WHOIS Information Not Updating: Fixes and Timeline (2025)

Quick Answer

Table of Contents

Understanding WHOIS Updates

How WHOIS data gets updated and distributed.

What WHOIS Is

WHOIS = Domain registration database

• Shows domain owner information
• Contact details (if not private)
• Registration and expiration dates
• Nameservers
• Registrar information
• Domain status codes

The Update Chain

When you update contact info:

1. You save changes at registrar
2. Registrar updates its database (immediate)
3. Registrar notifies registry (.com, .net registry)
4. Registry updates its database (minutes to hours)
5. WHOIS servers sync from registry (hours)
6. Third-party WHOIS sites cache and refresh (hours to days)

Each step adds delay

Multiple WHOIS Databases

Not one WHOIS:

• Registrar's WHOIS server
• Registry's WHOIS server (authoritative)
• Third-party WHOIS sites (cached)

Each may show different data during propagation

Normal Update Timeline

Expected timeframes for WHOIS propagation.

Typical Timeline

Immediate (0-15 minutes):

• Changes saved at registrar
• Visible in registrar's system

Fast (15 minutes - 2 hours):

• Registry receives update
• Registrar WHOIS shows new data

Medium (2-8 hours):

• Registry WHOIS updated
• Major WHOIS sites refresh
• Most lookups show new data

Complete (24-48 hours):

• All WHOIS servers updated
• Third-party sites refreshed
• Global propagation complete

Maximum (72 hours):

• Slow caching systems
• Less frequently updated databases
• Should be complete by then

Factors Affecting Speed

Faster updates:

• ✅ gTLDs (.com, .net, .org)
• ✅ Major registrars
• ✅ RDAP protocol (modern)
• ✅ Thin WHOIS model

Slower updates:

• ❌ Some ccTLDs (country codes)
• ❌ Smaller registrars
• ❌ Legacy WHOIS protocol
• ❌ Thick WHOIS model

Why Updates Take Time

Technical reasons for delays.

1. Caching

WHOIS servers cache data:

• Reduces query load
• Improves performance
• But shows stale data during updates

Cache duration:

• Varies by server
• 1 hour to 24 hours typical
• Some up to 72 hours

2. Registrar-Registry Communication

Two-step process:

1. You → Registrar (immediate)
2. Registrar → Registry (delay)

Registry update schedule:

• Some real-time
• Others batch process (every few hours)
• Updates queued and processed

3. WHOIS Privacy Services

If privacy enabled:

• Privacy service contact info shows
• Your real info hidden
• Privacy service slower to update
• Extra layer of caching

4. Third-Party WHOIS Sites

Sites like WhatsMyDNS, DomainTools:

• Cache WHOIS data
• Refresh on schedule (not real-time)
• May show old data for hours/days
• Not authoritative source

5. Thin vs Thick WHOIS

Thin WHOIS (.com, .net):

• Registry has minimal data
• Registrar has full data
• Requires two lookups
• Can show inconsistent data during updates

Thick WHOIS (.org, new gTLDs):

• Registry has all data
• Single source of truth
• Usually faster, more consistent

WHOIS vs RDAP

Modern alternative with faster updates.

What Is RDAP?

RDAP = Registration Data Access Protocol

• Modern replacement for WHOIS
• Standardized format (JSON)
• Better security
• More accurate
• Often fresher data

Why RDAP Is Better

Advantages:

• ✅ Faster updates
• ✅ More reliable
• ✅ Standardized output
• ✅ Better for automation
• ✅ Internationalization support

For checking updates: RDAP often shows new data sooner than WHOIS

How to Use RDAP

RDAP lookup:

1. Visit rdap.org or similar RDAP tool
2. Enter your domain
3. View registration data

Authoritative: RDAP queries registry directly, no third-party caching

Common Update Delays

Specific scenarios causing slow updates.

