookup or any IP lookup tool. It shows the network owner, which is usually the hosting company or the data-centre provider it rents from.
To find the email provider, look up MX records with nslookup -type=mx example.co.uk or dig example.co.uk MX +short.
When the answer is hidden
- Cloudflare: if the IP belongs to Cloudflare, the site is proxied and the real server is hidden. Whoever controls the Cloudflare account can see the origin IP.
- Resellers and agencies: a web designer may resell hosting from a larger provider. The IP shows the provider, not who you pay.
- Cloud platforms: the IP may belong to a large cloud company, while your account is with a smaller host.
Other clues: check old invoices and bank statements, search your inbox for "hosting" or "renewal", and look at the site's page source for control panel or CDN references. If your developer has vanished, read my web developer has disappeared.
What to do with the answer
Once you know the registrar, DNS provider and host, you can act:
- Get logins for each account, or ask the account holder to grant you access.
- Confirm the domain is in your name. See how to check who owns your domain.
- Take a full backup of files, database and email before changing anything.
- Plan the move if you want to change host. See how to move a website without downtime.
- Update DNS last, once the site works on the new server. See how to point a domain to a new host.
Keep a simple record of all accounts, logins and renewal dates so you are not in the same position again. Store it somewhere safe that more than one person in the business can reach.
How dijitul helps
If you have inherited a website, lost track of who hosts it, or want to move it, dijitul can investigate for you. We trace the registrar, DNS, host and email, then plan a safe move. Our abandoned website takeover and website rescue services cover the harder cases.
Once we know where everything is, dijitul Complete Hosting at £1 a day + VAT includes the migration, Cloudflare DNS, daily backups and free SSL. Order online or call 01623 650333.
Frequently asked questions
Can I find out who hosts any website?
Usually, yes. Look up the domain's IP address with nslookup or dig, then run an IP WHOIS lookup to see which company owns that address. A domain WHOIS shows the registrar and nameservers. If the site uses Cloudflare, the IP belongs to Cloudflare and the real host is hidden from public lookups.
What is the difference between a registrar and a web host?
A registrar is the company where a domain name is registered and renewed. A web host runs the server where the website's files and database are stored. They can be the same company or different ones. You need access to both to fully control a website, plus the DNS provider if that is separate.
How do I find out who hosts my email?
Look up your domain's MX records. On Windows, run nslookup -type=mx yourdomain.co.uk in Command Prompt. On Mac or Linux, run dig yourdomain.co.uk MX +short. Records mentioning outlook.com point to Microsoft 365, google.com to Google Workspace, and other names usually to your web host or a mail provider.
Why does WHOIS say Cloudflare hosts my website?
Because the site is probably proxied through Cloudflare. Cloudflare sits in front of the real server, so public lookups show Cloudflare's IP addresses and nameservers. The actual web host is elsewhere. Whoever controls the Cloudflare account can see the origin server's IP address in the DNS settings for the domain.
Can dijitul find out who hosts my website and move it?
Yes. dijitul can trace your domain's registrar, DNS, web host and email provider, then move the site safely. Migration is included in dijitul Complete Hosting at £1 a day + VAT, along with Cloudflare DNS, daily backups and free SSL. For harder cases, our website rescue and abandoned website takeover services can help.
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