To find out who owns a specific IP address, you can perform an IP WHOIS lookup using various online tools. These tools provide details such as the organization or Internet Service Provider (ISP) that owns the IP, the geographic location, registration date, and network information.
How IP Ownership Works
- IP addresses are globally managed by the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA).
- IANA allocates IP address blocks to Regional Internet Registries (RIRs), which manage IP allocations within specific geographic regions.
- RIRs assign IP addresses to ISPs or large organizations, who then allocate them to end users.
- Ownership information is recorded in WHOIS databases maintained by these registries and ISPs
What You Can Learn from an IP WHOIS Lookup
- The name of the ISP or organization that owns the IP address.
- The country, region, and city associated with the IP.
- Network details like autonomous system numbers (ASNs).
- Contact information for reporting abuse or security issues.
- Approximate geolocation data
What You Won’t Get from WHOIS
- Personal information such as individual names, exact street addresses, phone numbers, or email addresses.
- WHOIS data shows administrative control, not necessarily the end user
How to Perform a Lookup
- Use online IP WHOIS lookup tools such as dnschecker.org, whatismyip.com, iplocation.io, or ARIN’s database query.
- Enter the IP address to retrieve ownership and network details.
- For IPs registered in North America, ARIN’s database is particularly useful
In summary, IP ownership is typically held by ISPs or organizations assigned IP blocks by regional registries under IANA’s oversight. Using WHOIS lookup tools, you can identify the registered owner of an IP address and related network information, but not personal user details