Privacy Service Active

What happens:

• You update contact info
• But privacy service info still shows
• Your changes hidden behind privacy

Why:

• Privacy service acts as proxy
• Shows their contact, not yours
• Updates may not be visible publicly

Solution: Disable privacy temporarily to verify updates worked

Registrar Lock Enabled

What happens:

• Domain locked
• Some registrars delay WHOIS updates

Why:

• Extra security verification
• Manual review process

Solution: Unlock domain if safe to do so

Pending Verification

What happens:

• Updated email address
• ICANN verification required
• WHOIS update delayed until verified

Why:

• Registrar waits for email verification
• Prevents fraudulent changes

Solution: Verify email via ICANN verification link

Registry Maintenance

What happens:

• Updates delayed during maintenance windows
• Can add hours to timeline

Why:

• Scheduled registry maintenance
• Systems temporarily unavailable

Solution: Wait for maintenance to complete

How to Check WHOIS Status

Verify if updates are propagating.

Check at Registrar

Most accurate source:

1. Log into registrar account
2. View domain contact information
3. See what registrar has on file

If correct here: Updates saved, just need time to propagate

Check Registry WHOIS

Query authoritative source:

For .com/.net:

whois.verisign-grs.com

For .org:

whois.pir.org

For other TLDs: Search "[TLD] registry WHOIS server"

How to query specific server:

whois -h whois.verisign-grs.com yourdomain.com

Use RDAP

Modern, accurate lookup:

1. Visit rdap.org
2. Enter domain
3. View current data from registry

Often shows updates before WHOIS

Compare Multiple Sources

Check several WHOIS sites:

• Registrar's WHOIS
• Registry WHOIS
• whois.com
• whois.domaintools.com
• DomainDetails RDAP tool

If inconsistent: Updates still propagating

Track Over Time

Check periodically:

• Hour 1: Registrar updated
• Hour 4: Registry updated
• Hour 12: Most third-parties updated
• Hour 24-48: All sources consistent

Troubleshooting Persistent Issues

When updates don't appear after 72 hours.

Verify Changes Saved

Double-check at registrar:

1. Log in
2. View contact information
3. Confirm new data appears
4. Check for error messages

Common issues:

• Session timeout before saving
• Validation error not noticed
• Wrong domain selected
• Changes reverted

Resave the Information

Try updating again:

1. Access contact editor
2. Make a small change
3. Save
4. Change back to desired info
5. Save again

This forces new update notification to registry

Clear Privacy Service Cache

If using privacy:

1. Temporarily disable WHOIS privacy
2. Wait 24 hours
3. Check if real info shows
4. Re-enable privacy if desired

Verifies update worked behind privacy service

Contact Registrar Support

If still no update after 72 hours:

1. Contact support
2. Provide domain name
3. Explain what you updated and when
4. Ask them to verify with registry

They can:

• Confirm update sent to registry
• Manually push update
• Investigate technical issues

When to Worry

Distinguishing normal delays from problems.

Normal (Don't Worry)

0-24 hours: Typical propagation

• Different WHOIS sites show different data
• Some updated, some not
• Registry vs registrar inconsistency

24-48 hours: Slow but acceptable

• Third-party sites still catching up
• Older databases refreshing
• Should be mostly consistent

Concerning (Investigate)

48-72 hours: Unusually slow

• Check if changes saved at registrar
• Verify no errors in contact data
• Consider privacy service interference

72+ hours: Likely a problem

• Changes probably didn't save
• Technical issue at registrar/registry
• Contact support for assistance

Red Flags

Immediate concern:

• ❌ Changes don't show in registrar account
• ❌ Error message when saving
• ❌ Registrar shows old data after saving
• ❌ Can't access contact editor

Contact support immediately if these occur

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for WHOIS to update after changing contact information?

Typical WHOIS updates complete within 24-48 hours. Your registrar's own WHOIS shows updates within 1-2 hours. The registry's authoritative WHOIS updates within 2-8 hours. Third-party WHOIS sites (whois.com, DomainTools, etc.) refresh their cached data every 12-48 hours, so they're last to show updates. RDAP lookups often show fresh data sooner than legacy WHOIS.

Why does WHOIS still show my old email address after I updated it?

Most commonly, this is normal propagation delay (wait 24-48 hours). Other reasons: (1) changes didn't save properly at registrar (check account to verify), (2) WHOIS privacy is enabled (privacy service email shows instead of yours), (3) you're checking third-party WHOIS site with stale cache (try RDAP instead), or (4) pending ICANN email verification (must verify new email before WHOIS updates).

Does WHOIS privacy affect update speed?

Yes, WHOIS privacy can slow apparent updates. When privacy is enabled, public WHOIS shows the privacy service's contact information, not yours, so you won't see your changes publicly even after they've propagated. Your registrar has your real info, but it's hidden from public WHOIS behind the privacy proxy. To verify updates worked, temporarily disable privacy and check again.

Can I force WHOIS to update immediately?

No, you cannot force immediate global WHOIS propagation. Updates follow the normal chain: registrar → registry → WHOIS servers → third-party databases. Each step has inherent delays due to caching and batch processing. The only thing you can do is verify changes saved correctly at your registrar and then wait for natural propagation (24-48 hours).

Why do different WHOIS lookup sites show different information?

Different WHOIS sites cache data at different intervals and query different sources. Some query the authoritative registry WHOIS directly (more accurate), others serve from their own cached databases (older data). During the 24-48 hour propagation window, you'll see inconsistent data across different sites. This is normal—check the registry's authoritative WHOIS or use RDAP for most current data.

Is RDAP more accurate than WHOIS for recent updates?

Yes, RDAP is generally more accurate for recent updates. RDAP queries the registry's database directly using a modern protocol, often showing fresher data than WHOIS. Third-party WHOIS sites cache data heavily, while RDAP provides near-real-time access to registry information. For checking if your updates propagated, use RDAP (rdap.org) rather than cached WHOIS lookup sites.

What if WHOIS information is still wrong after a week?

After 7 days, updates should definitely be complete globally. If still showing old data: (1) verify changes actually saved at your registrar by logging into your account, (2) check if WHOIS privacy is masking your updates, (3) clear privacy temporarily to verify, (4) contact registrar support to manually push update to registry, or (5) resave the information to trigger a fresh update.

Do nameserver changes update faster than contact information changes?

Usually yes, nameserver changes often propagate faster (4-12 hours typically) because they're critical for domain functionality and use different update paths. Contact information changes go through WHOIS update channels which can be slower (24-48 hours). However, both types of changes still take time to propagate globally, and both should be complete within 48 hours.

Key Takeaways

• WHOIS updates typically complete within 24-48 hours - Registrar shows changes in 1-2 hours, registry in 2-8 hours, third-party WHOIS sites in 12-48 hours
• Use RDAP for faster, more accurate data - RDAP queries registry directly without caching, often showing updates hours before legacy WHOIS sites
• Privacy services hide your updates - With WHOIS privacy enabled, privacy service contact info shows publicly, not your changes; temporarily disable to verify
• Check registrar account to confirm changes saved - If update doesn't show in your registrar's system, it didn't save properly; resave to trigger fresh update
• Different WHOIS sites show different data during propagation - Normal for 24-48 hours; some refresh hourly, others daily; inconsistency resolves as propagation completes
• After 72 hours, contact support if still not updated - Should be globally propagated by then; persistent issues indicate technical problem requiring investigation
• Caching causes most delays - WHOIS servers, third-party databases, and privacy services all cache data; each cache refresh cycle adds delay

Next Steps

Now that you understand WHOIS update delays, take these actions:

1. Verify Changes Saved: Log into your registrar account and confirm the new contact information appears correctly in your account
2. Check RDAP Instead of WHOIS: Use rdap.org to query your domain—it often shows fresher data than cached WHOIS lookup sites
3. Wait 24-48 Hours: If changes saved correctly, wait for normal propagation and check again tomorrow

Need to check current WHOIS data? Use our RDAP Lookup Tool for the most accurate, up-to-date domain registration information.

Helpful Tools and Resources

Accurate Lookup Tools

• RDAP.org - Modern protocol with fresh data directly from registries
• Registry WHOIS - Authoritative source for your TLD (.com → Verisign, .org → PIR)
• Registrar Account - Most accurate source; shows exactly what registrar has on file

WHOIS Comparison

• Multiple WHOIS Sites - Check several to see propagation progress
• DomainDetails RDAP - Fast, accurate registry-direct lookups
• ICANN RDAP Lookup - Official ICANN RDAP client

Registrar Resources

• Registrar Support - Contact for update verification after 72 hours
• Contact Information Editor - Verify changes saved correctly
• WHOIS Privacy Settings - Toggle to verify updates propagated

Was this article helpful? Let us know if you successfully verified your WHOIS updates.

WHOIS and RDAP data comes from various sources. For most accurate information, always check your registrar's account or use RDAP for registry-direct queries.